291 gallery

Definition

The 291 gallery was a significant art gallery founded in 1916 by photographer Alfred Stieglitz in New York City, known for showcasing modernist art and photography. It played a crucial role in promoting the work of American and European artists who were part of the modernist movement, establishing a platform for innovative forms of expression and the avant-garde. The gallery not only focused on painting and sculpture but also became an important space for the development of straight photography.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The 291 gallery operated until 1917 and became known for its avant-garde exhibitions that featured both American and European artists.
2. Stieglitz used the gallery as a platform to introduce European modernists like Picasso and Duchamp to American audiences.
3. The gallery was named after its address at 291 Fifth Avenue, which became a hub for artists, writers, and intellectuals of the time.
4. It played a pivotal role in changing public perception of photography, advocating for straight photography as an artistic medium distinct from traditional pictorialism.
5. In addition to visual arts, the gallery also served as a meeting place for discussions on modernist ideas, influencing a generation of artists and photographers.

Review Questions

• How did the 291 gallery contribute to the recognition of photography as an art form during its operation?
  • The 291 gallery significantly contributed to the recognition of photography as an art form by showcasing straight photography alongside other modernist works. Alfred Stieglitz, through his exhibitions, demonstrated that photography could convey artistic expression comparable to painting and sculpture. By featuring innovative photographers and hosting discussions about photographic techniques, the gallery helped elevate public appreciation for photography within the broader modernist movement.
• Discuss how the 291 gallery impacted the careers of emerging modernist photographers and artists in the early 20th century.
  • The 291 gallery had a profound impact on the careers of emerging modernist photographers and artists by providing them with a prominent platform to showcase their work. Artists like Edward Weston and Paul Strand gained visibility through exhibitions at the gallery, which validated their artistic endeavors. The connections formed within this space often led to collaborations, critical discussions, and increased opportunities for these artists, helping to shape the trajectory of modern art in America.
• Evaluate the lasting influence of the 291 gallery on contemporary art practices and how it laid the groundwork for future art institutions.
  • The lasting influence of the 291 gallery on contemporary art practices is evident in its pioneering approach to exhibiting modernist works and fostering dialogue around new artistic movements. By championing straight photography and incorporating diverse artistic disciplines, it established a model for future galleries to embrace innovation and experimentation. The gallery's commitment to supporting avant-garde artists helped lay the groundwork for contemporary art institutions that continue to prioritize new ideas and challenge traditional boundaries within the art world.

Related terms

Alfred Stieglitz:

An influential American photographer and modern art promoter who founded the 291 gallery, known for his role in elevating photography as an art form.

Photo-Secession: A movement founded by Stieglitz to promote photography as a fine art, characterized by its emphasis on artistic expression and innovative techniques.

Modernism: A broad cultural movement that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, characterized by a break from traditional forms of art and a focus on new ideas and perspectives.