Songs of the Sky K2 or H2 c. 1923

Alfred Stieglitz made this gelatin silver print, Songs of the Sky K2, to push the boundaries of what photography could be. In the early 20th century, photography was often seen as merely a tool for documentation, not true art. But Stieglitz, deeply involved in the New York art scene, believed photography could express inner emotions and abstract ideas. He began photographing clouds, which he called "Equivalents," aiming to capture feelings through form and light rather than literal representation. This approach challenged the established art world, which often favored painting and sculpture. By focusing on the sky, Stieglitz sought to create images that were universally accessible, transcending social and cultural barriers. To fully appreciate Stieglitz's work, one must delve into the history of photography as an art form, examining the debates and the institutions that shaped its acceptance. Ultimately, art historians play a crucial role in uncovering these layers of meaning, using resources like letters, exhibition catalogs, and critical reviews to understand the complex interplay between art, society, and the institutions that support it.