Photography

Along with a small number of contemporary photographic works by prominent artists such as Robert Polidori and Wolfgang Volz, the SSU Art Collection holds three large, separate gifts of photography by well-known twentieth-century photographers: Morrie Camhi, Philippe Halsman, and Todd Webb. Well over 200 photographs represent the work of Morrie Camhi, a documentary photographer of social issues who was based in Petaluma, CA for several decades. The collection holds over 150 works by portraitist Philippe Halsman, who photographed many famous actors, musicians, politicians, and intellectuals of the mid-twentieth century. Todd Webb was a street photographer based in New York City, who worked for Life magazine and other publications; the collection holds over 50 of his works.

Kenneth Clark seated at a desk, holding a pipe in his right hand and writing with his left. He wears a suit and tie and appears engaged in thought or conversation. Papers and books are spread out on the desk, suggesting an academic or professional setting.

Philippe Halsman

Photograph of an old, dimly lit warehouse filled with rows of grand pianos, many covered in protective plastic sheets. The wooden beams and exposed ceiling give the space a weathered, industrial feel. Light from the right softly illuminates the instruments, creating a quiet, melancholic atmosphere

Robert Polidori

Photograph showing a massive white fabric installation draped over coastal cliffs, extending toward the ocean at sunset. The fabric billows slightly in the wind, contrasting against the rugged landscape and calm sea below. The image captures the monumental and ephemeral nature of environmental art.

Wolfgang Volz