Picture-perfect addition to Ryerson Image Centre Book series
A photograph featured in the latest publication from the RIC Books series. Anonymous photographer, Lightning-Resistance Test of a Car, 1960. Gelatin silver print, 19.2 x 24 cm. Private collection, Paris.
It’s a badge of honour to have renowned photography historian Clément Chéroux commend your book series – and an even greater honour when he suggests adding his own book. That’s precisely what happened in 2020, when Chéroux contacted Thierry Gervais, head of research at the Ryerson Image Centre (external link) (RIC), with his idea for Since 1839… Eleven Essays on Photography, which will launch at the RIC on May 31 at 7 p.m. ET.*
“Clément had volumes of our series and loved them,” recalled Gervais, who is the RIC Books series editor. “When he suggested this new book, I said yes, I think it’s a great idea.”
An event to remember
This fifth volume in the scholarly RIC Books series (external link) , published in partnership with the MIT Press, features a selection of essays by Chéroux, the Joel and Anne Ehenkranz Chief Curator of Photography at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York. Chéroux will speak at the book launch, in conversation with Gervais, and the two will discuss the unique case studies and previously untold stories of photography included in the book. A Q&A session will follow their discussion, and Chéroux and Gervais will answer questions from the in-person and online audience (external link) .
“This event will sum up everything – Clément’s vision, the book, the series, and we’ll also talk about the research department at the RIC, which is very important because there are not many museums with a department that is solely dedicated to the history and study of photography,” said Gervais. “It’s a great book, he’s a great academic and inspirational person, so it’s an opportunity not to miss. It’s going to be a great time.”
Clément Chéroux (left), The Joel and Anne Ehrenkranz Chief Curator of Photography, will speak about his new book (right). Photo: The Museum of Modern Art.
The “Since 1839” title refers to the date photography was invented in France. “It’s the date we usually use for a starting point in the history of photography,” explained Gervais. “It’s when Louis Daguerre first sold his process, the daguerreotype, to the French government, and they made it available to everyone.”
“It’s a vision about photography”
For this strikingly designed and illustrated volume, Chéroux’s writings have been newly translated into English and published together in one volume for the first time. He discusses ways of sharing images, from the 19th century to the digital age, considers the ideals of early photography, and analyzes the duality of amateur photography.
Chéroux also describes the appeal of photographs snapped from a speeding train and explains the historical value of first-generation prints of photographs, among other topics. Through an analysis of key photographs taken on 9/11, Chéroux shows that the same six images were seen again and again in the press.
“In this book, Clément is willing to share a more holistic approach to photography, and his very important vision. It’s really at the junction of the museum world and the academic world, which is what makes the book very interesting,” said Gervais.
“He talks about different aspects of photography – from vernacular photography to surrealism, about photographs taken in concentration camps during the Second World War, and the use of photographs in art. It’s a book about photography, not its subjects – it’s a vision about photography.”
Since 1839... Eleven Essays on Photography can be purchased in person at the Ryerson Image Centre and at the centre’s online store (external link) . All five publications in the RIC Books series can now be purchased as a set for the first time.
* Due to limited space and COVID-19 safety protocols, the in-person event is invitation only, but will also be available online via Zoom – register here (external link) .
