Frederick Sommer: Photography, Drawing, Collage––A Centennial Celebration

May 14, 2005—July 31, 2005

Frederick Sommer (1905–1999) is one of the most influential and legendary figures in the history of photography. Best known for his Surrealist-inspired work of the 1940s and 1950s, Sommer was an artist of profound originality.

Sommer was a meticulous and deliberate artist who created a relatively small number of finished works. While primarily celebrated as a photographer, Sommer created significant work in drawing and collage that is even less familiar to the general public than his photographs.

This exhibition was supported by the Campbell-Calvin Fund for special exhibitions and H&R Block, Inc. Midwest Airlines was the official airline sponsor. The works in the exhibition were drawn from three holdings: the Frederick and Frances Sommer Foundation, the Hallmark Photographic Collection and the Hall Family Foundation.

Frederick Sommer, American (1905–1999). Cut Paper, 1977.
Gelatin silver print. Hallmark Photographic Collection [P5.122-4-90].
© Frederick & Frances Sommer Foundation. www.FrederickSommer.org.