Photographer Jacob Holdt: A Message of Love | Louisiana Channel

Legendary Danish photographer Jacob Holdt shares his compelling journey through America, marked by his deep compassion and empathy for the marginalized communities he encountered and captured with his camera. Holdt’s method of love resulted in his seminal photographic work ‘American Pictures’.
Holdt's perspective on America's social dynamics is shaped by his personal encounters with individuals from different walks of life. His photographic work offers a glimpse into the lives of people often overlooked by society, capturing their struggles and resilience. As he recalls, "The minute I came to America, I fell in love with the country." Despite facing challenges and hostility, Holdt was driven by his curiosity and desire to understand the source of anger and pain he observed in the streets.
The interview reveals Holdt's unwavering commitment to saying "yes" to every opportunity, embracing the vagabond lifestyle, and consistently opening his heart to others and vice versa. He states, "a vagabond is one who consistently says yes if somebody picks you up." This openness allowed him to connect deeply with people, often forming lasting bonds that provided him with remarkable insights into the complexities of their lives.
Jacob Holdt's work goes beyond photography; it serves as a conduit for sharing the realities of social and economic disparities. His dedication to portraying the human condition is evident in his reflections: "America is much more than the one I show." His nuanced perspective challenges audiences to confront uncomfortable truths and reconsider their preconceived notions.
Jacob Holdt, born in 1947 in Copenhagen, Denmark. Holdt's journey began with his involvement in anti-war activism and hitchhiking across the United States. His seminal work, "American Pictures," became a critical success, shedding light on the struggles of the underprivileged in America. Holdt's work has been exhibited internationally, (including the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, ARoS Museum of Modern Art, Musee Niepce and The United States Congress), earning him recognition for his impactful contributions to the world of photography and social commentary. Learn more through Jacob Holdt’s homepage www.american-pictures.com/engl...
Jacob Holdt was interviewed by Christian Lund at the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art in January 2022.
Camera: Rasmus Quistgaard & Johan von Bülow
Edit: Johan von Bülow
Produced by Christian Lund
0:00 The Beaty of Failure
01:41 The Rule of the Vagabond
04:58 “We Don't Want You”
09:03 Moving Into the Shack
12:30 Selling Blood to Afford Film
15:42 Saying Yes to Exploitation
20:05 Photographing intimacy
22:40 Relating to Black Women
26:25 The Gap Between Rich and Poor
30:00 Poor Whites
32:24 Understanding Ku Klux Klan
41:20 Coming to America
46:05 American Pictures
52:00 Entertainment about the poor?
54:49 Acts of Love
Copyright: Louisiana Channel, Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, 2024
Louisiana Channel is supported by Den A.P. Møllerske Støttefond, Ny Carlsbergfondet, C.L. Davids Fond og Samling, and Fritz Hansen.
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[@pamelaferguson6643]

…Jacob came to Williams College in 1985 and completely opened my eyes to my own Black experience in America …He has been a patient teacher…how can we not be grateful for his testimony…

[@MartinJoergensen]

I remember buying the book and seeing the slideshow in "Huset" in Copenhagen back in the 70's, and was greatly affected by both - and not least Jacob's whole attitude towards the people he met. This interview just confirms my feelings back then, and is a great testament to Jacob and the project.

[@HLTulner]

Unbelievably beautiful man without holding back, he has lived a story and made a project far more valuable then the acclaimed ‘The Americans’ by RFrank. I’ve never heard of him, never saw his pictures, never saw his book but this a gem. The man has some quirks yeah sure but what a heart, what a mission and my god some of these photographs are absolutely stunning….

[@jolicph]

One of the most educating non-educating books ever! Jacob taught without teaching, lead without moralizing and showed without showing off! He is a “mensch” of art and wisdom🙏🏻♥️

[@olivierbolton8683]

Life is AMAZING when we can leave prejudice behind and look people in the eye with Love. In all humility your images are a brilliant testament to that. May your interview and your life's work remind and inspire us to rise above the dividers of our day. Thank you.

[@LuixAmpudia]

😍 What a deeply way of living. I didn't know this photographer , and neither the "channel" but from now on I'll be watching you. 👍🏾 I'm a Mexican, living in Cancun and, from here, I LOVE YOU ALL . 🖖🏾

[@larswillsen]

Mr. Holdt is a truly amazing storyteller - He had one mission in life, to show the world the true colors of the United States.

