In the spring of 1927, the talented photographer Ansel Adams embarked on a snow-filled hike with his companions in Yosemite National Park, California. With his camera in tow, Adams paused to capture a remarkable photograph which he would later title “Monolith, the Face of Half Dome.” This iconic image would mark the beginning of his successful career and establish him as one of the most renowned figures in American nature photography.
According to Sarah Mackay, an assistant curator at the de Young Museum in San Francisco, many photographers today cannot help but be reminded of Ansel Adams when capturing images of the Western landscape or national parks. Adams’ impact on the field of photography is undeniable. Born in San Francisco, he held his first solo exhibition at the de Young in 1932. Now, the de Young Museum is proud to present the new exhibition “Ansel Adams: In Our Time,” which showcases over 100 images from the acclaimed photographer. These images are presented alongside the works of 19th-century photographers who inspired Adams and contemporary photographers who have been influenced by his legacy.
Adams, throughout his career, advocated for photography to be recognized as a fine art form in its own right. However, during the 20th century, photography struggled to gain acceptance as a fine art medium, until more recent times. Adams was ahead of his time, and his work in the exhibition demonstrates this. He is displayed alongside contemporary photographers such as Abelardo Morell, who uses a camera obscura tent to capture unique perspectives. Morell’s photograph, “Tent-Camera Image on Ground: View of the Yosemite Valley from Tunnel View, Yosemite National Park, 2012,” projects the image onto the ground itself, creating a captivating composition.
Ansel Adams’ photograph, “Clearing Winter Storm, Yosemite National Park,” is a prime example of his ability to showcase nature as a pristine and untouched wilderness. On the other hand, contemporary photographers tend to incorporate the presence of humans, emphasizing the contrast between nature and civilization. But Adams was known for his mastery in the darkroom, where he created striking contrasts in his prints. This attention to detail and pursuit of perfection is revealed in an interview with Adams conducted by Ed Bradley for “Sunday Morning” in 1979. Adams explains his meticulous printmaking process and his desire for perfection.
Ansel Adams’ son, Michael Adams, who used to accompany his father on photographic expeditions, still resides in their family home in Carmel, California. He has preserved his father’s darkroom, which was instrumental in Adams’ artistic process. As a classically-trained pianist, Adams saw the negative as the “score” and the print as the “performance.” He continuously experimented with different techniques and manipulations in the darkroom to ensure his images conveyed his intended message.
While Adams was hesitant to provide specific interpretations of his photographs, he believed that the essence of his vision could be found within the images themselves. Adams aimed to capture something timeless in his photographs, and his ability to identify and immortalize these majestic and iconic scenes sets him apart from his peers. His photographs continue to draw crowds of admirers, demonstrating the lasting impact of his work on both the photography world and contemporary artists.
In conclusion, Ansel Adams’ exploration of nature through photography is awe-inspiring. His ability to capture the beauty and essence of landscapes along with his dedication to perfecting his prints in the darkroom sets him apart as a true master of his craft. The “Ansel Adams: In Our Time” exhibition at the de Young Museum allows visitors to appreciate Adams’ timeless legacy and how it has inspired generations of photographers.
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