"Let me here call attention to one of the most universally popular mistakes that have to do with photography - that of classing supposedly excellent work as professional, and using the term amateur to convey the idea of immature productions and to excuse atrociously poor photographs. As a matter of fact nearly all the greatest work is being, and has always been done, by those who are following photography for the love of it, and not merely for financial reasons. As the name implies, an amateur is one who works for love; and viewed in this light the incorrectness of the popular classification is readily apparent." -Alfred Stieglitz
1864-1946 American Photographer, Gallery owner, publisher
A major influence in all the visual arts, especially photography. He was probably more instrumental than anyone in terms of getting Photography recognized by the general public as a fine art.
In 1883, Stieglitz moved to Berlin where he received training in photography and worked as a lab assistant. Stieglitz returned to New York City in 1890, and continued his work in photography. Early in his career he developed a technique of Impressionistic "paintings" by way of photography.
In 1902, he formed the Photo-Secession group and opened Gallery 291 ; which became a hang out for members of New York Dada, including Marcel Duchamp, Man Ray, Louise and Walter Arensberg, Francis Picabia and many others. This same year he also began publishing the quarterly Camera Work magazine which continued until 1917.
He later operated two other galleries, The Intimate Gallery, and An American Place. He was without doubt the most important single figure in the development of modernism in America.
First American showings of:
Others who were associated with Stieglitz during his long and amazing life include:
His work is part of the permanent collection of:
The Museum of Modern Art in NY
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, NY
Philadelphia Museum of Art
Whitney Museum of American Art, NY
J. Paul Getty Museum
His personal collection, with over 450 major works, was donated to the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Related nodes:
Sources:
Leavens, Ileana, 'From "291" to Zurich : the birth of Dada", UMI Research Press, Ann Arbor, 1983.
Motherwell, Robert "The Dada Painters and Poets: An Anthology", Harvard University Press, 1951
Rubin, William S., "Dada, Surrealism, and Their Heritage", Museum of Modern Art, NY, 1968.
Last Updated 04.18.04