Framing the Asia-Pacific: The Gerhard Sisters at the St. Louis World's Fair

Abstract

The St. Louis Worlds Fair of 1904 was an occasion for celebrating the USAs purchase of the State of Louisiana and the American governments recent annexation of the Philippine Islands. So that Americans could familiarise themselves with the people from their latest acquisition, hundreds of live Filipinos were placed on display at the fair. Also featured were Asian people from a variety of Pacific Rim nations. A small group of women photographers were charged with the responsibility of photographing these visitors. This essay focuses on the work of two of these women - Emme and Mayme Gerhard from St. Louis. The essay examines some of the more stereotypical images of Japanese, Chinese, Alaskan ..