an appreciation of Stieglitz

Feb 21

In my 'Influencers' series, I've generally steered clear of discussing the giants of photography because they're already so well known.
However, there are many figures whose impact extends far beyond our recent past and merit acknowledgment. These are the artists whose shaping of the medium continues to present itself through the work of those who inspire us today.

Wishing to add a historical element to the blog I’d like to start with Alfred Steiglitz, a name synonymous with the early development of photography as an art form in America.

But the influence of Stieglitz spans beyond the camera. In addition to promoting photography, Stieglitz played a crucial role in introducing American audiences to modern art from Europe. He opened the famous "291" gallery in New York City, where he exhibited works by avant-garde European artists such as Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, and Paul Cézanne. These exhibitions had a profound impact on American artists and helped to shape the course of modern art in America.

It must be noted that the artists mentioned were not known as they are today. In fact, it is said that following an early Picasso exhibition the only piece that sold was one that Stieglitz purchased for himself, all others being returned to the artist.

About the Artist

Born in 1864, Stieglitz began his photographic journey in the late 19th century, a time when photography was still struggling to gain recognition as a legitimate form of artistic expression. He believed that photography had the potential to be as expressive and creative as any other form of art, and he dedicated his life to proving this.

One of Stieglitz's most significant contributions to the art world was his role as a promoter and curator. He founded the Photo-Secession movement in 1902, which aimed to elevate photography to the level of fine art. Through exhibitions and publications, Stieglitz showcased the work of pioneering photographers such as Edward Steichen, Clarence White, and Gertrude Käsebier, among others.

It must be said that up to this point the work of photographers had either been purely documentary, or often imitating the aesthetics of painting through the pictorialism movement. Stieglitz was intent on photography being recognized as a viable artform in its own right.

Alfred Stieglitz's journey from pictorialism to modernism in photography was a radical shift that mirrored the changing times. In his early years, Stieglitz embraced pictorialism, a style characterized by soft focus and elaborate staging. However, as the 20th century unfolded, Stieglitz found himself drawn to the raw energy and honesty of modernism. He began experimenting with sharper focus, bold compositions, and unconventional subject matter, breaking free from the constraints of pictorialism to capture the essence of modern life. Through his iconic series "Equivalents" and his advocacy for straight photography, Stieglitz became a pioneer of modernist photography, reshaping the medium and influencing generations of photographers to come.

Stieglitz's own photography left an enduring legacy. His series of photographs depicting the urban landscape of New York City, as well as his intimate portraits of his wife, the artist Georgia O'Keeffe (incidentally whose own work he introduced to the world through his gallery), are considered masterpieces of the medium.

Source of inspiration

The influence of Alfred Stieglitz on modern-day photography cannot be overstated. His efforts, along with those of the artists he brought together in the photo-secession movement, have left an enduring legacy that spans generations.

In fact, it would be nearly impossible to find a photographer who has not been impacted by Stieglitz's work, either directly or through the influence of contemporary photographers who draw inspiration from his pioneering spirit.

In short Alfred Stieglitz was not only a pioneering photographer but also a visionary curator and promoter of the arts. His efforts to elevate photography to the status of fine art and his role in introducing modern art to America have had a lasting impact on the world of visual arts.

Artist showcase

I have attempted to showcase work over Stieglitz’s life that demonstrate the breadth of his subject matter, and growth over time (images are in chronological order). Pay a close attention to Stieglitz’s evolving style and imagine how the qualities in his images may be seen in works of popular photographers to this day.

Click on images to open and browse.