Free Admission
The University of Arizona Center for Creative Photography (CCP) presents “W. Eugene Smith: A Life in Pictures” in the Alice Chaiten Baker Interdisciplinary Gallery.
CCP houses the W. Eugene Smith archive comprising 2,600 photographic prints in CCP’s fine print collection and volumes of artifacts, recordings, and other materials. Smith, who died in 1978 in Tucson, Arizona, at age 59, was once described as “one of the great masters of reportage and of photographic storytelling,” by the late John Berger.
“He pursued his self-assigned quest to capture the action of life, the life of the world, its humor, its tragedies, in other words, life as it is,” said CCP Chief Curator Rebecca Senf. “Smith set the standard for photo essays and made a lasting impact on the field of photojournalism.”
He left behind a vast and rich archive of correspondence, his own research material, negatives, proof prints, and audio recordings. The Center for Creative Photography is presenting 45 of Smith’s photographs as an opportunity to think about what conditions promote interdisciplinary engagement. Drawn from five series: World War II, Nurse Midwife, Jazz Loft, Hitachi Corporation, and Minamata, Smith’s work will be presented with archival material that helps expand consideration of his practice beyond an art historical lens, connecting his photographs to other fields and disciplines.
Opening Reception with Lecture
Get ready to dive into the captivating world of renowned photographer W. Eugene Smith. This in-person event is set to take place on Friday, Sept. 8, 2023, at 5:30 pm (MST). We invite you to immerse yourself in the mesmerizing photograph collection that showcases Smith’s incredible talent and unique perspective.
Listen to CCP Chief Curator Dr. Rebecca Senf discuss the life and legacy of W. Eugene Smith.
Opening Reception
Friday, Sept. 8, 5:30p
CCP Auditorium
With a lecture by Dr. Rebecca Senf
Visiting Artist Lecture
Thursday, Oct. 12, 5:30p
CCP Auditorium
With a lecture by Takeshi Ishikawa
Co-Sponsored by Etherton Gallery
