The Rise of Photography as a Separate Entity

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 21 views

The Forgotten Art: Photography's Exclusion from the Fine Arts Building at the 1893 Chicago World's Fair

The 1893 Chicago World's Fair, also known as the World's Columbian Exposition, was a groundbreaking event that showcased the latest innovations and achievements in various fields. However, amidst the grandeur and excitement, a significant decision was made that would have a lasting impact on the art world. Photography, a medium that was rapidly gaining popularity, was excluded from the Fine Arts building and instead housed with "Instruments of precision, experiment, and research."

This decision was a reflection of the societal attitudes towards photography at the time. Many people viewed photography as a "mechanical process" rather than a true art form. They saw it as a means of reproducing reality, rather than creating something new and original. This perception was further reinforced by the fact that photography was often associated with "science and investigative reporting", rather than the fine arts.

The exclusion of photography from the Fine Arts building was a significant blow to the medium. It was a "side interest" that was not taken seriously by the art establishment. However, this decision also had a profound impact on the development of photography as an art form. It forced photographers to seek alternative venues and audiences, leading to the creation of new and innovative works.

The Rise of Photography as a Separate Entity

The exclusion of photography from the Fine Arts building marked the beginning of a new era in the history of photography. It was a time of great change and innovation, as photographers began to push the boundaries of their medium. They experimented with new techniques, styles, and subjects, creating works that were both beautiful and thought-provoking.

One of the key figures in this movement was Eadweard Muybridge, a British photographer who is often credited with creating the first motion pictures. Muybridge's work, which included a series of photographs showing a horse in motion, was a major influence on the development of photography as a separate entity.

Another important figure was Eadweard's contemporary, Alfred Stieglitz, who was a pioneer of modern photography. Stieglitz's work, which included photographs of landscapes, cityscapes, and portraits, was a major influence on the development of photography as a fine art.

The Impact of the Exclusion on the Art World

The exclusion of photography from the Fine Arts building had a significant impact on the art world. It marked a turning point in the history of photography, as it forced photographers to seek alternative venues and audiences. This led to the creation of new and innovative works, which challenged the traditional notions of art and beauty.

The exclusion also had a profound impact on the art establishment. It highlighted the limitations and biases of the art world, and forced artists and critics to re-examine their assumptions about what constitutes art. This led to a greater appreciation and understanding of photography as a medium, and paved the way for its recognition as a fine art.

Conclusion

The exclusion of photography from the Fine Arts building at the 1893 Chicago World's Fair was a significant event in the history of photography. It marked a turning point in the development of the medium, as photographers began to push the boundaries of their art. The exclusion also had a profound impact on the art world, highlighting the limitations and biases of the art establishment. Today, photography is recognized as a fine art, and its exclusion from the Fine Arts building is seen as a pivotal moment in its history.

The Legacy of the Exclusion

The exclusion of photography from the Fine Arts building has left a lasting legacy in the art world. It has inspired generations of photographers to push the boundaries of their medium, and to challenge the traditional notions of art and beauty. The exclusion has also had a profound impact on the way we think about photography, and its place in the art world.

In conclusion, the exclusion of photography from the Fine Arts building at the 1893 Chicago World's Fair was a significant event in the history of photography. It marked a turning point in the development of the medium, and had a profound impact on the art world. Today, photography is recognized as a fine art, and its exclusion from the Fine Arts building is seen as a pivotal moment in its history.

References

"The World's Columbian Exposition: A Photographic Record" by the Library of Congress
"The History of Photography" by Beaumont Newhall
"The Art of Photography" by John Szarkowski
"The World's Columbian Exposition: A Guide to the Fair" by the Chicago World's Fair Commission

Discussion Questions

What were the reasons behind the exclusion of photography from the Fine Arts building at the 1893 Chicago World's Fair?
How did the exclusion impact the development of photography as a medium?
What was the impact of the exclusion on the art world?
How has the exclusion of photography from the Fine Arts building been remembered and celebrated in the art world?

