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Melissa Catanese

Melissa Catanese

In this episode of PhotoWork with Sasha Wolf, Sasha sits down with Melissa Catanese—photographer, publisher, and educator. They dive into Melissa’s array of book projects, including her 2023 release, “The Lottery” (The Ice Plant), inspired by Shirley Jackson’s classic tale, perfectly resonating with today’s uncertain world. They also have an honest and in-depth conversation about Melissa’s life in photography, her commitment to pursuing her diverse artistic interests, and her innovative approaches to making a living as an artist.
Gregory Halpern

Gregory Halpern

In this episode of PhotoWork with Sasha Wolf, Sasha has a warm and deeply personal conversation with photographer Gregory Halpern. They discuss his latest book, “King, Queen, Knave,” published by MACK, and also revisit “ZZYZX,” the 2016 monograph that significantly elevated Greg’s career. Together, they emphasize the importance of knowing when to assume the roles of photographer and editor, and when to let the audience engage with the work on their own terms.
Lesley A. Martin & Pauline Vermare

Lesley A. Martin & Pauline Vermare

In this episode of PhotoWork with Sasha Wolf, Sasha is joined by Pauline Vermare, Curator of Photography at the Brooklyn Museum, and Lesley A. Martin, Executive Director of Printed Matter. They discuss their collaborative efforts on “I’m So Happy You Are Here: Japanese Women Photographers from the 1950s to Now,” published by Aperture. This publication offers a counterpoint, complement, and challenge to historical precedents and the established canon of Japanese photography. Lesley and Pauline share their connections to Japanese society and their interest in the representation of women in photography. Together, Sasha, Lesley, and Pauline explore how they balanced the academic and historical aspects of their work with the artistic appeal of a photobook that highlights the contributions of Japanese women photographers.
2024 PhotoWork Junior Fellows

2024 PhotoWork Junior Fellows

In this episode of PhotoWork, host Sasha Wolf talks with the three recipients of the Foundation’s inaugural Fellowship: Molly D’Arcy, Brandon Holland, and Will Suiter. They each share how the six-month mentorship impacted their artistic practice and what the experience meant to them personally. It’s an honest and transparent peek into the evolving practices and processes of these three young artists.
Matthew Genitempo

Matthew Genitempo

In this episode of PhotoWork with Sasha Wolf, host Sasha sits down with photographer and publisher Matthew Genitempo to discuss his latest book, “Dogbreath,” published by Trespasser. Together, they explore how “Dogbreath” marks a departure from his earlier work, “Jasper,” particularly in terms of personal narrative and photographic language. Matthew also shares insights about a pivotal critique session when he was in graduate school that significantly influenced his working methods and mindset.
Todd Hido

Todd Hido

In this episode of PhotoWork with Sasha Wolf, Sasha interviews photographer Todd Hido about his latest book, “The End Sends Advance Warning,” published by Nazraeli Press. They explore how the book defies its title, focusing instead on themes of hope and beauty. Additionally, they discuss the creation of Todd’s recent survey show at Casemore Gallery, which is the most extensive presentation of his work to date. Despite being a returning guest, Todd shares fresh insights about his mentors and his deep passion for photography, and he announces a new book towards the end of the episode.
Dr. Sarah Kennel

Dr. Sarah Kennel

In this episode of PhotoWork with Sasha Wolf, Sasha and Dr. Sarah Kennel, the Aaron Siskind Curator of Photography at the VMFA, discuss in detail the acquisition process at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. They also delve into the collaborative efforts required to produce a large traveling exhibition, specifically A Long Arc: Photography and the American South since 1845, which is coming to the VMFA in October 2024. This episode reveals many of the inner workings of museum operations and helps to demystify the various processes through which artwork is acquired and shown.
Ahndraya Parlato

Ahndraya Parlato

In this episode of PhotoWork with Sasha Wolf, Sasha has an in-depth conversation with photographer Ahndraya Parlato about her book, ‘Who is Changed and Who is Dead,’ published by MACK. Ahndraya shares the life-altering events that inspired her to create this examination of motherhood, which is filled with both humor and grief. Sasha and Ahndraya discuss the book’s use of text and how Ahndraya had to let go of preconceived notions of what a photobook should be. Ahndraya also gives us a wonderful sneak peek into her next body of work.
Rahim Fortune

