FAQs

1. Who were the twins mentioned in the post?

The twins mentioned in the post are Padraic and Rondal Partridge, born in 1917. Rondal Partridge later became Lange’s assistant for her photography work with the New Deal’s Farm Security Administration.

2. What company did the billboards along U.S. highway 99 belong to?

The billboards along U.S. highway 99 were photographed by Dorothea Lange and bore the Foster and Kleiser logo. Foster and Kleiser was the largest billboard company in California at the time.

Conclusion

The story of Dorothea Lange’s photography work along U.S. highway 99 and the connection to Foster and Kleiser sheds light on the intersection of art and commerce in the early 20th century. Through capturing images of billboards that boast prosperity and the American way of life, Lange also highlighted the stark contrast of destitute families and eroded landscapes behind the scenes. This juxtaposition serves as a powerful commentary on consumerism, planned obsolescence, and the hidden realities within the facade of prosperity.

By exploring these historical photographs and their context, we can gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of American life and the impact of visual storytelling in shaping our perceptions of society.