Ansel Adams, who died in 1984, was a visionary figure in nature photography and wilderness protection. Considered a national hero for the preservation of the environment, particularly Yosemite National Park, and an iconic figure for his hymn to the American West, his commitment, through his iconic black and white photographs, played a key role in the preservation of the great national parks. Admittedly, Adams was often criticized for not representing the human species in his photographs and for his idealistic vision of a natural world that has now disappeared. Nevertheless, thanks to him, these original spaces have been protected until now.
In 1968, he received the Conservation Service Award, one of the highest civilian honors in recognition of his qualities as a photographer, artist, interpreter, and environmental advocate. Then, in 1980, Adams received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, in recognition of "his commitment to the protection of the nation's wilderness and tourist areas, both through his photography and in the field." Why is Ansel Adams more revered in the United States than any other artist or conservationist has ever been? William Turnage explains, "More than any other influential American of his time, Adams was convinced of the possibility and likelihood of humanity living in harmony and balance with its environment."
