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PhotoWork Foundation

Catherine Opie

In this episode of PhotoWork with Sasha Wolf, Sasha and photographer Catherine Opie discuss Cathy’s new comprehensive, survey monograph just published by Phaidon, the pivotal role a family friend played in Cathy’s artistic trajectory, the impact her iconic picture Pervert had on her life and the reactions from those who first saw the work at the 1995 Whitney Biennial, including Sasha’s own reaction.

Donavon Smallwood

In this episode of PhotoWork with Sasha Wolf, Sasha and 2021 Aperture Portfolio Prize Winner, Donavon Smallwood discuss his prize winning work inspired by the history of Seneca Village, A 19th Century Black community destroyed to make way for what is now known as Central Park. Sasha and Donavon also talk about the importance of mentors and the influences of art and literature.

Jason Fulford

In this episode of PhotoWork with Sasha Wolf, Sasha and photographer, publisher and editor Jason Fulford discuss his latest book, Photo No-Nos: Meditations on What Not to Photograph, published by Aperture. Jason and Sasha discuss the inspiration for the book and read some of their favorite excerpts.

Paul Graham

In this episode of PhotoWork with Sasha Wolf, Sasha and photographer-curator, Paul Graham discuss the exhibition, “But Still, It Turns: Recent Photography from the World” which Paul curated for the International Center of Photography. Paul explains why he wanted to create a showcase for the type of lyrical or post- documentary photography that he feels passionately about. They discuss the way the show came together and the 9 artists included.

Sarah Meister

In this episode of PhotoWork with Sasha Wolf, Sasha and Sarah Meister, the new Executive Director of the Aperture Foundation, discuss Sarah’s tenure as a curator of photography at MoMA, including her extensive research on Dorothea Lange for her major exhibition, Dorothea Lange: Words and Pictures. Sasha and Sarah also discuss Sarah’s new position at Aperture and how she might bring her particular skill set to the organization.

Matthew Pillsbury

In this episode of PhotoWork with Sasha Wolf, Sasha and photographer, Matthew Pillsbury discuss how important the individual image is regardless of how it might fit into a body of work and how this allows Matthew to stay open to unanticipated possibilities and suggestions while making the work. Sasha and Matthew also talk about how an artist’s identity can be understood or perceived in their work even when it’s not overtly referenced.

Gregory Harris

In this episode of PhotoWork with Sasha Wolf, Sasha and Gregory Harris, Associate Curator of Photography at the High Museum of Art in Atlanta, discuss the collaborative and intricate processes of crafting a museum exhibition and the steps involved when museums acquire new work for their collection. Sasha also asks Greg if art dealers, like herself, are a nuisance, with their endless attempts to sell curators work.

Janet Delaney

In this episode of PhotoWork with Sasha Wolf, Sasha and photographer and teacher, Janet Delaney discuss how living and working as a photographer has changed since the 1980’s when books and shows were only for the very few photographers and finding women mentors was much more difficult. Sasha and Janet also spend a good amount of time talking about Janet’s South of Market and SOMA Now work, so do yourself a favor and take a look at those two projects before listening to this episode.

Ashlyn Davis Burns

In this episode Sasha talks with Ashlyn Davis Burns, co-founder of the new agency and creative studio, Assembly. They discuss how events and opportunities lead her from an American Studies degree to her 5 year post as the Executive Director of the Houston Center for Photography. Ashlyn talks about co-founding Assembly with Shane Lavalette (former Director of Light Work) as a platform committed to representing diverse artists in both the fine-art and the commercial world.

Peter Kayafas

In this episode of PhotoWork, Sasha and photographer, publisher, and teacher, Peter Kayafas, discuss his process of following his camera to move through and explore the world. Peter and Sasha also talk about the different ways in which Peter has found professional satisfaction outside of making photographs and how that has allowed him to continue his work free of the pressures and demands of the art world. Be sure to listen all the way through to the end for a bonus conversation between Sasha and Peter about how Sasha got started as a dealer and the pivotal role Peter played in that origin story.