Today’s post comes from Taylor Shoolery, class of 2012 and Art Center student docent.
“Where there is light, one can photograph,” said the legendary photographer and owner of Gallery 291, Alfred Stieglitz. At a time when many people in the art world discounted and ignored photographs, Stieglitz saw something so special, something so fresh and exciting, he could not turn his head away. His eye glued to the lens of his camera, he began to see the world in a revolutionary, new way. Not only was Stieglitz a champion of this new medium, but also through his gallery he promoted many artists now recognized as masters, such as Marston Hartley, John Marin, and, of course, Georgia O’Keefe, the love of his life. One of my favorite Stieglitz photographs is on display at the Art Center in the exhibition, A Taste for the Modern. The small image—no bigger than a playing card—shows three people eating lunch with O’Keefe at the center. This tiny picture so marvelously captures intimacy of Stieglitz’s friends as they gather for a meal at Stieglitz’s summer home on Lake George. Below is a video about Stieglitz’s views on art, truth, and the struggle to capture the perfect photographic exposure.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t0AE2hUyd0M
To see a slideshow of more of Stieglitz’s work click here.
