Constructing Visibility: Esther Born’s Photography beyond the Archives

Esther Baum Born was an American photographer who worked in both the United States and Mexico. Beginning 1920s, she exhibited her work regularly New York galleries saw photographs published a broad spectrum of architectural journals. Born’s book, The Architecture Mexico (1937), stands as undisputed monument to creative insights respected source for cutting-edge ideas about modern building. Less well known scholarly community are sensitive portraits that took own artistic milieu: Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, Frank Lloyd Wright, name only few, appeared before camera. author argues these images represent area future research. In any event, flourishing largely eclipsed once joined highly successful practice husband, Ernest Born. She gave up photography entirely 1940s support his work. legacy Borns remains fairly well-known students Bay Area architecture, have admired their contributions public transportation (designing train stations), urban renewal (developing master planning documents), book design (such Plan St. Gall, co-authored with art historian, Walter Horn). Much couple’s joint career is documented established archives throughout Canada, although it needs be said typically given top billing early efforts sit archives, too. A full assessment waits written. This paper attempts give greater visibility ambitions lasting consequence work’s placement within many archival situations where can found today.