[@simoneseiami5938]

Your documentary impressed and touched me deeply. I am from Germany, that is why I came in contact with americans, in the eighties. I knew right away that I very much enjpyed the company of black americans. After years I also had a child with an black american. I don´t know if it is because of our gruesome german history, that I wanted to get as far away as possible from the german culture. Still nowadays I feel the same way, like I was born with the wrong colour. Your docu really hit my heart and of course, we all now how poorly blacks were and still are treated by white ppl- And I strongly believe ppl who are racist have a very bad childhood experience were they grew their anger. The most beautiful ppl are amongst the black americans.

[@dillimeinbilli]

This man is someone who has genuinely given his life to his art, lived his politics and built bridges across communities. I wish I had 5% of his sincerity and surrender towards his artform.

[@rvbsoundfactory]

I am new to this work of Mr. Jacob Holdt. Some very powerful images. Very articulate gentleman and he explained the power of love very well. Thank you very much for your enlightenment.

[@perryvalton4245]

A picture can say a thousand words. So painful to see some of them pictures, it arose so many emotions within.

[@doramc3155]

He worked very hard. Brought love to all, black and white. We all need love. Practice. Thanks for this. Very much

[@annalisahansen2522]

I really appreciated this, thank you so much ❤

[@rolf_siggaard]

Thanks so much for sharing this strong and brutally honest story. Jacob’s images are exceptional.

[@Peopleprofile_]

Beautiful work by Jacob Holdt

[@mindmineromega]

I've seen and played in an area he photographed ( min. 7:31) I stumbled on this jewel and so thankful that I did.!!

[@jimmyjames3173]

Incredible photographs and history

[@MsByrnak]

Once again deeply inspired and moved by your story, pictures and more importantly by the history and lives of fellow human beings in this one world we all inhabit. Tak Jacob.

[@annedebthune3084]

This was very educational as well as heart rendingly beautiful, it takes a Dane to show America!

[@ndyayepat]

Thanks.so much dear Jakob for the extraordinary Love you' ve expressed all your life through and up to these days... Love you Patricia from Ftance

[@lonemattarmeyer542]

A declaration of love to humanity specially to the oppressed and abused❤

[@missinglink9973]

moving and and amazing adventure this man had

[@pamelaferguson6643]

…Jacob brought a focus not only on disparities within The United States but also abroad…addressing South Africa’s Apartheid led to divestments on college campuses…

[@brutusalwaysminded]

“You can’t do away with your racism once it is sitting there.” Why not? You can do away with everything. Thanks for the post! ❤

[@jacquesgude]

Incredible. Just incredible.

[@mazmophoto2484]

Respect my man. You are good person, suberp photographer. Your photos are pure and real tell the story of despair, anger, sadness and for most black people a lifelong misery due to a horrific history of slavery and suppression.

[@royahoffmeyer3959]

Each time I hear Jacobs enorm direct ,honest and brave naration about his homosexual experience , I get big surprised eyes. 😮 Amazing!!!!

[@natemiller4375]

Important work

[@samuelhumphrey5908]

Absolutely fabulous documentary. Louisana Channel is so good! Thankyou (from the UK)

[@achaley4186]

Wow, God Bless us all. Beloved, let us love. ⭐🙏🏼❤

[@TransnationalOrgPeace]

I get completely and utterly trapped for 58 minutes and 39 seconds. Not one too many. It's the magic between your words and the images that hits your viewers right in the heart - though it also speaks to the brain: this is also the USA and, as you suggest, it hasn't gotten any better. If I had interviewed you, I would have asked how to get into the lives of the people, so close, so brutally honest - photographing them "like I wasn't there". But see, the more you tell us, the more that question gets answered - and it is deeply touching, too, how you raised a few dollars to afford the film rolls. Oh pre-iPhone times! Of course, you could do just that because you are who you are - and because you built travellers' lives on respect and love, not saying no and not looking down on. Not objectifying. With this you've made a very important contribution - built bridges - between cultures, cultures and races - in short, to peace and reconciliation. Thanks, Jacob!! Jan Oberg

[@jamesortiz3425]

Well, that's interesting!! I now find myself correcting what I wrote, it's not only U.S.A!! It's every town world wide!!! 🤔🤗

[@firna1864]

Yakhoob speaks truth, these are our people who live in dire poverty and hard to climb out of it... There are pictures of people like us, hard to see and hard to ignore.

