The history of photography in the United States is deeply tied to the American West. From 19th century survey expeditions to 21st century environmental movements, Western landscapes are activated as some of the most prominent subjects in American photographic history. This exhibition traces 150 years of Utah landscape photography from the UMFA's expansive collection. The artworks offer insight into how generations of photographers have used this technology to construct an image of Utah. They also confront humanity's impact on this land since the 1870s – the railroads, highways, mines, and other forms of infrastructure that puncture the "natural" landscape and shape our perception of this place.
Shaping Landscapes: 150 Years of Photography in Utah is on display in the UMFA's Modern and Contemporary galleries from September 16, 2023 to March 3, 2024. Learn more here.