Articles

Andrea Modica is recognized as a prominent photographer of her generation, known for her long-term projects that often span many years and deeply explore personal and cultural themes. Her recent exhibition "Extended Moments" and the book "As We Wait," edited by Larry Fink, highlight her continued dedication to black-and-white large-format photography and platinum printing. Modica discusses the emotional and intuitive process behind her work, the role of trauma in concluding projects, and the significance of working with traditional photographic methods. She also reflects on her artistic connection to Italy and how it influences her creative expression. Read Article

This special interview features American photographer Larry Fink discussing Lisette Model, a significant influence on his photographic style. In 1958, Fink took private courses with Model, which sparked a deep friendship and profoundly shaped his approach to photography. Model encouraged her students to photograph subjects they were genuinely drawn to, emphasizing the importance of capturing images with emotional intensity. Fink’s work reflects this philosophy through his empathetic and sensitive portrayal of his subjects, making viewers feel intimately connected to the scenes. The interview is part of an online program by CAMERA, coinciding with exhibitions on Lisette Model and Horst P. Horst. Read Article

Lisette Model, born in Vienna, initially pursued a career in music studying under Arnold Schönberg before shifting to photography in 1933. After moving to Paris and apprenticing with Florence Henri, she immigrated to New York City in 1938. Her photography, characterized by candid depictions of everyday people, was featured in prominent magazines like Harper's Bazaar. Model was an influential figure in street photography during the 1940s and taught notable students, including Diane Arbus. Her work has been exhibited worldwide and played a key role in defining American documentary photography. Read Article

This article is a reflective portrait of Lisette Model, a renowned photographer and teacher, written by R. H. Cravens in Spring 1982. It explores Model’s private life, her artistic philosophy, and her unique approach to photography, emphasizing her precision with light and her candid, unvarnished human subjects. The piece describes her guarded yet warm personality, her vibrant New York home, and her profound connection to France and music. It also discusses the challenges of capturing the essence of a photographer through writing, highlighting Model's preference for privacy and the metaphysical complexity of portraying an artist of light through words. Read Article

Lisette Model, originally from Vienna, turned to street photography during the rise of Hitler to support herself. Her work captures the corrupt and grotesque aspects of society, often portraying subjects with a brutal, almost beastly quality. Model’s large, rough prints emphasize a universal human brutishness, reflecting both European decadence and American vulgarity. Her street portraits provide a direct, aggressive confrontation with her subjects, and her later work explores expressionistic reflections and perspectives that create an oppressive, claustrophobic atmosphere. Read Article

Miyako Ishiuchi, born in 1947, is featured in two current London exhibitions at Tate Modern and Michael Hoppen Gallery. Beginning photography at age 28 under mentors Shomei Tomatsu and Daido Moriyama, her early work, such as the 'Yokosuka Story' series, reflects gritty black-and-white images of a declining town influenced by a former US naval base. Her exhibitions at Michael Hoppen Gallery include early black-and-white works and recent color series like 'Silken Dreams' and 'Hiroshima', which features delicate photographs of items recovered after the atomic bombing. Ishiuchi often embraces imperfections in her photos to evoke emotional impact. Read Article

Arnaud Montagard developed an interest in photography in 2006, initially capturing abandoned places connected to his graffiti pursuits. He focuses on street photography, emphasizing natural light, geometry, and color to reveal the overlooked details of everyday American life. Montagard draws inspiration from American realist painters like Edward Hopper, aiming to evoke human presence through absence. His book, "The Road Not Taken," explores rural America beyond clichés, revealing the ordinary as meaningful. He values storytelling and often conducts extensive research before projects, including his documentary work on Cowboy Poetry. Read Article

Arnaud Montagard is a French photographer based in Brooklyn, New York, who transitioned from marketing studies to pursuing photography full-time. Inspired by American culture, films, and street graffiti, he traveled extensively across the U.S., capturing iconic Americana motifs such as motel signs, vintage cars, diners, and drive-ins. His series "The road not taken" highlights the juxtaposition of change and timeless iconicity in America through carefully composed images emphasizing light and color. Read Article

Arnaud Montagard is a French photographer living in Brooklyn, NY, known for his minimalist approach that highlights ordinary details through careful composition. His work evokes the atmosphere of American realist painters like Edward Hopper and early color photographers such as Stephen Shore and William Eggleston. Montagard’s series 'The Road Not Taken' explores classic American themes and the introspective spirit of the Beat poets, capturing isolated figures lost in thought. His images emphasize light and shadow, creating painterly effects that invite viewers to appreciate often overlooked everyday moments. Read Article

Sarah Moon's photography is marked by ethereal, elusive beauty with diffuse lines, inspired by 1920s expressionist cinema and formalist abstraction. Starting as a model in the 1960s, Moon discovered photography almost by chance and quickly gained recognition from top couturiers and magazines. Her work captures fleeting, poetic moments of femininity through graceful silhouettes and intentional blurs, contrasting with the sharp, stereotypical fashion images of the 1970s. Dior recently published an exceptional collection of her photographs and writings, enriched with insights from key figures, celebrating her revolutionary impact on high fashion photography. Read Article

Photojournalist Robin Hammond documents harrowing stories of suffering and injustice across Africa, including children branded witches in Nigeria and victims of war in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Hammond's work highlights environmental disasters, systemic violence, and mental health crises, often focusing on stories neglected by mainstream media. Inspired by the powerful humanistic photography of W. Eugene Smith, Hammond seeks to give a voice to the voiceless, creating awareness that can compel action. His long-term immersive approach aims to connect distant audiences with people enduring hardship, believing that knowledge can overcome ignorance and inspire change. Read Article

Lewis W. Hine (1874–1940) was a sociologist-turned-photographer known for his powerful documentation of social conditions in early 20th century America. Educated at the University of Chicago and Columbia University, he used photography to expose exploitation, especially child labor, working extensively with the National Child Labor Committee. His work includes portraits of immigrant workers, the poor, and urban laborers, often accompanied by detailed reports. Utilizing the Graflex camera, Hine captured dignified images that highlighted both individual subjects and larger social issues, disseminated through lectures and publications. Read Article