Dr. Margaret Condon Taylor’s snapshots of 1969 Korea offer a glimpse of a nation on the brink of rapid transformation—a moment of stillness before the spectacular growth to come. The U-M Nam Center for Korean Studies’ presentation of Accidental Photographer: Seoul 1969 showcases Taylor’s work from this period, revealing the beauty of a Seoul in transition.
Taylor’s focus is attuned to the humans that make up the city, whether confronting or turning away from the camera. Her shots capture opportune moments through muted tones; ethereal Ektachrome whites and blues transfix viewers. Despite the images’ presentation without object labels, the exhibition is remarkably clear. Each image teases a hint of a hidden-away historic Seoul.
In her photographs, Taylor documents a Korea that is now inaccessible in many ways. Her visual archive of the capital city, however, can still be visited. Accidental Photographer presents the human essence of a Seoul that we as viewers pray still persists today.
