Beneath the Surface

Mining and American Photography

Image Credit
February 14–May 9, 2027
Second floor

Dependent on precious metals from its inception, photography has always been intertwined with the natural resources that are fundamental to modern industrialized life. Beneath the Surface: Mining and American Photography is the first exhibition to exclusively examine how photographers from the mid-19th century to today have powerfully captured the effects of resource extraction on the land and communities of the United States. Featuring approximately 150 photographs that span 185 years, this exhibition focuses on the subterranean removal of the minerals and fossil fuels that power this country’s economy and industry. Together, these works demonstrate how photographers have drawn on changing technology and unique visual strategies to rise to the challenge of picturing these colossal industries. 

David Maisel

The Mining Project (Butte, Montana 9), 1989 (printed in 2013)

inkjet print

P2024.4

Carleton E. Watkins

Malakoff Diggins, North Bloomfield, Nevada County [California], 1871

Albumen silver print

P1989.13.4

Richard Avedon

Tom Stroud, oil field worker, Velma, Oklahoma, 6/12/80, 1980

Gelatin silver print

P1985.28.56

A black-and-white portrait photograph of a White man covered in dirt and oil wearing a vest and hard hat.

Unknown

Oil Field East from Corner of Belmont Avenue and Rockwood Street, Los Angeles, ca. 1901

Gelatin or collodion silver print

P1976.16.30

All Exhibitions

Header Image Credit

Image: Unknown photographer, Oil Field East from Corner of Belmont Avenue and Rockwood Street, Los Angeles, ca. 1901, Gelatin or collodion silver print, Fred and Jo Mazzulla Collection, Amon Carter Museum of American Art, Fort Worth, Texas, P1976.16.30, Public domain

Beneath the Surface: Mining and American Photography is organized by the National Gallery of Art, in collaboration with the Milwaukee Art Museum and the Amon Carter Museum of American Art. Major support for the exhibition has been provided by the Center for Contemporary Documentation. The exhibition is also made possible through the leadership support of the Trellis Charitable Fund. Additional support for this exhibition was provided by Nion McEvoy and Leslie Berriman.