As a major figure in American photography, Barbara B. Crane (1928-2019) constantly explored photographic forms and techniques. This is the Chicago-born artist’s first major monographic exhibition in Europe, featuring over 200 works, some of which were recently added to the Musée National d’Art Moderne collection.

Produced in partnership with the Barbara B. Crane Trust, the exhibition focuses on the first 25 years of her career. It showcases some of her major works, several of which are being exhibited for the first time. Barbara B. Crane’s body of work is remarkable in that it synthesises the North American straight photography tradition alongside a more experimental leaning, drawing on the legacy of European avant-garde movements.

Her photographic approach to cities and their anonymous inhabitants, starting with Chicago, is especially singular. Featuring in many public and private collections in the US, Barbara Crane’s is little known as yet in France.