Material History of Photography

Catalog description

Photography is a young medium and yet its history can be traced through differing narratives. Was the medium born in a French patent office, when the sun burned a handprint in sliver salt, or when human eyes saw an inverted image projected into a dark space? Does photography reflect the perspective and biases of its inventors and users, or does it re-invent how we see the world? This seminar will take theoretical and material approaches to understanding the histories of photography. In addition to lectures and readings, students will handle original materials and make photographs using historic chemical-processes and styles.