The Night Albums: Visibility and the Ephemeral Photograph

The Night Albums explores the idea of photography as an ephemeral medium, highlighting artists who challenge traditional notions of visibility and propose new modes of experiencing photography.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 168 pages
Publication date: 15 February 2022
Publisher: University of California Press

In the era of abundant photography, it may seem counterintuitive to delve into the study of photographs that vanish or are challenging to discern. However, Kate Palmer Albers contends that this very cultural moment presents us with an opportunity to acknowledge what has always been a fundamental and foundational aspect of photography: its ephemerality.

Through a comprehensive exploration of the history of photography, The Night Albums delves into the provocations of artists who have collectively reimagined our perception of visibility. From the hesitant beginnings of photography to the conceptual and performative art that has flourished since the 1960s, to the ongoing waves of technological experimentation, Albers highlights artists who offer fleeting, concealed, conditional, and futuristic modes of visibility. By unveiling the profound influence of ephemerality on the photographic experience, she proposes an expanded framework for the medium.

In this era of abundant photography, it is essential to recognize the inherent ephemerality of the medium. Photographs are fleeting moments captured in time, and their significance can be lost or altered over time. The Night Albums serves as a testament to the power of artists who challenge our perception of visibility and invite us to explore the hidden dimensions of the photographic medium. Through its thoughtful analysis and engaging presentation, the book offers a valuable contribution to the field of photography and encourages us to appreciate the transient beauty of the images we encounter every day.

Weight: 272g
Dimension: 203 x 152 x 13 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780520381544