In the early 20th century, a groundbreaking movement known as Photo-Secession emerged. It revolutionized the perception of photography as an art form. Founded by Alfred Stieglitz in 1902, Photo-Secession aimed to break free from the constraints of traditional photography.
The group elevated the medium to the level of a legitimate art form. This article explores the importance, participants, and lasting impact of the Photo-Secession movement.
Cover photo - Edward Steichen - Rodin, the Thinker (1902)
Gertrude Käsebier - Manipulated self-portrait
Where, When, and Why the Photo-Secession Was Created
The Photo-Secession movement took shape in the United States, specifically in New York City, around the turn of the 20th century. Alfred Stieglitz, an influential photographer and art promoter, founded the movement in 1902.
Photo-Secession emerged as a response to the prevailing notion that photography was solely a mechanical process meant for documentation. Alfred Stieglitz, along with other like-minded photographers, sought to challenge this notion. They aimed to prove that photography could be a powerful artistic medium. To them, photography was capable of expressing emotions, moods, and aesthetics akin to painting and drawing.
In 1905, Stieglitz, in collaboration with Steichen, brought to life the Little Galleries of the Photo-Secession. It was a small yet profoundly influential gallery. Within its walls, he continued to showcase the works of some of the most esteemed members of the movement.
The Photo-Secession exhibitions persisted until around 1910. As time went on, a few photographers grew weary of Stieglitz's authoritative approach. This prompted them to part ways with the group.
Then, in 1916, Käsebier, White, Coburn, and other like-minded artists united to form the Pictorial Photographers of America (PPA). They aimed to sustain the promotion and advancement of the pictorial style they held dear. Notably, a year later, Stieglitz officially disbanded the Photo-Secession. At that point, it was more of a mere nominal existence.
Edward Weston - Margrethe Mather holding a fan beneath a shadow of a bouquet in a vase
Importance of Photo-Secession
The Photo-Secession movement played a pivotal role in elevating photography to the status of an art form. By employing various pictorial approaches, the group tried to transcend mere representation and evoke genuine artistic expression. They used techniques such as soft focus, and alternative printing methods. the Photo-Secessionists demonstrated that photography could .
The movement organized numerous exhibitions, with one of the most famous being the "291 Gallery" run by Stieglitz. These exhibitions provided a platform for Photo-Secessionists and other contemporary photographers to showcase their work. They advocated for the recognition of photography as a valid art form.
Alfred Stieglitz published the influential photographic journal "Camera Work" from 1903 to 1917. This publication not only featured the works of Photo-Secessionists but also introduced readers to other notable photographers of the time. "Camera Work" became a symbol of artistic expression and a vehicle for disseminating the ideas and aesthetics of the movement.
Unknown - Coming Home from the Marshes (1886) Platinum Print, a common practise by Secession members
Participants of Photo-Secession
The Photo-Secession movement attracted several prominent photographers and artists who played a vital role in shaping its vision. Notable participants included:
Alfred Stieglitz - Founder of the movement, a pioneering photographer, and an influential art promoter.
Edward Steichen - Renowned for his atmospheric and moody pictorialist photographs.
Gertrude Käsebier - Known for her evocative portraits and a prominent female figure in the movement.
Clarence H. White - A significant influence on the American Pictorialist photography movement.
Alvin Langdon Coburn - A skilled photographer and proponent of the movement in England.
Purpose and Legacy of Photo-Secession
The primary purpose of Photo-Secession was to challenge the traditional perception of photography. They wanted to establish it as a legitimate art form. The movement aimed to imbue photographs with emotion, symbolism, and artistic intention. To do this; they had to move beyond mere representation.
Through their exhibitions, publications, and advocacy, Photo-Secessionists successfully garnered attention. They gained recognition for photography as a powerful artistic medium.
The legacy of the Photo-Secession movement extends far beyond its time. It paved the way for later photographic movements, such as Modernism, Surrealism, and other avant-garde styles.
By inspiring generations of photographers to explore artistic expression through the lens, Photo-Secession remains an influential force in the evolution of photography.
Eva Watson-Schütze - A Study Head (1901)
Final Word
The Photo-Secession movement was born from a desire to elevate photography to the realm of art. Those involved left an indelible mark on the history of photography. Through the works of its participants and the advocacy of its founder, Alfred Stieglitz, the movement challenged conventions, redefined artistic boundaries, and laid the foundation for the artistic exploration of photography.
The impact of Photo-Secession continues to resonate with photographers, art enthusiasts, and critics. The movement reaffirmed the power of photography as a means of artistic expression.