Immersive *Photography Is* Festival Runs Sep 18–Nov 22
The project is a collaboration between 100+ Purchase alumni and students.
An immersive celebration of photography, the *Photography Is* festival runs from September 18 to November 22, 2024.
Curated by artists and faculty members Joshua Lutz and Katie Murray, the festival explores the multifaceted nature of photography through exhibitions, workshops, talks, installations, and interactive activities.
The festival invites attendees to reflect on photography’s evolving role and relevance, exploring its contemporary, historical, and alternative narratives. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in diverse exhibitions, discussions, and hands-on experiences to deepen their understanding of photography in the 21st century.
“More than just an event or a series of exhibitions, *Photography Is* creates a dialogue between artists, scholars, and photography enthusiasts. The symposium will address critical topics such as identity, race, gender, representation, technology, and society, inviting participants to explore and celebrate the medium. We look forward to engaging with the campus and the public on these topics throughout the fall semester,” says curator and professor Joshua Lutz.
Prominent alumni whose work will be featured include: Justin O’Neill, Visual Director of Esquire; Camille Seaman ’92, a TED Senior Fellow; and Kris Graves ’04, whose work has been featured on the cover of National Geographic.
A sample of the exhibitions and events are listed below. To see all related experiences, follow the link:
Exhibitions
Photography is Us
Sept 18–Nov 22
Celebrates 50 years of faculty and alumni contributions, showcasing the evolution of photographic practice at Purchase College.
Photography is Heritage
Sept 18–Nov 22
by Deborah Mesa-Pelly explores heritage and American experiences.
Photography is What Matters
Sept 18–Nov 20
A collaboration between residents of the Broadview Senior Living community on campus and Purchase students, focusing on intergenerational storytelling.
Photography is How We See
Sept 18–Nov 20
A student-curated exhibition of photobooks discussing identity and environment.
Photography is Latent
Sept 18–Nov 20
A video installation by Belgian artist Mishka Henner, projected onto the Visual Arts Building, exploring photography’s ambiguous nature.
Photography Is Light
Transforms the Center for Engagement building into a camera obscura, offering an immersive experience that connects visitors to the fundamentals of visual perception and art.
Workshops and Masterclasses
Workshops and masterclasses provide hands-on experience and insights from industry leaders, including zine creation, film screenings, and live performances.
Artist Talks
Rachelle Mozman Solano on September 18
Deborah Mesa-Pelly on September 25
Elle Pérez on October 2
Community Engagement
The festival also includes interactive installations, local food vendors, live music, and family-friendly activities, fostering a welcoming atmosphere for all attendees.
This exhibition is made possible with generous support from LISTO and AAP. The contents of the exhibition website were developed under a grant from the Department of Education. However, those contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the Department of Education, and should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government.
The Photography BFA Program
Purchase College’s BFA in Photography program provides in-depth study focused specifically on the understanding of photographs: what they do, how they function, and how to make them.
From the history of photography to advanced digital practices, students learn from accomplished artists what it means to make photographs today.
Students begin with the traditional practice of film and large-format photography and then work their way to building a robust digital practice. They experiment with the material forms of book-making and video art as well as conceptual ideas within a larger art world context. Culminating in a senior project and solo thesis exhibition, students gain the tools to navigate what it means to be a lifelong artist.
For information on applying and portfolio requirements, visit the program website..