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]
Themes
- motherhood
- spirituality
- abstraction
- human condition
- Vietnam War
- family values
Books
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Of Night and Dayauthor · photographer
Works by Nell Dorr
- Of Night and Day 1968 · New York Graphic Society · book · English Photographic essay juxtaposing images with philosophical excerpts.
- Mother and Child 1954 · Harper and Brothers · book · English Her most popular work, supported by the U.S. Information Agency.
- In a Blue Moon 1939 · Putnam & Sons · book · English Early publication of her pictorialist work.
- The Bare Feet 1962 · New York Graphic Society · book · English A photo-essay made in Teotitlan del Valle, Mexico.
- Life Dance 1975 · Alleluia Press · book · English
Exhibitions
- 1932 photomurals Marie Sterner International Gallery, New York solo
- 1934 Photographic Etudes Grand Central Art Galleries, New York solo
- 1955 The Family of Man Museum of Modern Art, New York group
- 1964 Art in a Changing World: 1884–1964: Edward Steichen Photography Center Museum of Modern Art, New York group
- 1964 Mother and Child Washington Art Association, Washington solo
- 1975 Women of Photography: An Historical Survey San Francisco Museum of Art, San Francisco group
- 2008 From Everlasting to Everlasting Amon Carter Museum of American Art, Fort Worth solo