Displaced visions: émigré photographers of the 20th century

Abstract

The early practitioners of photography in the late 19th century and first decades of the 20th century shaped the evolving language of the medium by expanding the limits of the photographic vision. Many of these pioneers were immigrants - people displaced by choice or, quite often, by necessity. These photographers became observers and interpreters of their new surroundings through the filters of their different cultures, languages and religions. Photography in the 20th century (particularly the Modernist vision) is deeply indebted to them. Displaced Visions reconsiders the work and influence of key figures in modernist photography from the point of view of their status as immigrants, considering how this condition affected their vision and creativity and enhanced the development of the photographic language in general.