Sessions on Creative Photography is one comprehensive look at the boundary-breaking career of Hazel Larsen Archer, from her instrumental work in photography within mid century avant-garde art circles to her transformative approach to photo education. Archer embraced experimentation; challenged expectations and encouraged a radical depth of seeing; and was concerned both with photography and the experience of life itself. Linda McCartney, a prominent student of Archer’s in Tucson in the early 1960s, reflected, “She inspired me to become a photographer.”
This exhibition is intent on generating meaningful conversation between creative practices today and the history that shapes those practices. Particularly crucial is to reshape the parameters of photography’s histories by introducing largely overlooked or marginalized perspectives like that of Archer, who was influential to Tucson’s vibrant arts community. Over the course of the spring, Sessions on Creative Photography will evolve to include the interdisciplinary projects of students in the undergraduate course, “Introduction to Applied Humanities,” taught by Dr. Jacqueline Barrios. The students’ projects will be exhibited in two parts: within CCP’s Heritage Gallery and in a to-be-announced community space in Tucson.
Sessions on Creative Photography is generously supported by the Marshall Foundation.