[@KirstineTermansen-cq9tk]

Photo analyse, is a great skill From school, and Union

[@ioneeamigo8357]

Incredible person. I like to go and travel Africa, kind of like that. But I am afraid 😅

[@goodbyelullaby4894]

Потрясающие работы, напоминают модные съёмки в журнале Vouge

[@dunsbroccoli2588]

Not a vagabond, a pilgrim.

[@luarness5054]

Nice interview, I had to watch it a few times and was shocked on what I seen and heard especially the part where I received 3rd degree burns cause I never heard it told like that before due to what I remember but yu did say from your perspective. I wish I could've been in that interview with you on mi people back story cause no one ever spoke on what happened to the Indians in Tunica cause we are confused with Africans and are called African Americans as if we came from slavery I have nothing against Africans at all its like being looked over and the ones that are telling our story isn't giving it from our perspective. Mi people are the Indians from Tunica that have been there since 1790 census Tunica la, has two churches that Indians attended and all mi people are buried there now at both churches American Indians got enslaved between 1660 and 1715 as many as 50,000 Indigenous people were captured by other Indigenous tribe members "The Westos" Mi people been in Tunica LA, since Trudeau Landing founded 1731 abandoned 1764 Mi people was effected by the Indian removal act may 28, 1830-1860, Civil War April 12,1861 April 9,1865 , Reconstruction Era Dec 8,1863 March 31,1877 and many more I'm no way coming with any disrespect towards yu are your work it's just millions will see your truth and not ours.

[@masterprintmaker]

Jim Drain was here ( well, just maybe )

[@KirstineTermansen-cq9tk]

❤❤❤ Esbjerg look going downward Sending, hated

[@jamesortiz3425]

That's not just in Louisiana! I find that in every town U.S.A!!!! 🤔

[@joerunge3915]

Louisiana Channel is a non-profit website based at the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art in Humlebæk, Denmark.

[@B_dev]

34:51 pause

[@KirstineTermansen-cq9tk]

It is important to not Glory a person, or town or land, One China women said, you can find ghettos anywhere, or Rich even in Denmark

AAAAA

[@elvinaogil8576]

Did he just say he sold his body to travel?

[@Guipasco1]

🤣

[@goawaygosh]

I think he did.

[@le.l.j.8495]

No, he said he sold his blood (to the blood-banks) 🩸....that's quite a difference

[@goawaygosh]

@@le.l.j.8495 I thought he was referring to when he’d let himself be sexually assaulted for a ride.

[@dylanmccallister1888]

If werner herzog was a dutch photographer instead of a german filmmaker

[@lwazihlophe8955]

What do I say?

[@KirstineTermansen-cq9tk]

I think jail, is food, and lost hopes

[@urabagofcells2228]

How can you do all this work and still use the words "ghettos" and "blacks" and "ghetto blacks" (?!) and "blacks dealing with... things" to describe what you know? To still have such stubbornly outdated Danish descriptions? How can you really be so intimately connected to the 'subjects' you photograph and still use dehumanizing language. age should make us wiser. i guess when your language is photography your words stay underdeveloped and neglected? And a full hour... in proportion to all the other videos... we get validated, time spent, and 'beautified' through the white lens :-(

[@le.l.j.8495]

Hi there, I am a 'white' woman, being married to a 'black' man for 31 years and as we in our society always label each other, in order to describe each other I guess, 'white' and 'black' are also the terms my husband and I use about ourselves, each other and others of our races....But as I don't want to hurt anybody's feelings, I am interested in knowing your suggestion to which words would be more respectful to use, instead of 'white' and 'black' ? 🌷🌸💕🪷

[@homesickpromotionsdc909]

I cant be the only one who thinks hes full of shit, right? With the race views specifically.

[@mynameisnotcory]

What do you mean?

[@hoomanot]

I wouldn't use the phrase 'full of shit' despite his good intentions and phenomenal pictures, he IS definitely ignorant and idealistic about certain aspects of human behavior and reality.

[@mario7frankielee]

where are you from ? buddy

[@hoomanot]

@@mario7frankielee Are you asking me or homesickpromotions?

[@urabagofcells2228]

I agree, commented above.