Get ready to see Christmas through the lens of a master photographer—but not in the way you might expect. Deborah Bell Photographs is hosting an exhibition that challenges our traditional views of the holiday season. Until January 10, 2026, you can explore Lee Friedlander: Christmas, a captivating collection of photographs spanning from 1958 to 2015, presented in collaboration with Fraenkel Gallery in San Francisco and Luhring Augustine in New York. But here's where it gets intriguing: while many of these images are iconic, having graced museum walls and exhibition catalogs worldwide, this showcase offers Friedlander’s personal curation of Christmas-themed works—a perspective rarely seen before.
This exhibition also marks the release of Friedlander’s latest book, Lee Friedlander: Christmas, published by the Eakins Press Foundation. With 106 meticulously reproduced photographs, the book takes readers on a journey across the United States, capturing the essence of American culture through the eyes of one of its most celebrated social landscape photographers. And this is the part most people miss: Friedlander’s work isn’t just about holiday cheer—it’s a thought-provoking exploration of how Christmas reflects broader societal norms and traditions. Is Christmas a universal experience, or does it reveal deeper cultural divides?
While some images may feel familiar, Friedlander’s unique editing choices invite viewers to reconsider what Christmas truly represents. From intimate family moments to public celebrations, the exhibition and book challenge us to think beyond the surface. Does Friedlander’s lens romanticize the holiday, or does it expose its complexities? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
Don’t miss this opportunity to experience Christmas through Friedlander’s distinctive vision. Visit Deborah Bell Photographs at 526 West 26th Street, #411, New York, NY 10001, before January 10, 2026. For more details, check out their website at www.deborahbellphotographs.com or explore the book at Eakins Press Foundation. This isn’t just an exhibition—it’s a conversation starter. What does Christmas mean to you?
