This installation focuses on photographs from the 19th century to today that construct drama through an attention to detail, gesture, and staging.

The 1970s saw a resurgence of forms of theatrical photography that had emerged following the invention of the medium in the 19th century, from Cindy Sherman’s series critiquing female archetypes to Nan Goldin’s personal chronicles of sex and intimacy. Meanwhile, narrative photographs grew more cinematic in scale, resolution, and color saturation. Today, a new generation, including Genesis Báez, Tommy Kha, and Cara Romero, use commercial photography’s high production value to create images that reflect on personal identity and social stereotypes.

Photographic Storytelling is on view on the fourth floor through June 9. 

In the lower lobby, a selection of work by Allan Chasanoff (1936–2020, B.A. 1961) is also on display. This presentation complements the release of the first catalogue to survey Chasanoff’s photographs.