Graphic designer Mark Michaelson has spent a decade collecting old mug shots from the 1870’s to 1970’s. His collection consists of tens of thousands of small-time criminals, who he has dubbed the ‘Least Wanted.’ Although Michaelson knows little to nothing about the photos’ subjects, their expressions prompt our imaginations to dream up scenarios that might have gotten them into such circumstances. Currently, Mark’s exhibit ‘A Century of American Mug Shots’ can be seen at The Center for Intuitive and Outsider Art in Chicago, which runs through April 12, 2008. His accompanying book, ‘Least Wanted: A century of American Mugshots’, is available through Amazon. Images property of Mark Michaelson.
