Album: Ilka Hartmann - Alcatraz Occupation Photo Essay

Alcatraz Island

After following daily coverage of the Alcatraz Occupation in the news, Ilka Hartmann finally had an opportunity to visit the island on May 30, 1970, when the occupiers invited supporters to bring bottles of water. With a borrowed Pentax and old Leica given to her by her photography teacher, she took the pictures of the occupiers shown here. In March, 1971 Ilka took a second trip to the island with several occupiers. On June 11, 1971, Ilka was at KQED television station when a voice announced that the Indians were being removed from Alcatraz. Ilka climbed into the VW van of the TV crew and was very lucky to document the events. Soon her Alcatraz pictures were published in Indian newspapers and she was invited to Native American events. This began her work documenting Native American life, in the city or on the reservation. Her images have been exhibited in many countries and published in newspapers, books and films. Visit Ilka's website at: www.ilkahartmann.com