Digital Photography & NYC Galleries

Catalog description

In this multi-level course, we will visit exhibitions in New York City each week focusing on contemporary trends in art photography along with the historic works out of which the trends grow. The heart of the class will revolve around lively group discussions in which students gain insight into ideas and debates occupying photographers and curators in this particular cultural moment. Throughout the course students will create photographic artwork in response to the exhibitions we visit and readings assigned. New York City is the home of institutions that brought art photography to the same stature as painting and sculpture. Beginning with institutions like Stieglitz’s historic 291 Gallery to the numerous museum departments and galleries dedicated to photography today, New York City is a center for debate and presentation of the most innovative contemporary photographic work. Student work will be presented to the group in slideshow presentations. Presentations must highlight how they are engaging or challenging new and fresh territories both aesthetically and conceptually. By identifying their position with respect to the greater array of existing photographic work being produced today students are taking a vital developmental step in their photographic life.