Dona Ann McAdams’s latest autobiography, “Black Box,” delves into the concept of memory through the lens of a camera. The book is a combination of visual art and written memoir, showcasing McAdams’s four-decade career as a photographer and activist. Born in 1954, McAdams credits her early exposure to television as a driving force behind her love for capturing images. The book features a mix of her powerful photographs and personal anecdotes, creating a unique blend of literary and visual storytelling.
One of the standout themes in “Black Box” is McAdams’s deep connection to horses, particularly a Shetland pony she encountered in her childhood. Her images of people and events, taken with her beloved Leica M2 camera, place her in the tradition of documentary and street photography. However, it is her portrayal of horses and goats that sets her work apart, capturing their beauty in a way that feels almost abstract and mysterious.
The book unfolds as a visual journey through McAdams’s personal history, from her upbringing with working parents to her exploration of Catholicism and her discovery of her attraction to women. Each detail is interwoven with stories of her growth as a photographer, from her first camera—a Polaroid Swinger—to the encouragement she received from renowned photographer Garry Winogrand.
Throughout “Black Box,” there is a sense of the uncanny that runs through both the photographs and the text. McAdams’s ability to capture pivotal moments and personalities in 1980s and ’90s New York City, as well as in locations around the world, speaks to her openness to the world around her. The book serves as a poetic and luminous tribute to these moments, showcasing McAdams’s unique perspective and talent.
“Black Box: A Photographic Memoir” by Dona Ann McAdams is a captivating blend of visual and written art, offering readers a glimpse into the life and work of a talented photographer. The book is available through Saint Lucy Books and will be accompanied by an exhibition at the Pratt Manhattan Gallery from April 18 to June 7.
