Hands-On History of Photography: Surrealism

Delve into the fascinating history of photography as an art form in this program that combines a lecture with a hands-on project. Students are introduced to the world of the photo surrealists—Man Ray, László Maholy Nagy, Hannah Höch, and others—and explore how they pushed the boundaries of photographic imagery in the 1920s to 1940s.

Photograms (or rayograms) were popularized by Man Ray and are camera-less images created with photographic materials. Collages were often created with found materials. In the hands-on portion of the program, participants make their own surrealist collages. Participants are given a list of materials—such as postcards, old magazines, glue, and scissors—to gather prior to the class.

The class is appropriate both for photographers of all experience levels and non-photographers interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the form’s technical and artistic evolution.

Special Program Information

• The instructor is Patricia Howard.
• This program includes 2 sessions, 2 hours each.
• NOTE: Registration will close for this program at 3 p.m. ET on Friday, February 23, 2024.
• This program will not be recorded.

• World Art History Certificate elective: Earn 1/2 credit*

General Information

• This studio arts program is a Zoom Meeting to allow for patron and instructor interaction online.
• All Studio Arts programs require an online ticket for each participant so that the instructor can provide individual attention to every student registered for the online program.
• Please refer to the "Materials for this program" section for any applicable supply list information and/or special documents for this program.
• View Common FAQs and Policies about our Online Programs on Zoom.

*Enrolled participants in the World Art History Certificate Program receive 1/2 elective credit. Not yet enrolled? Learn about the program, its benefits, and how to register here.