Susan Meiselas, renowned for her documentary photography, reflects on her pivotal work, '44 Irving Street, Cambridge, MA,' created during her master's studies in 1971. This series, currently displayed at Harvard Art Museums, captures the essence of her boarding house neighbors through portraits that reveal personal spaces and interactions. Initially motivated to pursue a degree, her fascination with the diverse characters of her living environment sparked her passion for photography. Meiselas emphasizes how the camera became a medium for connection and storytelling, leading to her later acclaimed projects in Nicaragua and beyond.
The camera was this way to connect; I knew no one, and I began to knock on doors.
Each space in the old building had a different character, which fascinated me.
I became fascinated by what they did with their space.
I'd ask them if there was a place in their room that they would sit for a portrait.
Collection
[
|
...
]