Images captured by Gordon Parks during World War II, pertaining to Standard Oil Company, remain a potent narrative today.
Gordon Parks, the renowned American photographer, filmmaker, and musician, left an indelible mark on the world of art and culture. His career spanned over six decades, during which he worked as a staff photographer at Life magazine for 20 years.
In the early 1940s, Parks worked for Standard Oil, photographing the Penola grease plant in Pittsburgh as part of the company's public relations efforts during World War II. These photographs, showcasing workers in their workplaces, dressed in their uniforms and holding tools, are a testament to the industrious spirit of the time.
Parks returned to Pittsburgh in 1946 and again in March and September of 1944. His images subtly depicted messages about race relations, a theme that would become a recurring motif in his work.
The Penola plant produced "Eisenhower grease," a grade of lubricant used in the war effort. Parks' photographs from this period will be on display at the Carnegie Museum of Art in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, from April 30 through Aug. 7, 2022, in an exhibition titled "Gordon Parks in Pittsburgh, 1944/1946."
Beyond photography, Parks was a prolific writer, composing a symphony, writing a bestselling semi-autobiographical novel, "The Learning Tree," and penning poetry. He also broke new ground in filmmaking, directing the film version of his novel in 1971, making him the first black director to direct a major Hollywood picture.
Parks continued to make waves in the industry, producing, directing, and composing music for a ballet about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in 1989. His work was recognised with numerous awards, including the National Medal of the Arts in 1988.
Parks' collaboration with Isaac Hayes is another highlight of his career. Hayes agreed to compose the music for the film "Shaft" in 1971, as long as he also would be allowed to try out for the lead role. Although he didn't get the part, he kept his end of the bargain, contributing to the film's iconic soundtrack.
Today, The Gordon Parks Foundation is dedicated to preserving his legacy, ensuring that his groundbreaking work continues to inspire and influence future generations. Parks passed away in 2006, leaving behind a rich and diverse body of work that continues to resonate today.
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