Photography students meet Lee Friedlander

Frame by frame, room by room, Carlos Gollonet revealed the keys behind Lee Friedlander’s photographs. Throughout the visit, the students were able to resolve their doubts: what interested the photographer? why that frame? why at that precise second?

The answers led them to the unconventional world of Lee Friedlander. Every time something surprises in an image, or an angle, the author is showing something that is important to him from a different point of view. His non-conformist instantaneous way of taking photos causes surprise. He brings objects to life in a way that conventional photography does not achieve.

Is is a coincidence or intentional? Carlos Gollonet explains to the visitors that the photographer’s intention is not to seek beauty or ugliness, harmony or chaos, but to show life from a different perspective. Students learn a new way of approaching photography, without expecting anything, without seeking recognition.

The references to the pop art of the time, the construction of images as if they were collages, his travels, his family. The curator’s explanations allowed viewers to understand the references behind Lee Friedlander’s works. The photos cannot be resolved at a first glance, viewers need to look again, once or even twice.

Due to COVID-19 security measures, only four students were able to enjoy this experience, although the rest of the school’s students followed it at a live Instagram session. We hope to welcome all the students at future exhibitions.