Photography

The collection was begun by a transformative gift by Baroness Jeane von Oppenheim in 1998. It has particular strengths in works by European modern masters such as Alexander Rodchenko, August Sander and Albert Renger–Patzch; examples by Bauhaus principals Lazlo Moholy-Nagy and Gyorgy Kepes; and significant holdings by husband-and-wife, Dusseldorf artists Bernd and Hilla Becher. Strategic acquisitions through the generosity of the Photography Committee, the William and Sarah Ross Soter Photo Fund, and other supporters have bolstered mid-century American holdings include works by Danny Lyon, Larry Clark, Bruce Davidson, William Eggelston, Dave Heath and Ralph Gibson; and a contemporary, international emphasis anchored by significant works from Sophie Calle, Tacita Dean, Thomas Demand, Gilbert and George, Candida Höfer, Alfredo Jaar, Hiroshi Sugimoto and Jeff Wall. A significant new promised gifts include photo-based work by Matthew Barney, Cindy Sherman, Lorna Simpson, Pipilotti Rist, and Bill Viola.
Highlights from the Photography Collection

Edward Weston (American, 1886-1958), Shell and Rock Arrangement, 1931, printed circa 1947

Ellen Graham (American, born 1929), Valentina Schlee, Venice Lido, Italy, 1951

Bruce Davidson (American, born 1933), Wales, 1965

Candida Höfer (German, born 1944), Spiegelkantine III, 2000

Simon Norfolk (Nigerian, born 1963), North Gate of Baghdad, 2003

Berenice Abbott (American, 1898-1992), Untitled (Man's Shadow), date unknown

Uta Barth (German, born 1957), Ground #77, 1997

Walead Beshty (British, born 1976), Black Curl (CMY/Five Magnet: Irvine, California, March 25th, 2010, Fujicolor Crystal Archive Super Type C, Em. No. 165-021, 05710), 2010

Willie Cole (American, born 1955), Loyal and Dependable, 2002

Franco Fontana (Italian, born 1933), Italian Landscape, 1975

Lee Friedlander (American, born 1934), Albuquerque, 1972

Justine Kurland (American, born 1969), Smoke Bombs, 1998, printed 2000

Mary Ellen Mark (American, 1940-2015), Private School—Miami, from the portfolio In America, 1986

Edward Steichen (American, born Luxembourg, 1879-1973), Pastoral Moonlight, circa 1900

James Van Der Zee (American, 1886-1983), The Guarantee Photo Studio, "One of my First Photo Studios", 1915

Francesca Woodman (American, 1958-1981), Untitled, 1976

Henri Cartier-Bresson (French, 1908-2004), Brussels, 1955

Graciela Iturbide (Mexican, born 1942), Nuestra Señora de las Iguanas, Juchitán, México, 1979

Sarah Charlesworth (American, 1947-2013), Nike, 2002

Thomas Demand (German, born 1964), Landing, 2006

Photographer Unknown (American, 19th century), Mary Alicia Vanderbilt, 1834 – 1902, circa 1860

Richard Avedon (American, 1923-2004), The Chicago Seven, Chicago, September 25, 1969, 1969, printed 1975

Hans Bellmer (German, 1902-1975), La poupée (The Doll), 1933

María Magdalena Campos-Pons (Cuban, born 1959), When I am Not Here/Estoy alla..., 1996

Bruce Davidson (American, born 1933), East 100th Street, 1966 – 1968

LaToya Ruby Frazier (American, born 1982), Grandma Ruby, J.C., and Me watching Soap Operas, 2007, from the series The Notion of Family, 2001 – 2014

Nan Goldin (American, born 1953), Ivy Wearing a Fall, Boston, 1973, printed 1980s

Nikki S. Lee (Korean, born 1970), Part (14), 2002

August Sander (German, 1876-1964), Circus People, 1929

William Henry Fox Talbot (British, 1800-1877), Lace, before February 1845

Carrie Mae Weems (American, born 1951), Sea Islands Series, 1992