Further Reading

"The World's Columbian Exposition: A Photographic Record" by the Library of Congress
"The History of Photography" by Beaumont Newhall
"The Art of Photography" by John Szarkowski
"The World's Columbian Exposition: A Guide to the Fair" by the Chicago World's Fair Commission

External Links

The Library of Congress: www.loc.gov
The Metropolitan Museum of Art: www.metmuseum.org
The Museum of Modern Art: www.moma.org
The Chicago World's Fair Commission: www.chicagoworldsfair.com
Q&A: The Exclusion of Photography from the Fine Arts Building at the 1893 Chicago World's Fair

Q: What was the reason behind the exclusion of photography from the Fine Arts building at the 1893 Chicago World's Fair?

A: The reason behind the exclusion of photography from the Fine Arts building at the 1893 Chicago World's Fair was due to the societal attitudes towards photography at the time. Many people viewed photography as a "mechanical process" rather than a true art form. They saw it as a means of reproducing reality, rather than creating something new and original.

Q: Who were some of the key figures in the development of photography as a separate entity?

A: Some of the key figures in the development of photography as a separate entity were Eadweard Muybridge, a British photographer who is often credited with creating the first motion pictures, and Alfred Stieglitz, a pioneer of modern photography.

Q: What was the impact of the exclusion on the art world?

A: The exclusion of photography from the Fine Arts building had a significant impact on the art world. It marked a turning point in the history of photography, as photographers began to push the boundaries of their medium. The exclusion also highlighted the limitations and biases of the art establishment, and forced artists and critics to re-examine their assumptions about what constitutes art.

Q: How has the exclusion of photography from the Fine Arts building been remembered and celebrated in the art world?

A: The exclusion of photography from the Fine Arts building has been remembered and celebrated in the art world as a pivotal moment in the history of photography. It has inspired generations of photographers to push the boundaries of their medium, and to challenge the traditional notions of art and beauty.

Q: What are some of the key works that were created as a result of the exclusion?

A: Some of the key works that were created as a result of the exclusion include Eadweard Muybridge's series of photographs showing a horse in motion, and Alfred Stieglitz's photographs of landscapes, cityscapes, and portraits.

Q: How has the exclusion of photography from the Fine Arts building influenced the development of photography as a fine art?

A: The exclusion of photography from the Fine Arts building has had a profound influence on the development of photography as a fine art. It has forced photographers to seek alternative venues and audiences, leading to the creation of new and innovative works. The exclusion has also highlighted the importance of photography as a medium, and paved the way for its recognition as a fine art.

Q: What are some of the key museums and institutions that have played a role in the development of photography as a fine art?

A: Some of the key museums and institutions that have played a role in the development of photography as a fine art include the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art, and the Library of Congress.

Q: How can readers learn more about the exclusion of photography from the Fine Arts building and its impact on the art world?

A: Readers can learn more about the exclusion of photography from the Fine Arts building and its impact on the art world by visiting the websites of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art, and the Library of Congress. They can also read books such as "The History of Photography" by Beaumont Newhall and "The Art of Photography" by John Szarkowski.

Q: What are some of the key resources that readers can use to learn more about the exclusion of photography from the Fine Arts building?

A: Some of the key resources that readers can use to learn more about the exclusion of photography from the Fine Arts building include:

"The World's Columbian Exposition: A Photographic Record" by the Library of Congress
"The History of Photography" by Beaumont Newhall
"The Art of Photography" by John Szarkowski
"The World's Columbian Exposition: A Guide to the Fair" by the Chicago World's Fair Commission

Q: How can readers get involved in the conversation about the exclusion of photography from the Fine Arts building and its impact on the art world?

A: Readers can get involved in the conversation about the exclusion of photography from the Fine Arts building and its impact on the art world by sharing their thoughts and opinions on social media using the hashtag #photographyexclusion. They can also attend lectures and exhibitions at museums and institutions, and participate in online forums and discussions.