Retail Fictions: The Commercial Photography of Ralph Bartholomew, Jr.

Perhaps nothing save cinema has had as much influence on the iconography of our age as advertising. As one of America's leading commercial photographers for over three decades, Ralph Bartholomew Jr. had a tremendous impact on popular imagery, and in turn on the popular imagination as well. Though he never sought to be either a household name or an artist, Bartholomew created advertisements -- during the 30's, 40's and 50's -- that in many ways defined the golden era of America's emerging culture of mass consumerism. Retail Fictions celebrates the highly crafted and often film-noir creations of this American original, who fused the experimental and artistic potentials of photography in order to make an impression among the onslaught of ads. It is published in conjunction with a major travelling exhibition of his work As one of America's leading commercial photographers for over three decades, Bartholomew's work has had a tremendous impact on popular imagery and, in turn, on the popular imagination as well. 'Retail Fictions' celebrates the highly crafted and often film-noir creations of this American original, who fused the experimental and artistic potentials of photography in order to make an impression among the onslaught of ads. 10 color & 130 duotone photos.…