Larry Clark
Larry Clark
Full Name and Common Aliases
Larry Clark is an American film director, photographer, and artist known for his provocative and often unconventional approach to storytelling.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on January 19, 1949, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. No death date provided as he is still alive.
Nationality and Profession(s)
American
- Film Director
- Photographer
- Artist
Early Life and Background
Clark grew up in a middle-class family in Tulsa, Oklahoma. His early interest in photography was sparked by his parents' encouragement to explore the medium. He began taking pictures at a young age and eventually developed a distinctive style that blended elements of documentary, portrait, and fine art photography.
Major Accomplishments
Larry Clark's major accomplishments include:
Tulsa: A 1971 book of photographs documenting life in Tulsa's underbelly.
Killer: A 1964 short film showcasing his early experimentation with narrative storytelling.
Kids: A 1995 feature film that brought international attention to his unique perspective on adolescence.Notable Works or Actions
Clark has continued to push the boundaries of artistic expression throughout his career. He has:
Worked extensively in photography, creating numerous exhibitions and publications that showcase his unflinching portrayal of human experience.
Experimented with short films, often blurring the lines between documentary and fiction.
Directed feature-length films that tackle complex themes such as identity, class, and mortality.
Impact and Legacy
Larry Clark's impact on contemporary art and cinema is undeniable. His fearless approach to storytelling has influenced a generation of filmmakers and artists. His works continue to spark controversy and debate while offering unflinching portrayals of the human condition.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Clark is widely quoted or remembered for his:
Unflinching portrayal of adolescence, particularly in Kids, which remains a landmark film in contemporary cinema.
Innovative approach to storytelling, blending documentary and fiction to create immersive experiences that challenge audience expectations.
* Courageous exploration of themes such as class, identity, and mortality, often using his own life experiences as inspiration.
Clark's influence can be seen in the work of many artists and filmmakers who have followed in his footsteps. His commitment to pushing boundaries and exploring complex themes has left an indelible mark on the art world.
Quotes by Larry Clark

At the end of the day, what I show is real life. I tell the truth. And the truth can be shocking.

I've always been interested in people that you wouldn't see otherwise. If you look back at my books, photographs, and films-and since I'm doing this retrospective I've been forced to look back-the work is always about a small group of people who are somewhat isolated, and who you would never see if I didn't film or photograph them.

I just happened to have my camera and be photographing my friends. It was totally innocent; there was no purpose to the photographs. There was a purity to them that wasn’t planned; it was realism.

I tell people to frame the picture. Make the greatest, most perfect composition you can . . . and then take a step forward. It skews it a bit and makes it more interesting.

For me there are no rules. I think I learned that from artists-from painters and sculptors. It took photography a while to catch up to them.

I am a storyteller. I've never been interested in just taking the single image and moving on. I always like to stay with the people I'm photographing for long periods of time.

I always felt that when I was photographing, I had a psychic need to see this, to photograph this. And I think if somebody else had been doing this work, and if I could have seen these pictures anywhere at all, then there would have been no need to make them.


