291 gallery

Definition

The 291 gallery was an influential art space established by Alfred Stieglitz in New York City in 1905, known for promoting modern art and photography as fine art. It played a pivotal role in the Photo-Secession Movement and showcased key works from various artists, helping to shape the American art scene post-Armory Show by bringing European avant-garde styles to a broader audience.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The 291 gallery was located at 291 Fifth Avenue in Manhattan and was operational until 1917, making it one of the first galleries dedicated solely to modern art.
2. Stieglitz not only exhibited photography but also paintings from notable artists like Pablo Picasso, Georgia O'Keeffe, and Marcel Duchamp, helping to integrate different forms of artistic expression.
3. The gallery's name '291' was derived from its street address, which became synonymous with cutting-edge artistic ideas and discussions.
4. The 291 gallery hosted influential exhibitions, such as the first solo show for Georgia O'Keeffe, which solidified her place in American modernism.
5. Stieglitz's efforts at the 291 gallery helped create a dialogue between American artists and European movements, leading to a significant shift in the American art landscape following the Armory Show.

Review Questions

• How did the 291 gallery influence the Photo-Secession Movement and contribute to the acceptance of photography as fine art?
  • The 291 gallery was crucial in promoting the Photo-Secession Movement by providing a platform where photography was displayed alongside painting and sculpture as an equal form of artistic expression. Alfred Stieglitz showcased innovative photographic works that challenged traditional perceptions of photography as merely a mechanical process. This helped cultivate an appreciation for photography’s artistic potential, fostering recognition of photographers as legitimate artists within the broader fine arts community.
• What role did the 291 gallery play in shaping the American art landscape after the Armory Show, particularly regarding modernist influences?
  • Following the Armory Show, which introduced American audiences to modern European art, the 291 gallery continued this momentum by exhibiting works that embraced modernist principles. Stieglitz presented artworks that highlighted abstraction and experimentation, further exposing audiences to avant-garde styles. This reinforcement of modernist ideals helped shift American art towards innovation, encouraging artists to explore new ideas and techniques that defined early 20th-century art.
• Evaluate how the exhibitions at the 291 gallery reflected the broader changes occurring in American society and culture during its operational years.
  • The exhibitions at the 291 gallery mirrored significant shifts in American society and culture, as they embraced progressive ideas aligned with modernism and individual expression. By showcasing works that broke away from traditional forms and techniques, Stieglitz encouraged viewers to reconsider their understanding of art amid rapid social changes. This movement toward modernism was indicative of a society grappling with its identity in a new century, reflecting broader themes of innovation, experimentation, and a desire for cultural renewal.

Related terms

Photo-Secession: A movement founded by Alfred Stieglitz that sought to elevate photography to the status of fine art, characterized by an emphasis on artistic vision rather than mere technical skill.

Armory Show:

A landmark exhibition held in 1913 that introduced American audiences to European modernism and challenged traditional views of art.

Modernism: A broad cultural movement that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, characterized by a break from traditional styles and an embrace of innovation and experimentation in art, literature, and architecture.