August 27, 2022–February 27, 2023

The Stillness of Things

Photographs from the Lane Collection

This exhibition presents nearly 60 innovative photographs—all departures from the traditional still life—drawn from the MFA’s Lane Collection. Grouped thematically, the works on view span the entire history of photography, from its first introduction in England during the 1840s by William Henry Fox Talbot to the work of contemporary artists such as Adam Fuss, David Hilliard, Kenro Izu, Abelardo Morell, and Olivia Parker. Works by American modernists are prominently featured, with unexpected takes on the still life by Ansel Adams, Imogen Cunningham, Charles Sheeler, and Edward Weston—photographers better known for capturing vast landscapes and portraits of people.

One of the largest gifts in the MFA’s history, the Lane Collection was promised to the Museum in 2012. This exhibition is the latest in a series that has celebrated the single most important donation to the Museum’s photography holdings.

  • Herb Ritts Gallery (Gallery 169)
  • Clementine Brown Gallery (Gallery 170)

Image Gallery

Sponsors

Supported by the Shelly and Michael Kassen Fund.