In 1962, at the age of 16, Larry Clark embarked on a photographic journey that would later unveil the hidden worlds of suburban American teenagers. He and his friends began experimenting with a drug store nasal inhaler containing amphetamine, marking the start of a decade-long documentation of their lives. Clark's lens captured a secretive realm, one that remained inaccessible to outsiders. A select number of these raw and candid images would eventually culminate in his groundbreaking book, Tulsa. Now, decades later, Clark revisits these iconic photos in a new publication titled Return, released by Stanley/Barker.
Clark's photographic odyssey began in his hometown of Tulsa, where he returned at 20 after serving two years in Vietnam. Upon his return, he immersed himself further into the tumultuous lifestyle of his youth, delving into heroin use. His photographs from this period exposed the transgressive and often outlaw existence of suburban teenagers—capturing scenes that ranged from hanging out in crash pads to committing burglaries and armed robberies in pursuit of drugs.
The intimate nature of Clark's work was a departure from traditional documentary photography. Instead of observing from a distance, Clark turned his lens inward, focusing on himself and his close-knit circle. This approach resulted in a series of raw and unvarnished images that laid bare the realities of teenage life on the fringes of society. These photographs provided an unfiltered look at the lives of young people navigating through a world marked by rebellion and excess.
Published under the title Tulsa, Clark's photographs offered an unprecedented view into the lives of adolescents living in suburban America during the 1960s and 1970s. The collection revealed a dimension of teenage life that was both shocking and enlightening, challenging societal perceptions and drawing attention to issues often hidden behind closed doors.
Return, Clark's latest publication, revisits these formative years through a new lens, offering both nostalgia and introspection. Through this book, Clark re-engages with his past work, reflecting on the impact and legacy of his photographs. The images continue to resonate today, offering insights into a world that remains relevant in discussions on youth culture and societal challenges.