37 years ago, National Geographic – known for its iconic photographs of nature and its inhabitants – sent American photographer Rick Smolan on a strange and life-changing assignment.
His job was to document the travels of a 27-year-old Australian woman across the desolate outback there.
Robyn Davidson was accompanied only by four camels and a dog.
And Rick Smolan.
The 9-month, 1700-mile journey was captured in Davidson’s astonishing memoir called “Tracks,” now made into a major Hollywood film, and a new book by Smolan, “Inside Tracks”, which is the subject of a new show at The Annenberg Space for Photography here in Los Angeles.
Rick Smolan spoke to KCRW’s Steve Chiotakis about that journey.
He’s also speaking at Annenberg as part of the Iris Nights lecture series, and you can watch that live online starting at 7 pm PST.
Hey! Did you enjoy this piece? We can’t do it without you. We are member-supported, so your donation is critical to KCRW's music programming, news reporting, and cultural coverage. Help support the DJs, journalists, and staff of the station you love.