U.S. 285, New Mexico, 1956

Robert Frank’s U.S. 285, New Mexico is a powerful representation of his groundbreaking work in capturing the raw essence of American life. The image exemplifies Frank’s ability to convey profound narratives through seemingly simple compositions. Captured during a road trip through the American Southwest, this photograph is part of Frank’s larger body of work that seeks to document the complexities and contradictions of the United States during a time of significant social and cultural change. Here, Frank captures the vast desolation of the American landscape, utilizing the endless stretch of highway to symbolize freedom and isolation. The stark, unadorned scene reflects Frank’s use of light and shadow to create mood and evoke emotion.

This lot on offer is an early, 1960s print of the image, and one four Robert Frank images in this sale that was originally published in The Americans. The Americans was originally published in 1958 and has since become a landmark in the history of photography. Frank’s work on this project was supported by the Guggenheim Fellowship, which allowed him to travel across the United States, documenting its people and places with a fresh and unflinching perspective. Serving as both a visual record of a specific era, as well as a poignant commentary on themes of exploration and American isolation, Frank’s U.S. 285, New Mexico offers a timeless reflection on America’s cultural landscape.