Not an Ostrich features never-before-exhibited images from the Library of Congress

Compiled by distinguished American photography curator Anne Wilkes Tucker, Not an Ostrich: And Other Images from America’s Library, will feature rare, never-before-exhibited photographs from the Library of Congress.

Michael A.

Michael A. "Tony" Vaccaro. Architectural hats, 1960. (From the Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division)

The exhibit, taking place at the Annenberg Space for Photography from 21 April, will feature a large selection of handpicked works from the vaults of the world’s largest library, many previously inaccessible to the public.

Anne, named “America’s Best Curator” by TIME, was granted special access to the photographic archives for the excavation from a collection of over 14 million images. She explains: "What a pleasure and an honour it was to work with the Library of Congress selecting these photographs.

"Glamour, worship, invention, bravery, humour, cruelty and love – this collection of photographs preserves all examples of our humanity as well as chronicling America's history in extraordinary photographs. The Library is an inexhaustible trove available for anyone to explore."

Not an Ostrich represents a fraction of the Library’s full collection as a way for visitors to rediscover one of America’s most important cultural institutions – including iconic portraits of Harriett Tubman, Abraham Lincoln, John Lennon and Yoko Ono, Cesar Chavez, Elizabeth Taylor, and more.

The full show will include over 440 photographs from 148 photographers displayed both physically and digitally, spanning three centuries of photography. Discover more at annenbergphotospace.org.

Not an Ostrich: ‘Floradora goose’ at 41st annual Poultry Show, Madison Square Garden, 1930. (From the Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division)

Not an Ostrich: ‘Floradora goose’ at 41st annual Poultry Show, Madison Square Garden, 1930. (From the Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division)

Dawoud Bey. Fred Stewart II and Tyler Collins, Birmingham Museum of Art from the series Birmingham: Four Girls, Two Boys, 2012. (From the Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division)

Dawoud Bey. Fred Stewart II and Tyler Collins, Birmingham Museum of Art from the series Birmingham: Four Girls, Two Boys, 2012. (From the Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division)

Dan Esgro. Bella Lewitzky Dance Company, c. 1970–80. (From the Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division)

Dan Esgro. Bella Lewitzky Dance Company, c. 1970–80. (From the Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division)

Dorothea Lange. Destitute Pea Pickers in California. Mother of Seven Children, age 32. Migrant Mother, 1936. (From the Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division)

Dorothea Lange. Destitute Pea Pickers in California. Mother of Seven Children, age 32. Migrant Mother, 1936. (From the Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division)

Unknown. Brünnhilde, 1936. (From the Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division)

Unknown. Brünnhilde, 1936. (From the Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division)

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