January 1, 1864 – July 13, 1946 American Photographer
Alfred Stieglitz was a prolific photographer and gallery owner. Best known for supporting the work of modern American and European artists; he also celebrated the camera’s unique ability to capture fragments of reality, which he later infused with personal significance.
Stieglitz attended schools in New York and later in Berlin. His time in Berlin was spent studying mechanical engineering. His course work required he take photo-chemistry, which spurred his passion for photography. Once he returned to the U.S.A. he was committed to promoting photography as a high art form.
In his early career he worked tirelessly to bring recognition to the art of photography. Stieglitz employed various means to achieve his goal; he accessed the public through periodicals and the founding of the 291 Gallery inNew York City, the center for the American and European avant-garde art movements.
Stieglitz’s most compelling push to solidify photography in the fine arts was the founding of the Photo-Secession, a group of photographers whose artwork honored the ability of the camera and demonstrated the accomplishments of photography.
After his marriage, to famed painter Georgia O’Keeffe, and the closing of the 291 Gallery, he turned his attention to his personal artistic goals. During this period he opened two separate galleries, the Intimate Gallery and An American Place. He continued to photograph until his death.
American Photographer
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