Mabou, Nova Scotia

In this photograph, three images hang on a line in front of a rugged beach in Mabou, a settlement on Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia. The central image is one of Robert Frank’s early pictures, Democratic National Convention (1956), which appeared in his book The Americans (1958–59). Although some critics initially found the photobook overly critical of the United States, Frank was eventually celebrated for his efforts. Frank and his wife, artist June Leaf, began living in Mabou seasonally in the early 1970s. There, Frank’s practice shifted away from the documentary style of The Americans; this photograph is evidence of this change.

Frank was born 100 years ago. The photographs on display here, all gifts from the artist, honor his accomplishments in this centennial year.