This guide will help you navigate resources for completing Assignment 2:
Choose a contemporary lens-based artist (Photographer/Videographer) whose work you would like to better understand. Prepare a 20-minute presentation on the artist, with at least 20 images of his/her work. Please include biographical information (year and place of birth, education, whether alive or deceased, influences). Through online and library research, artist statements, and other source material, please give an overview of the arc of the artist’s work, his/her concerns, places the work has been exhibited, etc.
If you haven't settled on a contemporary photographer yet, here are some places to look for inspiration:
| TR645 | Exhibitions, A-Z |
| TR647 | Individual photographers, A-Z |
| TR654 | Contemporary photography |
| TR656.5 | Still life photography |
| TR660 | Landscape photography |
| TR675 | Human figure in photography |
| TR680 | Portraiture |
Print books are still one of the best places to find high-quality images with factually reliable information. There are several ways to find what you need:
Search the FLO Catalog for your photographer's name. For more information about navigating our photo book collection, see the Books page on our Photography Guide.
Note that many of these titles are held by the SMFA Library's local consortium partners. You can visit these libraries directly to check out books, or place a request for delivery to the SMFA.
Browse the shelves at the SMFA Library according to the subject headings listed above.
The SMFA Library provides access to Artstor and Camio, two excellent image databases. Librarians are available to help you navigate these resources.
Other good resources:
Biographical information
Artist statements, exhibition history, and other contextual information
Books and artist and websites are great places for this information as well. Most personal websites will include biographies, CVs, and other helpful information.
Please feel free to get in touch with a librarian at any stage of your research process. Stop by the library (located on the third floor of the B side of the Fenway building), or get in touch directly with:
Ashley Peterson
Darin Murphy
Circulation Desk (evening and weekend contact)