Being There: Bruce Jackson, Photographs 1962—2012

There are many photographers who are experts in the history and development of the field; Bruce Jackson is a scholar and a humanist who creates images as a connection between teaching and communicating a social activism. The tradition of the photo essay is long established and Jackson’s early work (photography, film and musical recordings) of the 1970’s – in work prisons of the south – is a part of that development. To the extent that it has become part of the Smithsonian’s Folkways recordings.

Jackson’s accomplishments that push the role of photographer further is demonstrated through his recognition. His career started with accolades including a John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation Fellow in 1971 and a nomination for a Grammy in 1974. He has received both the Chevalier, Ordre national des Arts et des Lettres, France (2002) and Chevalier, Ordre national du Mérite, France (2012). These are in addition to the over 82 grants and fellowships that he received from 1967-2012. His work has been included in or the focus of over 41 publications and he has created 4 feature length and 3 short documentaries. The list goes on and includes lectures, reviews and audio recordings.