Matter of Record: Photography and the Creation of Meaning

Museum Hours

Matter of Record: Photography and the Creation of Meaning explores how photography has engaged with current events and issues since its invention. The art in the exhibition represents 150 years of some of the most important photographers’ participation in our understanding of war, labor, social justice, different environments, and cultural identities.

The way we interpret photographs has always been complicated by associations with objective “Truth” and science, but it is also a creative endeavor. This exhibition will encourage guests to consider how the perspectives of the photographer, their audience, and their subject come together to create meaning in different cultural moments.

September 13, 2024–April 6, 2025

Indianapolis Museum of Art Galleries at Newfields

INCLUDED WITH GENERAL ADMISSION

FREE FOR MEMBERS

ADVANCE TICKETS REQUIRED

Get Tickets

In A Time of Panthers #8

Jeffrey Henson Scales (American, b. 1954), In A Time of Panthers #8, 1970, printed 2021, gelatin silver print, 14-9/16 × 21-3/4 in. (image); 19-7/8 × 24 in. (sheet). Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields, Roger G. Wolcott Fund, 2022.8. © 2024 Jeffrey Henson Scales / Artists Rights Society (ARS), NY.
Nickel Tailings, #34 Sudbury, Ontario

Edward Burtynsky (Canadian, b. 1955), Nickel Tailings, #34 Sudbury, Ontario, 1996, chromogenic print, 15-7/8 × 25-1/16 in. (image); 21 × 29-1/2 in. (sheet), Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields, Gift of Donald A. and Loryne M. Coffin, 2013.284. © Edward Burtynsky.
A Little "Shaver," Indianapolis Newsboy, 41 inches high. Said he was 6 years old. Aug. 1908. Wit. E.N. Clopper. Location: Indianapolis, Indiana

Lewis W. Hine (American, 1874–1940), A Little "Shaver," Indianapolis Newsboy, 41 inches high. Said he was 6 years old. Aug. 1908. Wit. E.N. Clopper. Location: Indianapolis, Indiana., about 1920, gelatin silver print affixed to artist's mount, 9-1/2 × 7-5/8 in. (sheet), Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields, Gift of Lee Marks and John C. DePrez, Jr., Shelbyville, Indiana, 2008.770.
Filipinos Cutting Lettuce, Salinas, California

Dorothea Lange (American, 1895–1965), Filipinos Cutting Lettuce, Salinas, California, 1935, gelatin silver print affixed to mount, 11 × 10-3/8 in. (sheet); 17 × 15-3/8 in. (mount), Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields, Richard M. Fairbanks Endowed Art Fund, 2003.45.
New York City (Hard-Hat Rally, New York)

Garry Winogrand (American, 1928–1984), New York City (Hard-Hat Rally, New York), 1969, printed 1978, gelatin silver print, 11 × 13-7/8 in., Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields, Gift of Dr. and Mrs. F. E. McAree, 79.673. © The Estate of Garry Winogrand, courtesy of Fraenkel Gallery, San Francisco.

Carleton Emmons Watkins (American, 1829–1916), Taysayac, Half Dome, 4967 Ft., Yosemite, 1861, mammoth plate albumen print, 15-3/8 × 20-3/8 in. (image); 21 × 27 in.(sheet), Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields, Delavan Smith Fund, 1994.38.