Thesis shows aren’t usually hung salon-style. At most schools, students' experiences and interests differ, so each typically gets a few feet of wall space for themselves with the hope that their work can live in harmony with its neighbors. Inexorably, contexts clash. It’s always precarious. Even Hartford’s Photography MFA program lived by that mantra for its first few years, as the program's founder and director Robert Lyons explained to me, until 13, this year’s thesis exhibition at Joseloff Gallery in Hartford Connecticut. Lyons also curated the show, although he affirmed everyone had a voice the decision. It really is quite courageous of them all.

Exhibition Review by Romke Hoogwaerts

PostedAugust 8, 2017

AuthorRomke Hoogwaerts

CategoriesExhibitions, Artists

TagsRita Baunok, Ben Brody, Charles Byrne, Zach Callahan, Matthew Genitempo, Garrett Grove, Kelly Lynn James, Seth Johnson, Kevin Kunstadt, Emma Phillips, Tamara Reynolds, Andrew Waits, Virginia Wilcox, 2017 Photography MFA, Hartford MFA, Romke Hoogwaerts

In 2010, the Hartford Art School launched a unique MFA program in photography, distinguished from the traditions of Yale, Columbia, SVA and Cal Arts and other photography MFA canons. It stands apart through its limited-residency structure: summer-long intensive on-campus sessions, combined with travel components in the spring and fall in cities like Berlin and New York City. Students have access to a wide range of critics and lecturers throughout the year, including Alec Soth and Lisa Kereszi.

I emailed with founder Robert Lyons, and faculty members Jörg Colberg and Michael Vahrenwald to learn more about their philosophies on photography education, and what's moving them right now. We've also included some of our favorite photographs from the 2016 graduating class.

Looking Outward: Robert Lyons' Unconventional Approach to Curating This Year's Hartford Photography MFA

Hartford Art School's Unique Take On The Photography MFA: A Conversation with Robert Lyons, Michael Vahrenwald and Dr. Jörg Colberg