Isac hosts exhibition showcasing historical photography collections

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President Paul Alivisatos | University of Chicago

Isac hosts exhibition showcasing historical photography collections

The year 1893 marked a significant event in Chicago as it hosted the World’s Columbian Exposition. Among the numerous exhibits, photography emerged as a transformative technology. Marc Maillot, associate director and chief curator of the University of Chicago’s Institute of the Study of Ancient Cultures (ISAC), remarked on its profound impact: “A new technological medium, such as photography in the mid-19th century, can change our world profoundly.”

In anticipation of photography's 200th anniversary, ISAC presents "Staging the East: Orientalist Photography in Chicago Collections." This exhibition features photographs from the Fair and over 100,000 negatives from ISAC's archives documenting excavations in the Middle East and North Africa since 1892. Contributions come from various institutions including the Art Institute of Chicago.

“These images record endangered or even vanished monuments and landscapes,” said Maillot. The collection serves as an essential resource for researchers.

Maillot was introduced to ISAC’s archives during his studies at Sorbonne University. His long-held project highlights early photographic methods like daguerreotypes and their role at events like the Chicago World’s Fair.

“Staging the East” focuses on archaeological photography. In the 1930s, ISAC teams documented expeditions across West Asia and North Africa with photographers capturing daily life alongside scientific work. James Henry Breasted's camera from UChicago's first expedition to Egypt and Nubia is featured in this exhibition.

Reflecting on modern parallels, Maillot stated: “I think we are facing a similar period today with artificial intelligence.” He anticipates AI will transform practices within digital humanities.

Maillot previously directed Sudan National Museum's French Unit before joining ISAC. He emphasizes cultural heritage's unifying power: “I learned that...cultural heritage was one of the best things to bring people from various communities together.”

As photography approaches its bicentennial, Maillot aims to strengthen ISAC’s community ties: “We need to think as a city...connections with other museums [and] research institutions should be reinforced concretely.”

The ISAC Museum offers free admission with a suggested fee for non-members. "Staging the East" runs until August 17th without additional cost.

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