Jock Sturges Quotes
- Photographer
- USA
Jock Sturges is an American photographer best known for his large-format portraits of nude adolescents and their families in natural settings. His work has been widely exhibited in galleries and museums around the world, and his books, including The Last Day of Summer (1990), Radiant Identities (199…Read More
Jock Sturges is an American photographer best known for his large-format portraits of nude adolescents and their families in natural settings. His work has been widely exhibited in galleries and museums around the world, and his books, including The Last Day of Summer (1990), Radiant Identities (1994), and A Time of Change (1998), have become iconic in the world of photography. Sturges’ work has been praised for its sensitive and respectful approach to the subject matter, and for its celebration of the beauty of the human form.Read Less
Jock Sturges is an American photographer best known for his large-format portraits of nude adolescents and their families in natural settings. His work has been widely exhibited in galleries and museums around the world, and his books, including The Last Day of Summer (1990), Radiant Identities (1994), and A Time of Change (1998), have become iconic in the world of photography. Sturges’ work has been praised for its sensitive and respectful approach to the subject matter, and for its celebration of the beauty of the human form.
Jock Sturges Career Highlights
- Sturges’ career began in the 1970s when he started photographing his family and friends at nude beaches in Northern California. This led to his first major exhibition at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art in 1980.
- In 1990, Sturges published his first book, “The Last Day of Summer,” which featured his photographs of nude adolescents and their families. The book sparked controversy and was banned in several countries, including the United Kingdom.
- Sturges’ work has been exhibited in galleries and museums around the world, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Bibliothèque Nationale in Paris, and the Tokyo Metropolitan Museum of Photography.
- In 2008, Sturges was awarded the prestigious Lucie Award for Achievement in Fine Art Photography.
- Sturges continues to photograph and exhibit his work, with his most recent exhibition being held at the Fahey/Klein Gallery in Los Angeles in 2019.
Key Contributions by Jock Sturges
- Sturges’ photographs challenge societal norms and taboos surrounding nudity and adolescence. He captures the natural and innocent beauty of his subjects, while also exploring themes of identity, sexuality, and the human body.
- Sturges’ work has sparked important discussions about the representation of nudity and the boundaries of art and pornography. He has been praised for his sensitive and respectful approach to his subjects, and his ability to capture their vulnerability and humanity.
- Sturges’ photographs have also been used as evidence in legal cases involving child pornography, raising questions about the line between art and exploitation.
What Sets Jock Sturges Apart
- Sturges’ work is often compared to that of other controversial photographers such as Sally Mann and David Hamilton. However, what sets him apart is his focus on the natural and unposed beauty of his subjects, rather than creating provocative or sexualized images.
- Sturges’ photographs also stand out for their technical excellence and composition. He often uses large format cameras and natural light to create stunning and intimate portraits.
- Sturges’ dedication to his subject matter and his willingness to push boundaries and challenge societal norms have made him a highly respected and influential figure in the world of photography.
Takeaways
- Jock Sturges’ work serves as a reminder of the beauty and complexity of the human body, and the importance of accepting and embracing our natural selves.
- His photographs also raise important questions about censorship, artistic freedom, and the representation of nudity in art.
- Sturges’ career highlights the power of art to spark important conversations and challenge societal norms, even in the face of controversy and criticism.