description Carolyn Drake Overview
Carolyn Drake is an American documentary photographer known for her long-term projects in Central Asia and the American South. She became a nominee of Magnum Photos in 2015 and a full member in 2019. Her 2013 book, "Two Rivers," explores the regions between the Amu Darya and Syr Darya rivers, while her later work, "Wild Pigeon," documents life in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of China. Drake's work utilizes both straight photography and collaborative, staged methods to examine themes of memory and community.
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What region does Carolyn Drake photograph in Two Rivers?
Two Rivers follows communities across Central Asia between the Amu Darya and Syr Darya. Drake worked in the region for years before the book was published in 2013.
What environmental history shapes Two Rivers?
The two rivers were heavily diverted for Soviet irrigation projects, contributing to the drastic shrinkage of the Aral Sea. Drake's photographs connect that altered landscape with the daily lives and imaginations of people in the region.
Is Carolyn Drake a member of Magnum Photos?
Yes, Drake is a member of Magnum Photos, the international cooperative founded in 1947. Her work combines long-term documentary observation with more collaborative and experimental approaches.
How does Wild Pigeon differ from Two Rivers?
Two Rivers ranges across the territory between Central Asia's major rivers, while Wild Pigeon focuses on Uyghur communities in western China. Wild Pigeon also incorporates drawings and embroideries made by people Drake photographed.
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