"…once The Needle Goes In, It Never Comes Out."—Larry Clark 

"…once the needle goes in, it never comes out."—Larry Clark 

A lot has changed in American culture since the publication in 1971 of Larry Clark’s classic photobook, Tulsa. Today, these images, while still unsettling, have gone completely mainstream. In the world of 2014, one can see the entire series now on display, along with “Celebrating Smokey the Bear,” at the Chrysler Museum in Norfolk, VA. I’m sure Mr. Clark would be pleased.

For over 40 years Tulsa has been a touchstone for aspiring photographers and documentarians. It will stand the test of time because the depiction of the truth will always connect with each generation exploring photography and storytelling. Critical acclaim and analyses will come and go as fashions and ideas change, but Tulsa will continue to remind us that the human capacity for sharing self-destruction and excess never goes away. Each generation lives and learns its own lessons.—Lane Nevares