John Szarkowski recognized photography as an art form before it was accepted as such by many in academia. He used his incredible influence, and amazing understanding of the medium, to seek out and display photographic works of art.

For that we are all grateful, but unlike a critic, he enhanced a photographers reputation, and made the simple medium a legendary legacy. Once you were in MOMA you had achieved a status unequaled by any prize or contest, you literally became a part of the History of the medium.

He was more than just an art curator, as he followed much more than art photography. Fashion of Avedon, cigarette butts by Penn, and Ansel Adams were all a part of Art photography in Szarkowski's mind, for that broad scope and insight we owe him a huge debt of gratitude.

Gods speed to a legend.

rushlimpaw

I wish I were as well versed in photog as I am in film or music, but I can safely say that almost everything I know comes from a couple of benevolent photog teachers and Szarkowski. Truly a legend in the field.

Also: An interesting point about the death of the photography as a medium. I was having a very similar conversation regarding film the other day. It is interesting how technology can so easily erode aspects of the art world. Photography used to be spontaneous and exciting; even the artist didn't know what she had until after the printing process. Filmmakers used to have to trust their instincts and their "feel" on the set, because they may not see the result of an expensive shot until tomorrow's dailys.

Even the move from the typewriter to the computer has eroded the editing process.

Now, everything is "easier" to create, but of this ease is not born good art.