Welcome to “Through the Lens of History: Unveiling America’s Dust Bowl,” where I, Samantha Simmons, delve into the captivating world of documentary photography. In this episode, I transport you to the heart of the Dust Bowl era, exploring Arthur Rothstein’s iconic photograph Fleeing A Dust Storm, Cimarron County, Oklahoma. Join me as I unravel the visual and emotional layers of this powerful image, shedding light on the resilience of those facing environmental adversity during one of the most challenging periods in American history. I dissect the composition, lighting, and background, unveiling the emotional impact and artistic intent behind Rothstein’s lens. Through discussions, I explore the historical context, significance, and cultural legacy of this photograph, examining its role in shaping public perception and documenting the human experience during the Dust Bowl era. Join me on this visual journey through the lens of history, connecting with the past and appreciating the enduring power of documentary photography.

This podcast is part of the Crop and Click series featuring student research on documentary photography from our collection. ⁠Click here for a portfolio of all the works discussed in the series.

Hosted and produced by Samantha Simmons. Cover art by Lucy Sherman ’23.