Ruth Orkin: bike trip, USA, 1939

Abstract

At the age of 17, Ruth Orkin travelled across the United States alone, with nothing but her bicycle, her photo equipment and just $25 in her pocket. The inaugural project of one of the great 20th-century American photographers is unveiled here for the very first time. Over a four-month period, she took 350 photographs: urban scenes, numerous self-portraits and striking compositions framed by her bicycle. In each city she visited, local newspapers covered her story, interviewing and photographing her. With the unexpected publicity, she was invited everywhere, given tickets to shows, and even received a new two-wheeler. Orkin's stated aim upon departure was to visit the New York World's Fair, but the transcontinental adventure proved far more decisive. It was a defining moment in her personal and artistic development, confirming the old adage: it's not the destination, it's the journey.