The show achieves in about two hours what a history of photography course could only dream to do in an entire semester. The exhibit provides proof that photography is a fine art through 150 rarely-shown iconic prints by the world?s most pivotal and well known American and European photographers such as Alfred Stieglitz, Edward Weston, Man Ray and Life magazine?s Margaret Bourke-White.

“Looking Through the Lens” takes viewers from 1900 to 1960, moving from Pictorialism?s romantic, soft-focus aesthetics, seen in Stieglitz?s journal Camera Work and his portraits of Georgia O?Keefe, into Modernism?s techniques meant to abstract subjects such as cropping, close ups and unusual camera angles, only possible with the advent of the 35 mm camera.

The journey through photography?s evolution continues with walls devoted to Surrealism?s love of chance. On display are works by David Hare and other innovators who delighted in photography?s? Russian roulette – multiple exposures, printing from two negative simultaneously and melting select areas of negatives.

Many of the images in “Looking Through the Lens” come from the George H. Dalsheimer collection of more than 700 pictures the BMA acquired in 1988.

“It really is an embarrassment of riches,” said Curator Rena Hoisington about choosing images from the Dalsheimer collection for certain areas of the show.

One especially poignant area documents suffering from the Great Depression among migrant farmers in California and small-town Southerners. Photographs by Dorothea Lange and Walker Evans, shot while working for the Farm Security Administration, remind viewers of the photography?s enduring power and ability to ensure future generations not only understand the facts surrounding economic hardships, but feel the emotions staining the prints.

Artists from the New York School and Institute of Design are also represented.

“The Critic” by crime photographer Weegee also stands out for the quality of the image as much as Weegee?s and his pictures? backstories. Weegee, or Arthur Fellig, a freelance crime photographer, was often the first to reach crime scenes after he installed a police radio in his car.

Hit?em with your best shot

All are invited to submit to the BMA their digital images inspired by the exhibit “Looking Through the Lens” and four thematic questions: >> “What is special about the light?”

>> “How does the photographer make the ordinary extraordinary?”

>> “What does this have to do with me?”

>> “Could this happen in Baltimore?”

The best submissions will be on view in the BMA?s Looking Now Digital Gallery, where 19 professional photographers? responded to “Looking Through the Lens” are on display. In April, images from about 30 middle and high school students in the Youthlight after-school program who are mentored by professional photographers will be added to the Looking Now Digital Gallery.

IF YOU GO

Looking Through the Lens

WHERE: Baltimore Museum of Art

10 Art Museum Drive, Baltimore

WHEN: Through June 8

INFO: 443-573-1700

[email protected]