Ruth Orkin: photographic retrospective at the Civic Museum of Bassano del Grappa

Ruth Orkin: photographic retrospective at the Civic Museum of Bassano del Grappa

The Civic Museum of Bassano del Grappa presents the first Italian retrospective dedicated to Ruth Orkin, a key figure in twentieth-century photography. The exhibition gathers images that portray both celebrated personalities and everyday urban life, alongside references to her film work.

• Dates: 18 December 2021 - 2 May 2022
• Venue: Civic Museums of Bassano del Grappa
• Address: Piazza Garibaldi 34, Bassano del Grappa (VI), Italy
• Opening hours: daily 10:00–19:00 (closed on Tuesdays). Ticket office closes at 18:00.
• Admission: full €7, reduced €5. The ticket includes entry to the exhibition and the museum’s permanent collections, including the area with "Canova Ebe".
• Contacts: Tel. +39 0424 519901 - [email protected]

Why see this exhibition

The show retraces Ruth Orkin’s career, known for portraits of international figures and images that capture urban life with striking clarity. Among the highlights is the famous photograph known as "American Girl in Italy," an iconic and widely debated image in twentieth-century photography.

Orkin also co-directed the short film Little Fugitive with Morris Engel, which received an Academy Award nomination in 1953, and produced personal projects documenting scenes visible from her apartment overlooking Central Park.

Context and touring plans

Presented on the centenary of the photographer’s birth (1921), this exhibition is the only Italian stop of a retrospective organized with DiChroma Photography and is expected to continue to other European venues. The layout is designed to highlight both major reportage work and more intimate photographic projects.

It is an occasion to explore the oeuvre of a major female voice in photographic history and to engage with images that still provoke discussion and critical interest.