Gordon Parks: Life and Legacy

The transcript explores the life and work of Gordon Parks, a self-taught photographer who became a master artist of the 20th century. Born in 1912, Parks overcame poverty and prejudice, inspired by Depression-era photographers. He used his camera to tell stories of individuals and the larger world, capturing iconic images like 'American Gothic.' Parks worked for the Farm Security Administration, Standard Oil, and LIFE magazine, breaking barriers as the first black staff photographer. His legacy includes memoirs, novels, films, and music, showcasing his diverse talents and impact on media.

What was Gordon Parks known for in his photography?

• Photographing wildlife

• Creating abstract art

• Capturing landscapes

• Telling stories through images

Where was Gordon Parks born?

• Los Angeles, California

• Chicago, Illinois

• Fort Scott, Kansas

• New York, USA

Which famous photographers inspired Gordon Parks?

• Richard Avedon and Annie Leibovitz

• Dorothea Lange and Walker Evans

• Steve McCurry and Robert Capa

• Ansel Adams and Henri Cartier-Bresson

What was the significance of Parks' photograph 'American Gothic'?

• It was a landscape of Kansas

• It was a self-portrait

• It highlighted racial and social issues

• It depicted a famous celebrity

What was Gordon Parks' first assignment with the Farm Security Administration?

• Shooting portraits of government officials

• Capturing wildlife in national parks

• Photographing African-American life in Washington, D.C.

• Documenting rural landscapes

Which company hired Parks as a photographer in 1944?

• National Geographic

• Standard Oil

• Time Magazine

• Kodak

What was significant about Parks' role at LIFE magazine?

• He was the first black staff photographer

• He was the youngest photographer ever hired

• He worked there for over 50 years

• He only photographed celebrities

Which film did Gordon Parks direct?

• Casablanca

• Citizen Kane

• The Godfather

• Shaft

What other artistic fields did Parks explore besides photography?

• Architecture and design

• Film and music

• Dance and theater

• Sculpture and painting

How old was Gordon Parks when he passed away?

• 101

• 78

• 93

• 85