Photography at MoMA: 1960 to Now

Two titles explore the history of photography through the holdings of their respective institutions. Photography at MoMA: 1960-Now is the first of a projected three-volume history, as told through the holdings of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) photography department. MoMA curators chose to begin the series in reverse chronological order, with contemporary photography appearing first, to assert their institution's fundamental commitment to living artists. Chief curator of photography Bajac's introductory essay explores the work of past curators whose contributions have greatly shaped our understanding of the art form's history and aesthetics. The essay is exceptional for the way it engages in self-criticism, discussing the museum's response to external forces that moved it to evolve its exhibition and acquisitions policies, especially in regard to work that expands photography beyond its traditional boundaries. This title, and the entire series, will make more accessible numerous works from MoMA's significant collection, many not frequently on view. The Altering Eye (in conjunction with the exhibition Celebrating Photography at the National Gallery of Art) showcases its collection of 15,000 photographic works, especially strong in influential figures Alfred Stieglitz, Walker Evans, Robert Frank, and Paul Strand. Senior curator Greenough's excellent lead essay relates how photography gained acceptance in museums as the medium matured and became synonymous with modernity. This volume, beautifully illustrated by the images in the National Gallery's collection, does a wonderful job of delivering the main contours of photography's history. Entries by Greenough's associate curators offer insight into how the medium (its making, subject matter, and look) evolved as photographic technology changed. "In Focus" essays on the life and work of notable photographers provide details about the gallery's holdings of each artist's work.