Pictures tell a thousand history lessons at the Cleveland Museum of Art’s Icons of American Photography. The exhibit includes more than 100 black-and-white pics culled from the venue’s extensive contemporary-art collection. They document the United States during the first half of the 20th century. “It is a rich and diverse survey of artistic and technical achievements,” says curator Tom Hinson. “More importantly, it’s a portrait of evolving America.”

Sixty American photographers contribute pieces to the show, which features Ansel Adams’ naturalist landscapes, Walker Evans’ Great Depression portraits, and Margaret Bourke-White’s scenes of urban America. There’s also Gordon Parks’ pop art, Aaron Siskind’s abstract expressionism, and Weegee’s candid news pics. “The wide array of subjects is quite wonderful,” says Hinson, “These works are iconic in how they defined an artist’s career and, more importantly, their ability to speak to greater issues.”
Tuesdays, Thursdays, Sundays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Starts: June 24. Continues through Sept. 16

This article appears in Jun 27 – Jul 3, 2007.