Robert D'Alessandro

photographer

Robert D'Alessandro (1942–2025) was an American photographer born in the Bronx, New York. Growing up with a deep respect for American ideals instilled by his immigrant father, he began exploring these concepts through photography following the Vietnam War and during periods of significant social upheaval. His work often examines issues of race, class, alienation, and national identity. He is particularly noted for his 1973 book 'Glory', which features a series of black and white photographs depicting various uses and interpretations of the American flag in diverse settings. D'Alessandro earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design from Pratt Institute in 1965 and a Master of Fine Arts in Photography from Brooklyn College (or University of Wisconsin-Madison, sources vary) around 1970-1971. He maintained a career as a freelance photographer while also holding various teaching positions.[7,8]

Themes

  • American flag
  • national identity
  • social climate
  • alienation
  • race and class

Works by Robert D'Alessandro

  • Glory 1973 · Elephant Publishing Corporation · book · English ISBN 0914654004 A collection of twenty-five black and white photographs featuring the American flag.

Exhibitions

  • Glory Gallery A. Nagel, Berlin solo
  • Landscapes and Other Images Marcuse Pfeifer Gallery, New York solo

References

  1. Comet Atomic. 'Visionary Perspectives: A Visual Odyssey with Photographer Robert D...' link
  2. 2025 link
  3. 2025 link
  4. Smithsonian American Art Museum. Artist Profile: Robert D'Alessandro. link
  5. Minneapolis Institute of Art. Artist Record: Robert D'Alessandro. link
  6. Prabook. Biography of Robert D'Alessandro. link
  7. Gitterman Gallery. Biography of Robert D'Alessandro. link
  8. The New Yorker. 'Glory' by Robert D'Alessandro. link