From Marilyn to Malcolm X: Ten American Image Icons You Might Not Know

As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, the Neue Zürcher Zeitung delves into the rich tapestry of American visual history through the lens of iconic photographs. The article showcases a curated selection of images that have shaped perceptions of America, highlighting the profound impact of its photographers on the 20th and 21st centuries.

One compelling figure is Vivian Maier, a housekeeper and nanny whose prolific photographic output was only discovered after her death through a foreclosure auction. Maier, an autodidact, captured over 100,000 images, documenting everything from social justice demonstrations to intimate portraits of the children in her care. Her extensive body of work offers a unique and enduring testament to 20th-century American life and the photographer's keen observation of her surroundings.

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The persons shown in the photo are by no means enjoying a break in the open air, as many assumed, while the Twin Towers burned behind them. Rather, they are explaining to an approaching cyclist, at a safe distance from the disaster site, what had just happened.

The article also examines Thomas Hoepker's widely discussed photograph of the 9/11 attacks. Hoepker, a German-born photographer, clarifies that the individuals in his image were not casually observing the tragedy but explaining the unfolding events to a cyclist at a safe distance. This perspective challenges common interpretations and underscores how news events can be perceived differently. Notably, the image has seen limited publication in the U.S. due to controversy surrounding the perceived indifference of those pictured.

Through these and other examples, the NZZ illustrates how American photography has not only documented historical moments but also shaped cultural narratives and offered diverse viewpoints on the nation's identity and experiences.

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The image shows that news events can always have a different perspective.