Inside MoMA's Photography Vault with Sarah Meister

Behind the Scenes at MoMA's Photography Collection Storage

Sarah Meister, a curator in the Department of Photography at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), recently hosted a live Q&A session on MoMA's YouTube channel. The session provided a unique glimpse behind the scenes of the museum’s photography collection storage. Here are some highlights and insights from that engaging event.

Discovering Hidden Gems in MoMA’s Collection

During the live stream, Sarah introduced viewers to some lesser-known treasures within MoMA’s vast photography collection. One such piece was a photograph by Brazilian photographer Gertrudes Altschul. The image of a papaya leaf captivated Sarah due to its photogram-like appearance and three-dimensional quality.

The session also included a look at works by iconic photographers like Alfred Stieglitz and Berenice Abbott. Abbott’s 'New York at Night' was particularly noted for its depiction of the city illuminated by office lights against the darkened sky—a visual made possible only during the early winter evenings.

Best Practices in Photograph Preservation

A significant portion of the discussion focused on how MoMa preserves its photographic works. The storage area is kept cold (around 50 degrees Fahrenheit) with 40% relative humidity to slow down the degradation process of photographs. This is especially crucial for color photographs and gelatin silver prints which comprise much of today’s collections.

Sarah emphasized the use of archival materials for storing photographs and shared that even handling practices are critical—she mentioned washing hands before touching any items to prevent damage.

Curatorial Insights and Viewer Interactions

Viewers from around the world participated in this live event, asking questions ranging from specific pieces in the collection to general curatorial practices. Questions about temperature settings within storage areas were addressed with simple yet profound explanations highlighting how lower temperatures can significantly extend the life of photographic particles.

Another interesting discussion revolved around MoMA’s acquisition policies, where Sarah pulled out additional photographs by request, including those by Alfred Stieglitz, showcasing his meticulous approach to capturing subjects like Georgia O’Keeffe.

Engaging with Global Audiences

The global reach of this live Q&A session was evident as people tuned in from various countries including Spain, Iran, Honduras, Germany, Hong Kong, and many more. This interaction not only enriched the discussion but also highlighted MoMA’s commitment to accessibility and global engagement regarding art education.

Conclusion

Sarah Meister’s tour through MoMA’s photography collection storage was not just an educational experience about photographic preservation but also an intimate look at some of the less visible aspects of curatorial work. It underscored how museums like MoMA are not just places where art is displayed but also spaces where art is carefully preserved for future generations.

Article created from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZXB6F51xXyY