Rahim Fortune

In the first-ever episode of PhotoWork with Sasha Wolf recorded in front of a live audience, Sasha and photographer Rahim Fortune gathered at picturehouse + thesmalldarkroom to discuss his new book, Hardtack, published by Loose Joints. Sasha and Rahim delve into the significance of collaboration, with Rahim emphasizing the various forms of collaboration involved at every stage of the book’s creation. This includes the individuals Rahim photographed, the production team at picturehouse, and the editing process with Sarah Chaplin Espenon at Loose Joints.
Christopher McCall

Christopher McCall

In this episode of PhotoWork with Sasha Wolf, Sasha talks with Christopher McCall, the Founding Director of Pier 24 Photography. They discuss the history of Pier 24, how he transformed the raw space to create a unique gallery experience, and the final exhibition, Turning the Page, which runs until the end of 2024. Additionally, they touch on his upcoming book, Photo Book Photo List, which will be published by Pier 24. This episode is packed with valuable life lessons, experiences, and wisdom from both Chris and Sasha, offering insights for artists at every stage of their careers.
Ben Brody

Ben Brody

In this installment of PhotoWork with Sasha Wolf, guest host Michael Chovan-Dalton continues his Chico Review series, this session featuring photographer Ben Brody. Ben joins Michael to discuss his two books, Attention Servicemember and 300m, both published by Mass Books—a venture he co-founded with Peter van Agtmael. The conversation delves into Ben’s tenure as an Army photographer during the Iraq War and his decision to work as a civilian freelance photographer in Afghanistan. They explore how both books serve as Ben’s personal reckoning with his role in generating propaganda. Additionally, they discuss his involvement with The GroundTruth Project, an organization committed to supporting local journalism in underrepresented communities.
Jesse Lenz

Jesse Lenz

In this episode of PhotoWork with Sasha Wolf, Sasha and photographer and founder of Charcoal Books and Chico Review, Jesse Lenz, discuss his monographs, The Locusts and The Seraphim, published by Charcoal Press. Jesse talks about borrowing from the language of cinema as way to approach making and editing photography. Sasha and Jesse also talk about the Chico Review, how it came to be and the experience of spending 8 days with colleagues and attendees in a remote location in Montana.
Raymond Meeks

Raymond Meeks

In this episode of PhotoWork with Sasha Wolf, substitute host, Michael Chovan-Dalton and photographer, Raymond Meeks discuss his latest book, The Inhabitants published by MACK with an extended poem by George Weld. Ray and Michael talk about how this work, which traces the passages of refugee crossings inside Spain and France, profoundly affected Ray’s approach to making work and how he views his role as a photographer. This episode picks up where Sasha and Ray left off back in episode 51.
Kelli Connell

Kelli Connell

In this episode of PhotoWork with Sasha Wolf, Sasha and photographer, Kelli Connell discuss her brand new book, Pictures for Charis, published by Aperture. Kelli talks about her fascination with and subsequent extensive research on Charis Wilson and the eleven year relationship she had with legendary photographer Edward Weston, and how what she learned guided her own exploration of portrait-making and landscape work while collaborating with her wife of fourteen years, Betsy Odom. Sasha and Kelli also discuss Kelli’s renowned series, Double Life, which also explores the relationship between photographer and model as well as gender and identity.
Baldwin Lee

Baldwin Lee

In this episode of PhotoWork with Sasha Wolf, Sasha and photographer, Baldwin Lee discuss the first-ever publication of his work, eponymously titled, Baldwin Lee, published by Hunters Point Press. Baldwin and Sasha talk about his childhood years in Chinatown in New York City and then later studying with some of the most famous photographers of the times: Minor White and Walker Evans. They also have a provocative conversation about leaving photography behind once you believe you have completed your best work.
Carla Williams & Carolyn Drake

Carla Williams & Carolyn Drake

In this episode of PhotoWork with Sasha Wolf, guest Carla Williams talks about her 2023 publication, Tender, a book of 80 self portraits made between 1984-1991, and additional guest Carolyn Drake talks about her 2023 publication, Men Untitled, a book of 54 portraits, mostly of men, both published by TBW Books. Sasha, Carla, and Carolyn discuss how the books approach portraiture through personal exploration while also referencing, recontextualizing and questioning their many influences from the canon of famous works.

Jim Goldberg

Jim Goldberg

In this episode of PhotoWork with Sasha Wolf, Sasha and photographer, Jim Goldberg discuss his new book, Coming and Going, published by MACK, which is a very personal story but also a book about storytelling itself. Jim talks about his lifelong interest in social justice and Sasha and Jim connect Jim’s work to both Jazz and Punk music. Sasha also announces the first ever participants in the PhotoWork Foundation Fellowship.
Anna Walker Skillman

Anna Walker Skillman

In this episode of PhotoWork with Sasha Wolf, Sasha and Anna Walker Skillman, Co-Owner & Creative Director of Jackson Fine Art, have a behind the scenes talk about representing artists and connecting their work with collectors. They discuss the nuts and bolts of running a successful gallery amidst changing technology and perceptions about photography. Anna and Sasha also have an in-depth conversation about what makes a collector and whether or not photography collectors are an endangered species.
Irina Rozovsky

Irina Rozovsky

In this episode of PhotoWork with Sasha Wolf, Sasha and photographer, Irina Rozovsky talk about her gradual realization that photography was going to be her life’s work. They discuss how Irina’s process has changed since becoming a partner and mother, and relocating to the South. They also discuss The Humid, “An educational space committed to the practice of rigorous and ambitious photography”, that Irina started with her husband, Photographer Mark Steinmetz. Irina’s work is included in, A Long Arc: Photography and the American South since 1845 at the High Museum of Art in Atlanta, Georgia where this episode was recorded.
Greg Harris & Rahim Fortune

Greg Harris & Rahim Fortune

In this episode of PhotoWork Sasha and Michael travelled to the High Museum of Art in Atlanta, GA to speak with Keough Family Curator of Photography​, Gregory Harris and photographer, Rahim Fortune about the amazing show, A Long Arc: Photography and the American South since 1845, up through January 14, 2024. Greg talks about how he and Sarah Kennel –curator of Photography at Virginia Museum of Art– collaborated on the curation of the exhibition, some of the history behind the work, and the practical and curatorial decisions needed in order to narrow down the breadth of work made in the south from 1845 to today. Rahim shares his process of writing the afterword to the exhibition catalog, with Dr. Shakira Smith, published by Aperture, and shares his response to the work in the show along with its historical significance to the history of Black photographers in the American South.
John Gossage

John Gossage

In this episode of PhotoWork with Sasha Wolf, Sasha is joined by photographer John Gossage to discuss John’s long and storied life in photography. John talks at length about his encounters, both positive and negative, with some of photography’s towering historical figures from Lisette Model to Edward Steichen. John discusses the origins of his renowned work, The Pond, and how getting the book published was a real challenge.
Lois Conner

Lois Conner

In this episode of PhotoWork with Sasha Wolf, Sasha and photographer, Lois Conner talk about the importance of being prepared for and understanding the history of a place before setting out to photograph while at the same time letting go of what you think you know. Lois talks about some of her most important teachers and mentors, from Helen Levitt to Richard Benson, and how they helped shape her process and practice. And, of course, they discuss Lois’s dedication to large format from 8×10 to 7×17!
John Divola

John Divola

In this episode of PhotoWork with Sasha Wolf, Sasha and photographer, John Divola discuss his observational process of working, his dedication to long term projects and his openness to exploring new ideas, even knowing that they may never truly develop. John is an icon of the conceptual art world and he shares his process openly and generously.
Andrew Moore

Andrew Moore

In this episode of PhotoWork with Sasha Wolf, Sasha and photographer and educator, Andrew Moore take a deep dive into the history of Andrew’s ever evolving processes and practices. Andrew talks about his varied influences from both the modern and post-modern art world movements. Sasha and Andrew also discuss how his photography kept moving him closer and closer to home culminating in work made in the Hudson Valley where he resides.
Kristine Potter & Rebecca Bengal

Kristine Potter & Rebecca Bengal

In this two-part episode, returning guest, photographer Kristine Potter, and first time guest, writer Rebecca Bengal, talk to Sasha about how they started their careers and similarities in their upbringings. Sasha and Kristine discuss the history of “murder ballads” used to reference the casual violence against women in Kristine’s new book, Dark Waters, published by Aperture. Writer Rebecca Bengal talks about her short story, Blood Harmony which is part of Kristine’s book. Kristine and Rebecca discuss how a piece of fiction can function within a photobook. Sasha and Rebecca also talk about Rebecca’s new book, Strange Hours, published by Aperture, a collection of her essays on photography, and how you assemble essays written independently of one another into one book.
Matt Eich

Matt Eich

In this episode of PhotoWork with Sasha Wolf, Sasha and photographer and publisher Matt Eich discuss the intricate play between personal work and universality, the importance of varied artistic inspiration, and the deep understanding and responsibility needed when working with communities as an outsider. Matt also expresses the necessity of having trusted voices help in the editing process.
Carolyn Drake

Carolyn Drake

In this episode of PhotoWork, Sasha and photographer, Carolyn Drake, discuss her celebrated book Knit Club, published by TBW Books, as well as her other bodies of work. Carolyn talks about her complex reasons for leaving and then returning to the United States, after many years, and the importance of being connected to the place you are photographing.
Tommy Kha

Tommy Kha

In this episode of PhotoWork, Sasha and photographer, Tommy Kha discuss his latest book, Half, Full, Quarter published by Aperture. Tommy shares his thoughts about how photography is a language and a way to get to know people. Tommy and Sasha also talk about his life and work in Memphis and the obstacles he had to overcome to figure out his place as an artist there.
Tim Carpenter

Tim Carpenter

In this episode of PhotoWork, Sasha and photographer, writer and educator, Tim Carpenter discuss his book, To Photograph Is To Learn How To Die, published by The Ice Plant. Tim also talks about the importance of seeing a place over time as a way of seeing how you, yourself, have changed over time and how he let go of the idea of subject matter.
Meghann Riepenhoff

Meghann Riepenhoff

In this episode of PhotoWork, Sasha and artist, Meghann Riepenhoff discuss her book Ice, published by Radius Books. Meghann talks about how she makes work collaboratively with the environment and how she uses moments of failure as a signal that she is moving in a new direction.
Shirin Neshat

Shirin Neshat

In this episode of PhotoWork, Sasha and photographer, Shirin Neshat discuss her latest multimedia project, Land of Dreams, a project that comprises photographs, video installation, and a feature length film. Shirin and Sasha talk about what brought Shirin back to making art after an 11 year hiatus, post graduate school, and how Shirin thinks about her identity as an Iranian born artist.
Andrea Modica

Andrea Modica

In this episode of PhotoWork with Sasha Wolf, Sasha and photographer, Andrea Modica discuss Andrea’s latest book, Theatrum Equorum, published by TIS. Andrea and Sasha talk about the great women artists in her life that helped open doors for her and how not knowing if anyone would ever be interested in her work allowed Andrea to make the photographs she wanted to make.
Vanessa Winship

Vanessa Winship

In this episode of PhotoWork with Sasha Wolf, Michael Chovan-Dalton fills-in for Sasha as she was away taking care of some family matters. Michael and photographer, Vanessa Winship, have a wonderful conversation about two bodies of work she made in the United States, She Dances on Jackson, published by MACK, and her most recent book, SNOW, published by Deadbeat Club. Vanessa talks about how both of these books began, the former as a proposal and the latter as an assignment. Vanessa also describes her experience of traveling around the United States and witnessing both beauty and turmoil.
Brian Clamp

Brian Clamp

In this episode, Sasha and founder of CLAMP gallery, Brian Clamp, discuss Brian’s leap of faith in starting a gallery in New York City and figuring out how to turn it into a sustainable and successful business. Brian and Sasha also talk about the ups and downs of being an art dealer, especially when the economy takes a dive. Brian discusses his recent addition to the roster and how he makes those complicated decisions.  
David Benjamin Sherry

David Benjamin Sherry

In this episode of PhotoWork with Sasha Wolf, Sasha and photographer, David Benjamin Sherry have a deeply personal and moving conversation about the decisions and influences that lead David to pursue photography and to work in the manner that he does.
Raymond Meeks

Raymond Meeks

In this episode of PhotoWork with Sasha Wolf, Sasha and photographer, Raymond Meeks have a very open and frank conversation about staying true to yourself as an artist while also exploring new ways of making work. Ray talks about how he started in photography and it is a beautiful and moving origin story.
Paul Schiek

Paul Schiek

In this Episode of PhotoWork with Sasha Wolf, Sasha and publisher and founder of TBW Books, Paul Schiek, have a real insiders’ discussion about working with artists and the partnerships they look for when publishing a book. Paul talks about what he looks for when deciding whether or not to publish a book and reveals his approach to the business side of publishing which is not all about business.
Aaron Schuman

Aaron Schuman

In this Episode of PhotoWork with Sasha Wolf, Sasha and photographer, writer, curator and educator, Aaron Schuman discuss Aaron’s monographs including, SLANT and his latest, SONATA, both published by MACK. Aaron reveals how he was approached to create a Masters program at the University of the West of England and how the idea of research is more than just a singular conscious effort to pursue an idea but a lifelong endeavor that permeates your work.

Paul Graham

Paul Graham

In this episode of PhotoWork with Sasha Wolf, Sasha and photographer, Paul Graham discuss his self-taught beginnings in photography and what it’s like to see your work become historical with the passage of time. Paul and Sasha talk about Paul’s more recent, and more personal, work and Paul shares his thoughts on the ethics of photographing outside of one’s own community. They discuss these topics and many more in this season ending episode of the podcast.
D’Angelo Lovell Williams

D’Angelo Lovell Williams

In this episode of PhotoWork with Sasha Wolf, Sasha talks to photographer, D’Angelo Lovell Williams about the experiences they had at the various art schools they attended as well as their rapid ascent in the art world at large after joining the roster of Higher Pictures Generation gallery. D’Angelo has a new brand new book out with Mack Books, Contact High, and they touch on many of the images in this new monograph.
Wendy Red Star

Wendy Red Star

In this episode of PhotoWork with Sasha Wolf, Sasha and photographer, Wendy Red Star discuss how making work that is meaningful, informative, and healing is not the same as making work that has to explain everything to the audience, especially when there may be expectations that you are a representative of a larger group of people. Wendy and Sasha also talk about the excitement of creating her first monograph, Delegation published by Aperture.
Mimi Plumb

Mimi Plumb

In this episode of PhotoWork with Sasha Wolf, Sasha and photographer, Mimi Plumb talk about the experience of organizing and editing work from over 30 years ago into books that are meaningful and relevant today. They also discuss the political and autobiographical nature of Mimi’s work and how that still motivates her to make work today.
Ron Jude

Ron Jude

In this episode of PhotoWork with Sasha Wolf, Sasha and photographer, Ron Jude discuss his most recent book 12Hz as well as some of his previous publications, Alpine Star, Emmett and Lick Creek Line. Ron talks about his inclination to create unsentimental photographic works while keeping within the traditional practice of photography and his drive to bend and upend narrative structure.
Alec Soth

Alec Soth

In this episode of PhotoWork with Sasha Wolf, Sasha and photographer, Alec Soth talk about his new book, A Pound of Pictures published by MACK. Alec and Sasha dig deep into a process heavy conversation about working within a tradition and finding your voice. Alec also announces a new Aperture project near the end of the show.
Barbara Bosworth

Barbara Bosworth

In this episode of PhotoWork with Sasha Wolf, Sasha and photographer and recently retired Professor of Photography, Barbara Bosworth have a warm and wide-ranging conversation about teaching, choosing locations to make work, using the 8×10 camera, working in black and white and color, Barbara’s expansive definition of landscape and making books, including Barbara’s upcoming book, The Sea published by Radius Books.
Morgan Crowcroft-Brown

Morgan Crowcroft-Brown

In this episode of PhotoWork with Sasha Wolf, Sasha and MACK Book Designer, Morgan Crowcroft-Brown discuss the role of the book designer, the intricacies of working with artists to try and elevate their work, and the joys of being on press. Morgan and Sasha also nerd out discussing various technical details and material choices.
Jess T. Dugan

Jess T. Dugan

In this episode of PhotoWork with Sasha Wolf, Sasha and photographer, Jess T. Dugan discuss Jess’s new book, Look at me like you love me, published by MACK. Jess speaks in very personal terms about the process of bringing this book together and living more authentically as an artist and a person.
Dr. Kenneth Montague

Dr. Kenneth Montague

In this episode of PhotoWork with Sasha Wolf, Sasha and art collector and curator, Dr. Kenneth Montague discuss As We Rise: Photography from the Black Atlantic published by Aperture which is a compilation of work selected from Dr. Montague’s famed Wedge Collection. Dr. Montague pieces together the experiences of being an immigrant son, living on the border of Canada and the U.S. and seeing the work of James Van Der Zee that all lead to this collection which is dedicated to artists of African descent.
Rahim Fortune

Rahim Fortune

In this episode of PhotoWork with Sasha Wolf, Sasha and photographer, Rahim Fortune explore his origins, how his family and where he is from has influenced his work, and the role certain people have played in his development.
Christopher Anderson

Christopher Anderson

In this episode of PhotoWork, Sasha and photographer, Christopher Anderson discuss his transformative journey from news and conflict photography to becoming the photographer he is today. Christopher and Sasha also talk about some of the books he has made after stepping away from conflict work.

Craig Zobel

Craig Zobel

In this episode of Photowork, Sasha talks with the writer director Craig Zobel about his journey from film school at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts to directing the Emmy winning HBO show, Mare of Easttown. Craig recounts some of the unexpected ways that his projects have gotten off the ground and he and Sasha wonder if some recurring themes are forever preoccupations.
Curran Hatleberg

Curran Hatleberg

In this episode of PhotoWork with Sasha Wolf, Sasha and photographer Curran Hatleberg discuss his journey from studying painting in undergrad to receiving his MFA in photography at Yale. They discuss his upcoming monograph due out this spring in 2022, as well as the books he’s already published, as solo monographs and in concert with his partner, the artist Cynthia Daignault. They drill down on the importance of working collaboratively, both with his photographic subjects, as well as with his wider support group.
Diana Markosian

Diana Markosian

In this episode of PhotoWork with Sasha Wolf, Sasha and photographer and filmmaker Diana Markosian discuss her ICP exhibition and accompanying first monograph, Santa Barbara, published by Aperture. Diana and Sasha talk about the reconstruction of Diana’s childhood both in Russia and the United States in this staged and scripted documentary style project as well as the emotional experience of revisiting some painful childhood memories.
John Pilson

John Pilson

In this episode of PhotoWork with Sasha Wolf, Sasha talks with photographer, film maker and Yale MFA Senior Critic in Photography, (as well as interim Acting Director of Graduate Studies) John Pilson. They discuss John’s artistic journey, how he landed at Yale as a grad student himself and the Yale graduate program as it is today.
Gillian Laub

Gillian Laub

In this episode of PhotoWork with Sasha Wolf, Sasha and returning guest, Gillian Laub discuss her brand new book and exhibition, Family Matters, published by Aperture and on view at ICP. Gillian explains why she asked her editor, Lesley Martin, to delay the publication of the book, just how crucial it was to her to get the text right, and her fears about releasing work that was so intensely personal.
Alessandra Sanguinetti

Alessandra Sanguinetti

In this episode of PhotoWork with Sasha Wolf, Sasha and Magnum photographer Alessandra Sanguinetti discuss her books, On the Sixth Day and The Adventures of Belinda and Guille and the Meaning of their Enigmatic Dreams. Alessandra and Sasha discuss what informs her work, from her rural beginnings and desire to be a storyteller to illness and a moment of questioning her own abilities.
Jacqueline Bates

Jacqueline Bates

In this episode of PhotoWork, Sasha and Photo Director Jackie Bates discuss her work with The California Sunday Magazine and Pop Up Magazine, a live magazine meant for a live audience. Sasha and Jackie also talk about some strategies for photographers to use when approaching an editor for assignment work.
Tim Davis

Tim Davis

In this episode of PhotoWork with Sasha Wolf, Sasha and photographer, Tim Davis discuss his book, I’m Looking Through You, recently published by Aperture. Tim and Sasha share some of their experiences from working in Los Angeles and Tim talks about some of the different modes of working he employed for this project.
Catherine Opie

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.
Mark Steinmetz

Mark Steinmetz

In this episode of PhotoWork, Sasha and photographer, Mark Steinmetz discuss the early influences on his work, including the cinematic influences. Mark talks about his relationship to Garry Winogrand, who he spent time with in Los Angeles, and talks in detail about the ways in which his different projects have evolved and taken shape.
Jon Feinstein

Jon Feinstein

In this episode of PhotoWork, Sasha and photographer, curator, and writer, Jon Feinstein discuss the evolution of Humble Arts Foundation, the organization he co founded with Amani Olu, and how Humble represents Jon’s strong desire to democratize the art world and create opportunities for more people. Jon and Sasha also talk about some of the recent events in Jon’s personal life that has made his own work more urgent and emotional. They also reminisce about the first time they met and mutual affection abounds.
Zora J Murff

Zora J Murff

In this episode of PhotoWork, Sasha and photographer, Zora J Murff have a conversation about the myriad of discriminatory practices embedded in the art world that have worked to exclude artists of color and how the current push for inclusion leads one to wonder if newly created opportunities are really here to stay. Zora discusses how the pandemic has lead to new ways of engaging students and looking at their work and how we should hold on to much of what we have learned during this time.
Kristine Potter

Kristine Potter

In this episode of PhotoWork, Sasha and photographer, Kristine Potter discuss the various choices Kristine made that lead to her studying with and working for Mark Steinmetz and Philip-Lorca diCorcia, both significant relationships to her artistic practice, and the ways in which her eventual move to Nashville, Tennessee afforded her room to breath, leading to increased creativity. Kristine discusses her Dark Waters project and its connection to the Murder Ballads of the region and her penchant for subverting gender expectations in her work.
Doug DuBois

Doug DuBois

In this episode of PhotoWork, Sasha and photographer, Doug DuBois talk about the influence photographers Larry Sultan and Jim Goldberg had on Doug’s artistic development while he was in grad school in San Francisco. Doug discusses his long term project, My Last Day at Seventeen and the complex, always evolving, responsibility he feels for how the teenage subjects, now adults, were represented. Doug’s openness, honestly and good humor bring warmth and breadth to this conversation.
Gillian Laub

Gillian Laub

In this episode of PhotoWork, Sasha and photographer / filmmaker, Gillian Laub, talk about the patience needed to let a certain type of project take shape. Gillian discusses her HBO Documentary, Southern Rites, and explains why still photography alone was not enough to tell that story, and she reveals the importance of trusting her editor in the book making process and making hard cuts to beloved images. This is an incredibly warm and cozy talk between two old friends who share lots of thoughts and feelings with one another and, of course, the listeners.
Alejandro Cartagena

Alejandro Cartagena

In this episode of PhotoWork, Sasha and photographer, Alejandro Cartagena, talk about finding motivation from within and not counting on the art world at large to propel or inspire your creative output. Alejandro talks about how his early work as an archivist has come back around to be a key part of his current practice and how he juggles multiple bodies of work at once. Alejandro’s incredible passion for his craft, his good humor and high spirits keep this conversation moving at warp speed.
Dannielle Bowman

Dannielle Bowman

In this episode of PhotoWork, Sasha and artist, Dannielle Bowman, talk about Dannielle’s amazing trajectory, from almost giving up on making photographs, to being invited to work on the New York Times 1619 Project. Dannielle, who was awarded the Aperture Portfolio Prize this year, speaks at length about her work, and explains why and how she looks to create real ambiguity in her pictures. Dannielle discusses how shooting for the 1619 Project has had a lasting impact on her personally and on her work. The episode ends with a brief discussion of Dannielle’s experience at Yale in the MFA program and the strong bonds she formed there with her fellow students and professors.
Lesley Martin

Lesley Martin

In this episode of PhotoWork, Sasha talks with the Creative Director of Aperture, Lesley Martin. Sasha and Lesley take a deep dive into the world of photo book publishing, discuss the long process of getting a book made, from start to finish, and how up-and-coming photographers might approach publishers. Lesley talks about how she wound up at Aperture, the highs and lows of working collaboratively and about her extensive work on the publication, Stephen Shore’s Selected Works, among other. They also talk about the joys of book details such as vertical gatefolds and what’s better to show editor—a PDF or a maquette. They end with some deep talk about legacy and express their mutual admiration.
Todd Hido

Todd Hido

In this episode of PhotoWork, Sasha and photographer, Todd Hido, have a wide-ranging conversation about Todd’s roles as an artist and an educator. Todd shares his ideas about how students should follow the John Cage rule and “ Find a place you trust and try trusting it for a while”, and how, as a student himself, he had to push back against a critique to make his work less subjective! Todd and Sasha find common ground through cinematic influences and the desire for hope as a motivator to keep working. There is much to love and learn from in this episode as Hido is extremely generous with his hard won wisdom.
Jess T. Dugan

Jess T. Dugan

In this episode of PhotoWork, Sasha and photographer, Jess T. Dugan, speak with one another from their respective recording booths, better known as closets. Jess and Sasha discuss why Jess went to Columbia College Chicago specifically to study with Dawoud Bey, how working at a museum when she was younger has been beneficial to her subsequent career as a fine artist, and just how much people can really know you through your art work. Jess and Sasha also have a candid conversation about the strengths and differences between Jess’s two most well known bodies of work.
Adam Katseff

Adam Katseff

In this episode of PhotoWork, Sasha and guest, photographer, Adam Katseff, have a conversation about influence, the tricky part of trying to identify oneself as an artist, and the importance of acknowledging your own successes. Sasha and Adam talk about the process of creating his exquisite landscape series’, The Dark Landscapes and Rivers and Falls, and its connection to both early western landscape photography in the U.S, and abstract expressionist painting. In our introduction, Sasha and Michael talk about why Sasha is in her closet and how New Jersey is one step from the great beyond.
Elinor Carucci

Elinor Carucci

In this episode of PhotoWork, Sasha talks with photographer Elinor Carucci. Sasha and Elinor have a very personal and candid discussion about art, family, regrets, getting older in the public eye and navigating life during the pandemic. Elinor even shares her current favorite food. Hint: it’s a fruit. There’s a lot of love and warmth in this episode so, definitely, a very touchy-feely version of Sasha’s Book, PhotoWork: Forty Photographers on process and Practice.
Kris Graves

Kris Graves

In this episode of PhotoWork, Sasha speaks with her friend Kris Graves who is a photographer and the founder of Kris Graves Projects, a collaborative publishing house for photography that addresses contemporary social concerns. Kris talks about being a Black photographer in the contemporary art world and makes a surprise announcement about a new platform for artists. Sasha and producer Michael Chovan-Dalton start this show with a somewhat longer introduction to provide some more background about Sasha and her connection to this first series of guests for the show.
Bryan Schutmaat

Bryan Schutmaat

In this episode of PhotoWork, Sasha speaks with Bryan Schutmaat who, in 2020, received the John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Fellowship. As Sasha likes to describe the show, it’s a talky and touchy-feely version of her book, Photo Work: Forty Photographers on Process and Practice, and she and Bryan talk about his process and practice as well as his thoughts about the art world in general and what it means to call yourself an artist.

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