Multimodal Presentation

For my presentation, I chose to interpret the work of Stephen Shore, a pioneering American photographer known for transforming the way we see everyday life. Shore’s images often depict mundane or ordinary subjects: hotel rooms, parking lots, diners, etc., and elevates them through careful attention to composition, color, and light. His work, especially from Uncommon Places and American Surfaces, helped legitimize color photography as fine art. The images I selected reflect his distinct style and his fascination with visual banality. From early portraits at Andy Warhol’s Factory to his large-format color studies of American landscapes, Shore’s work invites viewers to slow down and appreciate the beauty of the ordinary. 

Exploring Stephen Shore’s work has completely changed how I view photography. Before, I often thought a powerful photo had to be dramatic or emotionally charged. Shore proved otherwise. His ability to make gas stations, random plates of food, and roadside diners feel visually compelling made me realize that photography is just as much about seeing as it is about subject. He taught me that color, framing, and subtlety can be just as impactful as action or emotion. I now see photography as a way to find meaning in the everyday. I left a comment on Oakes Artestry's presentation: https://oakesartistry.wordpress.com/multimodal-presentation/