Currently on view at the Art Institute of Chicago is the exhibit of Timothy H. O'Sullivan: The
King Survey Photographs. O'Sullivan cut his teeth in photography by documenting the civil war for Mathew Brady. After the war his field photography skills led him to succeed outside the studio and naturally he became a Survey Photographer. Never again will the intersection of adventure, science,
art, and naturalist meet so symbiotically. Such is the life of of the westward expansion era
survey photographer. These photographs were taken at the same time as
John Muir's first visit to the Sierra Nevada. Some even predate Muir's
exit from the Midwest. O'Sullivan was brought to the Fortieth Parallel by Clarence King to survey the area for industrial development. Gritty views of Mono Lake, Donner Pass, Pyramid
Lake, and the Wasatch Mountains hang on the gallery walls alongside images of the mining and
railroad industry and geothermal formations. These photographs captivate the eye as much as
the imagination.
The
exhibit is on view until Jan, 15 2012.
1 comment:
Thanks for sharing, Tommy. Beautiful photos!
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