Jacob riis power point

Jacob Riis

By: Danielle Winokur

1st Period

Photo 1

Background Information

Life time: May 3, 1849 - May 26, 1914 Nationality: Danish Career: Photographer, Reporter and

Journalist One of the first to successfully use flash

photography. Style: Photographed the slums of NYC

(resulting in a minor reform movement)

Early Life

Riis was born in Ribe, Denmark where he worked as a Carpenter. However, at age 21 he moved to New York where he struggled to find work. Riis eventually found a job working for magazines as well as newspapers.

Journalism

After working for several different medias, Riis became rather well know and used this opportunity to inform the middle and upper classes of how horrible the living conditions were for the poor. (He did this through his journalism as and photography.)

Photo #1

Bandits Roost Gelatin Silver Print 1888 13 9/16 x 10 ½ in.

Photo # 2

The Short-Tail Gang 1887 Medium: gelatin silver print Size: 10 in x 8 in

Photo # 3

Tenement House Yard 1891 gelatin silver print

Photo #4

Home of an Italian Ragpicker 1894 gelatin silver print 7 3/4 in. x 9 3/4 in.

Photo #5

Five Cents a Spot 1887 Gelatin silver print 6 3/16 x 4 3/4"

Photo #6

Blind Begger 1888 Gelatin silver print 13 11/16 x 10 3/16"

Photo #7

Reporter Office at 301 Mulberry Street 1888 Gelatin silver print 6 1/4 x 4 15/16"

Photo #8

Prayer Time in the Nursery, Five Points House of Industry

1889 Gelatin silver print 6 1/4 x 4 3/4"

Photo #9

Minding the Baby 1889 Gelatin silver print 6 3/8 x 4 15/16

Photo #10

I Scrubs 1890 Gelatin silver print 4 x 5"

Inspiration

When Riis first moved to America, he was young and had a difficult time finding a progressive job. He struggled to make ends meet and found himself living amongst the poor. Once he found a steady job, he wanted to inform the public of these terrible living conditions (which he had once experienced first hand) Through his photographic and journalism he brought change to the slums of New York.

Description

Black and white photograph.

Men standing throughout the street

Slum city, street alley Rustic Clothing Differently textured

walls and ground

Analysis Unique texture of

the surrounding structures provide the rustic feel.

Men gathering in groups of two provide a sense of unity and balance.

Solemn faces of the men show their poor conditions.

Judgment

I believe this photograph is successful considering it delivers a message while presenting several elements and principles of art.

Extremely Important Test

1. Riib moved to America from which county? (Where was he born?)

a. Netherlands

b. Denmark

c. France

d. Riib was born in the United States.

2. Jacob Riib focused his journalism and photography on the slums of New York because...

a. He had experienced the conditions of lower-class living and was inspired to create change.

b. He had always been rich and felt obligated to help the poor.

Extremely Important Test

3. Jacob Riis published a well known book named

a. Boy being poor sucks

b. Change for the Poor

c. How the Other Half Lives

References

http://www.moma.org/collection/browse_results.php?criteria=O%3AAD%3AE%3A4928&page_number=&template_id=6&sort_order=1

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacob_Riis http://www.masters-of-

photography.com/R/riis/riis.html