In this volume, the Sheldon Museum of Art presents more than one hundred examples from its distinguished photography collection, which contains nearly twenty-five hundred objects. Encompassing the full range of photographic history, Encounters showcases recognized masterpieces, recent acquisitions, and rarely seen treasures by a diverse range of artists, including Berenice Abbott, Manuel lvarez Bravo, Julia Margaret Cameron, Gertrude Ksebier, Andr Kertsz, Robert Mapplethorpe, Yinka Shonibare, Paul Strand, William Henry Fox Talbot, and Carrie Mae Weems.
Encounters explores photography through the lens of transnationalism, highlighting the artistic, cultural, geographic, scientific, and technological conflicts and concurrences that have shaped the modern photographic image. Arranged thematically rather than chronologically, the catalog addresses issues such as tourism, souvenir production, and the search for authenticity in the face of increasing industrialization; the transmission of American, European, and Mexican forms of modernism; gender identity and sexuality; the real and perceived tensions between nature and the built environment; and the convergences of art and science, craft and technology. Images are set within their context by the catalogs principal author, Brandon K. Ruud, and are accompanied by lively, thought-provoking essays by a team of scholars that includes Zeynep elik, Keith F. Davis, Gregory Nosan, Robert G. OMeally, Britt Salveson, and the museums director, Jorge Daniel Veneciano.
Discover a world of photographic artistry with "Encounters: Photography from the Sheldon Museum of Art," a captivating exploration of transnationalism through the lens of photography. This impressive collection, curated by the Sheldon Museum of Art, showcases over one hundred stunning images drawn from their extensive holdings of nearly 2,500 photographic works. More than just a compilation of beautiful pictures, "Encounters" delves into the rich tapestry of artistic, cultural, geographic, scientific, and technological influences that have shaped the modern photographic image. This illustrated paperback edition offers a diverse range of perspectives, featuring both iconic masterpieces and rarely seen treasures. Prepare to be mesmerized by the works of renowned artists such as Berenice Abbott, known for her striking black-and-white photographs of New York City; Manuel lvarez Bravo, a master of Mexican photography capturing the essence of Mexican life; and Julia Margaret Cameron, a pioneer of portrait photography known for her soft-focus and ethereal style. The collection also includes works by Gertrude Ksebier, celebrated for her portraits of women and children; Andr Kertsz, a Hungarian-born photographer known for his innovative compositions; Robert Mapplethorpe, whose controversial yet influential work explored themes of sexuality and identity; Yinka Shonibare, a British-Nigerian artist whose work examines colonialism and cultural identity; Paul Strand, a key figure in the development of straight photography; William Henry Fox Talbot, one of the inventors of photography; and Carrie Mae Weems, whose powerful work addresses issues of race, gender, and class. "Encounters" adopts a thematic approach, diverging from a traditional chronological presentation. This allows for a deeper exploration of key issues, including the impact of tourism and souvenir production on cultural authenticity in an increasingly industrialized world. It investigates the cross-pollination of American, European, and Mexican modernism, revealing the complex interplay of artistic influences. Furthermore, the catalog delves into the multifaceted nature of gender identity and sexuality, exploring how photography has both reflected and shaped these concepts. The book also examines the enduring tension between the natural world and the built environment, and the intriguing convergence of art and science, craft and technology. Adding further depth and insight, the images are contextualized by Brandon K. Ruud, the catalogs principal author, along with thought-provoking essays from a team of distinguished scholars. Zeynep elik offers her expertise on the intersection of architecture, urbanism, and photography, while Keith F. Davis brings his knowledge of American photography and its cultural context. Gregory Nosan provides his perspective on contemporary art and its relationship to photography. Robert G. OMeally lends his expertise on African American literature and culture, enriching the understanding of diverse photographic narratives. Britt Salvesen contributes her insights on the history of photography and its evolving role in society. Finally, Jorge Daniel Veneciano, the museums director, shares his curatorial vision, tying together the diverse threads of the collection. Published by the University of Nebraska Press, this 256-page volume is a valuable addition to any photography enthusiast's collection. "Encounters" is more than just a book of photographs; it's a journey through time, culture, and artistic expression. It's an invitation to engage with the world in new ways and to discover the power of photography to illuminate the human experience. Whether you are a seasoned photography collector or a curious newcomer to the world of visual arts, this book is sure to captivate and inspire. It offers a fresh perspective on American Transnationalism and the complex narratives woven within the Sheldon Museum of Art's impressive collection.
