Edward Curtis

Edward Sheriff Curtis (1868-1952) dedicated his entire life to a project all his own, to use a camera to preserve the cultural heritage of the indigenous peoples of North America. For three decades, he traveled in every region of the continent, through every kind of terrain and weather, via land or water, in the 50°C heat of the Mojave Desert or the -20°C chill of the Arctic; moving on foot, by horse, wagon, donkey, boat or train, or later by automobile. More than 40,000 photos were produced during those years. During his lifetime, the finest of these photographs entitled The North American Indian, were presented in twenty elaborate, large-scale portfolios with which Curtis raised a monument to commemorate the disappearing culture of North America's indigenous peoples and to bring it fully back to life. In addition, the book holds a selection of photographs from the text volumes. Without Edward S. Curtis we would hardly know a thing about the rites of the Hopi in America's southwest, nor be able to picture the Qagyuhl winter dancers, or have any idea of the ceremonies on Nunivak Island. The basic humanistic message that shines from his pictures is highly relevant, namely peaceful coexistence in which you can overcome hatred and prejudice if you are always willing, on meeting a stranger, to seek some idea in common.

Widely acknowledged as the world's leading authority on Edward Curtis, Christopher Cardozo draws on his deep understanding of the photographer and his work in curating this stunning selection, chosen from several thousand vintage Curtis photographs created from 1895-1930. Curtis's magnum opus, The North American Indian, is a singular contribution to American history and to the history of North America's Native people. It is also a testament to Curtis's tireless efforts to document and express the culture and spirit of over eighty distinct tribal groups. Every style, subject matter, cultural and geographic area and medium Curtis worked in is included. This volume reproduces prints created in six different print mediums as well as rare ephemera that both contextualise and enrich the masterworks. Carefully and insightfully curated, the photographs in One Hundred Masterworks create a unique mosaic, giving the viewer a deep, rich understanding of Curtis's importance as an artist. This book also celebrates and honours Curtis's achievement through essays on his life, his extraordinary project, the crucial co-creative role of the Native American participants and the environment.Published in association with the Foundation for the Exhibition of Photography.

In search of a lost time: The complete portfolios by Edward S. Curtis on Native Americans At the turn of the 20th century, the American photographer Edward Sheriff Curtis (1868-1952) started on his 30-year project to produce a monumental study of North American Indians. Using an approach that was both artistically and scientifically ambitious, he recorded, in words and pictures, the traces of the traditional Indian way of life that was already beginning to die out. With tireless personal commitment Curtis visited 80 American Indian tribes from the Mexican border to the Bering Strait, gaining their confidence through his patience and sensitivity. His work was printed in 20 volumes between 1907 and 1930 as The North American Indian, but with only 272 copies, originals became extremely rare. This book gathers Curtis' entire American Indian portfolio into one publication, offering renewed access to and appreciation of his extraordinary achievement, which is as much a precious historical document as a triumph of the photographic form.