Nell Dorr
author · photographer
Nell Dorr (1893–1988) was an American photographer, author, and filmmaker known for her ethereal black and white photography and her exploration of spiritual and philosophical themes. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, she was introduced to photography by her father, John Jacob Becker. She became a prominent figure in the Pictorialist movement, experimenting with photograms, mural printing, and macrophotography. Dorr's work often focused on motherhood, family values, and the human condition. Her most notable works include 'Mother and Child' (1954), which was supported by the U.S. Information Agency, and 'Of Night and Day' (1968), a photographic essay created as a response to the Vietnam War, featuring philosophical excerpts from thinkers such as Goethe and Lao-Tze. She was also a significant figure in the early development of American photo-murals and had her work included in iconic exhibitions like 'The Family of Man' at the Museum of Modern Art.[1,2,3]
- motherhood
- spirituality
- abstraction
- human condition
- Vietnam War
- family values
Works by Nell Dorr
- 1968 Of Night and Day Photographic essay juxtaposing images with philosophical excerpts.
- 1954 Mother and Child Her most popular work, supported by the U.S. Information Agency.
- 1939 In a Blue Moon Early publication of her pictorialist work.
- 1962 The Bare Feet A photo-essay made in Teotitlan del Valle, Mexico.
- 1975 Life Dance
Exhibitions
- 1932 photomurals
- 1934 Photographic Etudes
- 1955 The Family of Man
- 1964 Art in a Changing World: 1884–1964: Edward Steichen Photography Center
- 1964 Mother and Child
- 1975 Women of Photography: An Historical Survey
- 2008 From Everlasting to Everlasting