Barbara Spofford Morgan

Barbara Spofford Morgan

Barbara Spofford Morgan (1900–1992) was an influential American photographer and photojournalist, renowned for her pioneering work in documenting the American avant-garde of the 1930s and 1940s, particularly in dance photography. Her work significantly contributed to the visual culture of the time and played a crucial role in the development of modern photography.

Early Life and Education

Barbara Spofford Morgan was born in 1900 in Buffalo, New York. From a young age, she exhibited a keen interest in the arts, influenced by her family's appreciation for creativity and expression. Morgan pursued her education in the arts at the University of California, Los Angeles, where she developed a passion for painting and printmaking. It was during her time at university that she began to explore the potential of photography as a medium for artistic expression.

Career

Morgan's career in photography began in the late 1920s, after she moved to New York City, a hub for artists and intellectuals. She quickly became immersed in the city's vibrant cultural scene, connecting with dancers, choreographers, and other artists. Her fascination with movement and expression found a perfect subject in dance, leading her to document the rehearsals and performances of Martha Graham, Merce Cunningham, and other pioneers of modern dance.

Her photographs of dancers were not mere recordings of performances but were imbued with a sense of energy, emotion, and abstraction that mirrored the avant-garde spirit of the time. Morgan's work was characterized by its dynamic composition, innovative use of light and shadow, and the ability to capture the essence of movement and human emotion.

In addition to her dance photography, Morgan was also known for her photojournalism and portraits of prominent figures of her time, including artists, writers, and intellectuals. Her photographs were published in major magazines and newspapers, bringing her work to a wider audience and establishing her as a significant figure in American photography.

Legacy

Barbara Spofford Morgan's contributions to photography and the visual documentation of the American avant-garde have left a lasting legacy. Her work is celebrated for its artistic and historical significance, offering a unique glimpse into the cultural landscape of the United States during the 1930s and 1940s. Morgan's photographs are held in the collections of major museums and galleries, and her influence continues to be acknowledged by contemporary photographers and artists.

Selected Works

• Martha Graham: Sixteen Dances in Photographs (1941)
• Summer's Children (1951)

See Also

• Photography
• Modern dance
• Martha Graham
• Merce Cunningham
• Photojournalism