Negro Barbershop Interior, Atlanta, Walker Evans, 1936.

Paul DangAcaDec – 5thC. Chapman.

Walker Evans Walker Evans was born in 1903 in St. Louis,

Missouri and came from an affluent family. He took up photography in 1928 and is best

known for his ability to document the effects of the Great Depression. His goal as a

photographer was to capture pictures that are “literate, authoritative, and transcendent.”

He is known as one of the most-famous documentary photographers of the 30s & 40s.

Evans died at the age of 71 in 1975.

Negro Barbershop InteriorWalker Evans,

1936.

Evans’ capture of this deserted scene brings to mind a “feel” of the environment where African Americans would get their hair cut. “Clutter,” “messy,” “poor” are some words that come to

mind, yet there is also a hint of energy in the air. The rough conditions of the chairs, the

raggedy newspapers for wallpaper, the weathered

mirrors.. All contribute to the “we’re doing all we can with

what we have” attitude. Though the conditions weren’t

top of the line, everything is brought to the best of it’s ability so the owners can get through

the day.

Historical Context

1936 was a year when the effects of the Great Depression were visible across the nation. Residents were having difficulty getting through everyday life. This was especially true for African Americans who were still the sole targets for racism.

Significance

Evans’ Negro Barbershop Interior photograph of the clutter can be seen as the turmoil and difficulty of life in those days.