Equivalent 1926

Alfred Stieglitz made this gelatin silver print, Equivalent, as part of a series of cloud photographs. In the early 20th century, photography was still fighting for recognition as a fine art, on par with painting and sculpture. Stieglitz, a key figure in this struggle, sought to prove photography's artistic merit. By focusing on clouds, he aimed to capture emotions and ideas, not just representational accuracy. Made in the United States, these photographs reflect the broader cultural shift toward abstraction in art, influenced by European movements like symbolism. Stieglitz was interested in the power of suggestion rather than direct representation. His work invites the viewer to find their own meaning in the image, emphasizing the subjective experience of art. Understanding this image requires us to look at the history of photography and the art world. By examining Stieglitz's writings, and the critical reception of his work, we can better appreciate the social and institutional context that shaped his artistic vision.