This is a new and growing selection of photography of iconic figures, as well as ordinary people going about their life in a different moment in time. Some of these photography are published for the very first time through Modern Art Etc. worldwide.

In this series, we present Harry Adams' photography of iconic Americans, some of them well known throughout the world, not as African Americans, but simply, Americans, who have brought their talents, fortitude, creativity to the world. Some of them are heroes of all time, who have dedicated their lives to advancing equal opportunities, making a fairer, more equitable, civil society. Their indelible influence changed the world.

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About this photo:

This photo of Muhammad Ali is published for the first time via gallery in Los Angeles.

Capturing a lighthearted, impromptu moment is this picture of Muhammad Ali and Lorraine Adams (wife of photographer, now in her 90’s). This was taken when Harry Adams brought Ali to their house in Windsor Hills, Calif., for an impromptu photo shoot. Mrs. Adams and Ali had an instant connection especially when Ali started his unique form of humor causing both of them to smile.

This was about 6 months after his historic Liston-Clay fight on February, 1964 in Miami Beach, when a young Cassius Clay (as Muhammad Ali was before his name change), became the youngest boxer, at age 22, to take the title from a reigning heavyweight champion.

The two fights between Muhammad Ali and Sonny Liston for boxing's World Heavyweight Championship were among the most anticipated, watched and controversial fights in the sport's history. Sports Illustrated magazine named their first meeting, the Liston–Clay fight “as the fourth greatest sports moment of the twentieth century”. Sports Illustrated magazine.

 

Introduction to Harry Adams:

Harry Adams (b. 1918, Arkansas – d. 1988, Los Angeles ) was one of the best-known members of the Los Angeles African American community. Adams worked as a freelancer for the California Eagle and Los Angeles Sentinel for 35 years. He trained at the California School of Photography and Graphic Design and although he took these photographs as part of his journalistic assignments, his artistic ability to capture the essence of a particular moment in time earned him the moniker “One Shot Harry”. His collection is particularly rich in its images of the prominent African Americans who defined his era, but also of ordinary life, documenting social life, schools, civil rights organizations, sports and cultural events.

“His work is not only a contribution to journalism, but also part of our history.” LA Times

Harry Adams' work has been licensed and / or used in documentaries, various exhibitions in America.

Prints

Available as C prints + silver gelatin prints from original negatives. 

Approximate image size, with white borders:

11x14" open
16x20" edition of 150
20x24" edition of 125
30x40" edition of 50

Larger sized prints available upon inquiry or on our 1stdibs storefront "Modern Art Etc.,Inc."

https://www.1stdibs.com/dealers/modern-art-etc-inc/ 

Estate stamped / signed, with Certificate of Authenticity.

Ships fully insured, refundable unless damaged, with 15% restocking fee.