During the time that Detroit 1968 was made, taken during 1968, many of Enrico Natali’s white middle class American Dreamers were starting to flee the city. Motor City’s status as one of the shining stars of the industrial revolution was beginning to fade. Detroit was becoming a poster child for the racial conflict and political upheaval was sweeping through the country. Throughout this pivotal moment, Natali was present, documenting Detroit, her people and their environments, lives and conditions.

Detroit 1968 is currently on view at Joseph Bellows Gallery and a book has just been published, here.

Enrico Natali was born in 1933 in Utica, New York. From the 1960s on he lived and photographed in various parts of the country, including New Orleans, Chicago and Detroit.

(All rights reserved. Images @ Enrico Natali and courtesy of Joseph Bellows Gallery)