March 26-August 14, 2011
East wing, photography galleries

Since the 1960s, contemporary photographers pursuing the landscape as subject matter have predominantly used two conceptual approaches. One is epitomized by the iconic landscapes of Ansel Adams (1902-1984), who sought out pristine views of the natural landscape - rivers, mountains, valleys, orchards, deserts, and the sea in the western United States - all presented with clarity and enriched by his poetic vision and commitment to environmental conservation. The other style sought to balance the depiction of formal beauty with the desire to document humanity's presence and intervention in the landscape. The pioneering photography of Robert Adams (born 1937) is a leading, articulate expression of that approach. These different, stimulating visions are represented in this exhibition by 43 images drawn from the permanent collection many new to the museum that highlight the complexities involved in how to represent, look at, and understand contemporary landscape.

The Cleveland Museum of Art is generously funded by Cuyahoga County residents through Cuyahoga Arts and Culture. The Ohio Arts Council helped fund this exhibition with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence, and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans.