Passing the Torch: The Chicago Students of Callahan and Siskind

Passing the Torch brings to light more than fifty vintage photographs – newly discovered works by accomplished but unfamiliar artists and unknown and lesser known pieces by those artists whose images you thought you knew well. All were students of Harry Callahan and/or Aaron Siskind during the duo’s legendary years of teaching at the Chicago’s Institute of Design, the single most influential school for photography and design in mid-twentieth century America. The finely printed photographs in this exhibition explore architectural complexity, the fluidity of human form, social documentary, the minds interior landscape and technical innovation as an end in itself. The images provide an engaging reunion of varied talents all of whose visual and perceptual sensibilities were honed by their years of study with Callahan and Siskind.