WAR/PHOTOGRAPHY: Images of Armed Conflict and Its Aftermath
November 10, 2012–February 2, 2013
On Veterans Day 2012, the MFAH debuts an unprecedented exhibition exploring the experience of war through the eyes of photographers. WAR/PHOTOGRAPHY: Images of Armed Conflict and Its Aftermath gathers together nearly 500 objects, including photographs, books, magazines, albums, and photographic equipment.
Images recorded by more than 280 photographers, from 28 nations, span 6 continents and more than 165 years, from the Mexican-American War in the mid-1800s to present-day conflicts. Iconic photographs as well as previously unknown images are featured, taken by military photographers, commercial photographers (portrait and photojournalist), amateurs, and artists.
Plan Your Visit • Download a map of the exhibition floor plan. • The photographs in this exhibition may not be suitable for all visitors.
The exhibition examines the relationship between war and photography, exploring the types of photographs created during wartime, as well as by whom and for whom. Rather than being organized chronologically, or as a survey of “greatest hits,” the images are arranged to show the progression of war: from the acts that instigate armed conflict to “the fight,” to victory and defeat, and photos that memorialize a war, its combatants, and its victims. Portraits of servicemen, military and political leaders, and civilians are a consistent presence.
Accompanying the show is a 600-page illustrated catalogue featuring interviews and essays by curators, scholars, and military historians. After the Houston premiere, WAR/PHOTOGRAPHY travels to the Annenberg Space for Photography in Los Angeles; the Corcoran Gallery of Art in Washington, DC; and the Brooklyn Museum.
This exhibition is organized by the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.
Generous funding is provided by: Phillip and Edith Leonian Foundation The Annenberg Foundation Mr. James Edward Maloney and Mr. Carey Chambers Maloney The Trellis Fund/Betsy and Frank Karel The Robert Mapplethorpe Foundation, Inc. Mr. Charles Butt Sutherland Asbill & Brennan LLP An Anonymous Donor in memory of Thomas W. Tucker Chris Hondros Fund Isla and Tommy Reckling Trust for Mutual Understanding Humanities Texas, the state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities Richard and Dodie Jackson Nancy Powell Moore Kelly Wirfel and John Holcomb
Admission for veterans and active duty military is generously underwritten by: