Last Updated on 02/10/2025 by Chris Gampat
One critical aspect of becoming a great photographer is the continuous path of gaining knowledge. And no, it is not limited to learning about near gear but also about the kind of work they view. This could mean looking at photo books, exhibitions, or even attending talks by photographers. The last option is quite engaging, while it allows one to interact with the creator of the work in person. If you are someone who is also looking to learn more about photography, then we have the perfect opportunity for you. The Penumbra Foundation has announced its Spring 2025 Artist Series with six different photographers.
The series, curated by Leandro Villaro, gives audiences a unique opportunity to engage with renowned photographers and notable guest artists and scholars in an intimate setting. The first in the series of talented photographers is Bryan Schutmaat, a photographer based in Austin, Texas. Schumaat has gained widespread acclaim, including prestigious awards such as the John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Fellowship and the Aperture Portfolio Prize. He also created his photo book Sons of the Living, which captures the spirit of individuals along the highways of America’s deserts. The book also comments on environmental crisis, economic dispossession, and societal neglect. Schutmaat will present his work on March 5 while showcasing his decade-long insight into themes of endurance and uncertainty.
Another talk will be given by Alanna Fields, a mixed-media artist and archivist, who will present on March 19. Her work delves into Black queer history, which is created through the help of photographic archives. In one of her photo books, Unveiling, she explores identity and performance by combining multimedia elements to create a holistic narrative. In this talk, Fields will share her artistic journey.
Joining Fields is another multimedia artist duo, Andrea Orejarena and Caleb Stein. They are known for their conceptual and documentary photography and, through their compelling works, have explored American mythologies through the intersection of technology, memory, and desire. American Glitch is an important series that has been created by using a selection of images inspired by real-life glitches found on social media. The book has four chapters, each representing a different time and space. You can attend their talk work on April 2.
Next in line is Victoria Sambunaris, who uses a large-scale format to capture the ongoing metamorphosis of the American landscape. She has received multiple accolades, including the 2021 John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation Fellowship and the Anonymous Was a Woman Award. Transformation of a Landscape is one of her crucial series that documents the nuances of the American terrain, highlighting political, technological, and industrial interventions. Sambunaris will speak on April 16.
The second last in the series is a photographer based off the coast of Maine, Dylan Hausthor. His work has always focussed on a deep connection between nature and the supernatural, which includes ghost hunting, ritual, photography, and mushroom foraging. Like his other series, What the Rain Might Bring is a work that uses minimalism to welcome readers into a world of mysticism and sensory experience. This book does not feature any text and only has a simple title on its cover. You can attend his presentation on May 14.
Joshua Lutz is an artist and educator who will be the last to present in this rich photography series. However, the date of his talk is unknown. Orange Blossom Trail is Lutz’s monograph, which has received wide acclaim and has also been recognized as one of the Best Art Books by Time Magazine and PhotoEye. The photo book offers a poetic glimpse into contemporary American life. This publication also comments on the industrialized landscape and the brutality of American inequality.
The Penumbra Artist Series is open to the public, and it is free, too. All you have to do is RSVP and get an opportunity to interact with the artists. For more information, visit the Penumbra Foundation website.