Alfred Stieglitz and photography as a legitimate art form

Art

Alfred Stieglitz

Alfred Stieglitz is the first photographer to struggle to have photography accepted as an art form. One writer notes his style was unique and often inspired by art, rather than landscape or subject. He notes, "As his personal style evolved, the influence of German fin-de-siecle painting, of the Japanese woodblock, and of Symbolist and Cubist currents became visibly interwoven into coherently structured and moving images that seem to embody the reality of their time" ("Profile"). Stieglitz is known for his support of the photography movement and other photographers and artists, but he is also known for his enduring work to have photography recognized as an art form. His photographs were works of art, and others began to recognize this, as well as he continued to promote his ideas. Another writer notes, "The body of photography that represents Stieglitz's achievement as an artist was appraised by fellow photographer Edward Steichen as 'like none ever made by any other photographer'" ("American Masters"). His work is simple and yet eloquent at the same time, and it touches a nerve when it is viewed.

For example, his work "Icy Night" looks deceptively simple at first glance. It is simply a cold night, with a new layer of snow blanketing the ground and tree trunks. However, the trees fade off into the shadows like ghosts, and the streets are eerily empty and quiet.