Joel Meyerowitz: A Question of Color
“A Question of Color” by Joel Meyerowitz explores the early experiments in both color and black-and-white photography by the young Meyerowitz, a trailblazer in the history of color photography. As an early supporter of color photography, Meyerowitz has left a lasting impact on subsequent generations of artists, dedicating fifty-eight years to documenting the ever-evolving social landscape of the United States.
In the late 1960s, Meyerowitz, a pioneer in the field, carried two cameras—one loaded with monochrome film and the other with color. The shift from the traditional black-and-white image-making, highly esteemed in the gallery system, to color photography, once associated mainly with tourist snapshots, sparked considerable debate among American fine art photographers.
“A Question of Color” delves into Meyerowitz’s personal journey as a photographer, challenging the prevailing notion that serious photographers exclusively worked in black and white. He questioned, “But why,” recognizing that the world is inherently in color. Subsequently, he embraced color photography, experimenting with various rolls of film and techniques—a passion that continues to drive his work.
About the Author
Joel Meyerowitz, a native of New York born in 1938, stands as a renowned photographer acknowledged for his exceptional contributions. His photographic creations have graced over 350 exhibitions in various museums and galleries globally. Embarking on the journey of color photography in 1962, Meyerowitz courageously advocated for this medium during a period marked by considerable resistance to the recognition of color photography as a form of serious art. In 2017, Meyerowitz received a distinguished honor for his lifelong dedication, securing a coveted place in the prestigious Leica Hall of Fame. He was lauded as a “magician using color,” praised for his remarkable talent to not only capture but also frame the decisive moment.
Contributing to this narrative is Robert Shore, a prominent figure in the realm of contemporary art and photography. Hailing from a background of extensive experience, Shore has authored multiple books, including “Post-Photography: The Artist with a Camera,” “Beg, Steal and Borrow: Artists against Originality,” “Andy Warhol,” and “Yayoi Kusama.” Having served for many years as an arts reviewer and as the editor of Elephant magazine, Shore brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to the discussion.
