Citizen Journalism: Exploring America’s past

An exhibition of about 40 pieces consisting of paintings and photographs picturing the history of America were recently on display at the University of Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM).

The exhibition was organized by the US embassy in corporation with the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) and the American Corner UMM.

“The display aimed to introduce US historical fine arts and teach the diversity of US culture and politics,” said Masduki, the head of the American Corner UMM.

The exhibition titled “Picturing America” presented works by prominent American artists, photographers and architects hundred years ago such as Mary Cassatt, Thomas Hart
Benton, Walker Evans, Dorothea Lange, Frank Lloyd Wright, William Van Allen, Albert Bierstadt, Alexander Gardner and Childe Hassam.

Well-known candid photographer Alexander Garner (1821-1882) captured an image of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, wearing a black coat, sports shirt and slanting bow tie sitting tired and worried during the American Civil War. Garner wanted to show Lincoln to the public as an ordinary man in spite of his office.

Meanwhile, Dorothea Lange, an outstanding American photographer, photographed a migrant mother and her kids resting after working on a peanut farm in the suburbs of California in 1936.

The photograph was published by the national paper and garnered the sympathy of Americans who in turn lobbied the federal government to supply the migrant workers tons of food.

“Explaining the history of America’s social and political development though pictures and photographs gives visitors a sophisticated impression about the country. We can learn something from them,” said Masduki.

Cecep Zakarias El Bilad and Susilo Umardani
Malang, East Java