Clearing Land, Ellis Unit
1967- 69
Lyon is a photographer committed to the documentary treatment of social realities. In 1967 he gained permission to move freely through six prisons operated by the Texas Department of Corrections. He tried to communicate the distressing reality he encountered as a visitor from the outside. Lyon contributes to a graphic tradition of concentrated, intensely dramatic images that stretches back to Goya's etching series "Disasters of War" (1810-13).
Gelatin Silver Print
8 3/4 x 13 in. (22.3 x 33 cm)
Gift of Steven and Judith Clifford in honor of the museum's 50th year
83.288.13
Photo: Elizabeth Mann