[ BOOK IMAGES & TEXT © THE MUSEUM OF MODERN ART, NYC ]
[ USED FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY ]
Introduction
LOOKING AT PHOTOGRAPHS: 100 Pictures from the Collection of The Museum of Modern Art by John Szarkowski is a seminal work that delves into the rich and varied world of photography through the discerning eyes of one of the most influential curators in the field. Szarkowski, who served as the Director of Photography at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York, presents a carefully curated collection of 100 photographs from the museum’s vast archives. Each image is accompanied by an insightful essay that contextualizes the photograph and invites readers to engage with each work’s visual and emotional complexities.
[ PHOTOGRAPHER UNKNOWN, AMERICAN (?) 1907 OR EARLIER ]
An Educational and Contemplative Approach
Szarkowski’s approach is both educational and contemplative. He does not simply present the technical aspects of photography but instead explores each piece’s narrative, aesthetic, and historical significance. His writing is accessible yet profound, making complex ideas about art and photography understandable to both novices and seasoned enthusiasts. Through his essays, Szarkowski highlights the power of photography to capture fleeting moments, tell stories, and evoke emotions.
[ JACQUES HENRI LARTIGUE, 1911 ]
Diversity in Photographic Expression
One of the strengths of LOOKING AT PHOTOGRAPHS, 100 Pictures from the Collection of The Museum of Modern Art, is its diversity. Szarkowski includes works from a wide range of photographers spanning different eras, styles, and subjects. This diversity showcases the evolution of photographic techniques and trends and underscores the universality of photography as a form of expression. From early daguerreotypes to modernist abstractions, each photograph serves as a window into a different time, place, and perspective.
[ PAUL OUTERBRIDGE, 1922 ]
Contextual Insights and Photographer Backgrounds
Szarkowski’s commentary is particularly valuable in understanding the intentions and contexts behind the photographs. He provides background information on the photographers, their methods, and the circumstances under which the images were created. This contextualization enriches the viewing experience and helps readers appreciate the nuances of each photograph.
[ BARBARA MORGAN, 1938 ]
Design and Presentation
The book is beautifully designed, with high-quality reproductions of the photographs that allow readers to appreciate the details and textures of the images entirely. The clean and elegant layout, with ample white space, lets the photographs breathe and stand out on the page.
[ ARNOLD NEWMAN, 1941 ]
Balancing Analysis and Reflection
In LOOKING AT PHOTOGRAPHS, 100 Pictures from the Collection of The Museum of Modern Art, Szarkowski achieves a delicate balance between scholarly analysis and personal reflection. His passion for photography shines through in every essay, making the book an educational resource and a heartfelt tribute to the art form. Whether you are a photographer, an art lover, or simply someone who enjoys visual storytelling, this book offers a rich and rewarding exploration of photography’s many facets.
[ EDOUARD BOUBAT, 1951 ]
Closing Comments
LOOKING AT PHOTOGRAPHS, 100 Pictures from the Collection of The Museum of Modern Art is a classic. I discovered this book during a History of Photography course in college and have kept it ever since, even purchasing an additional copy to share with my students over the years. If you are serious about photography, I encourage you to get a copy or at least borrow one from your local library.
John Szarkowski’s keen eye and eloquent writing make this book a must-read for anyone interested in understanding and appreciating the art of photography. It is a book that you can return to repeatedly, each time discovering something new and thought-provoking. Sifting through MoMA’s photography library to select just the 100 pictures included must have been a challenging process. I know I would have found it difficult.
This book contains many photographs I was already familiar with, but it also introduced me to many stunning images I had never seen before. It’s the kind of book that becomes a lifelong companion, one you treasure and revisit repeatedly. Its timeless appeal speaks for itself.
[ ROBERT DOISNEAU, 1958 ]
Video
Below is an excellent video by Jeff Curto from his History of Photography podcast series. In it, he explores John Szarkowski’s LOOKING AT PHOTOGRAPHS, 100 Pictures from the Collection of The Museum of Modern Art.