Photography And Painting:the Reality And Abstraction Of Alfred Stieglitz

In the history of modern art, the relationship between photography and painting is an important topic dating back to the discussion on the changing way of seeing in late 19th century and early 20th. Alfred Stieglitz definitely played a transitional role in history. This dissertation focus on the artistic photography, "291 "gallery, Camera Work magazine of Stieglitz and their relationships with early modern art in the United States, also with European modern art. It is based on the transition, change, and separation of the way of viewing on photography and painting in order to analyze the evolutio nary process and development of early modern art in America. Founded upon a great number of first-hand English documents, this paper provides a new perspective of photography and painting by Camera Work, which, as a magazine of 291, presents a clear path of Stieglitz and art photography, European modern art and early modern art in United States. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to talk about Stieghtz’s photography practice, art creation of European Avant-garde artists like Auguste Rodin, Henri Matisse, Pablo Picasso, as well as American modern artists like Arthor Dove, Marsden Hartley, Georgia O’Keeffe. By presenting the activities of introducing and promoting artists of 291, it explains how the concept of modern art was gradually accepted by local art in America and subsequently accelerated the transform in art concept. This paper is divided into four parts:return to Visual reality, far from tradition, conversion of symbolic, image and identity, as well as new ways of viewing images. In terms of research ideas, the article refines a logic thinking of modern art about the Stieglitz’s art photography practice and early modern art in America. As for research methods, it combines image analysis of photography and paintings with the interpretation of references, arts and cultural phenomena, and strives to show the evolution of early modern art in United States. During the transformation and development of art, the acceptance and appreciation of modern art in United States can not be neglected. On the one hand, since the establishment of 291, it has guided the development direction of modern art galleries in the United States, preparing the audience for Abstract Expressionism. On the other hand, the acceptance and recognition of modern art come from a desire to be unique and independent values, inducing the modern painting that could reflect personal spirituality to take root in the soil of American culture.Stieglitz acts as a critic, artist as well as art educator, who promotes the development of American modern art, and is backbone in the history of American modern art. From 1907 to 1920, he established important linkages in New York and Paris art scene. Through his promotion and his multiple roles, he has lead the new path for publics to accept, appreciate, and read modern art history.