"WAR/PHOTOGRAPHY: Images of Armed Conflict and Its Aftermath"

On Veterans Day 2012, the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, 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 165 years and 6 continents, from the Mexican-American War in the mid-1800s to present-day conflicts. Iconic photographs as well as unknown images are featured, taken by military photographers, commercial photographers (portrait and photojournalist), amateurs, and artists.

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.

mfah.org/exhibitions/warphotography-photographs-armed-conflict-and-its-/

by MFAH Membership