Aaron Siskind

Photographer and educator Aaron Siskind holds a preeminent place in the history of American photography. Beginning his photographic career in the 1930’s as a social documentarian with the New York Photo League, he ultimately radicalized the medium by emphasizing the photograph as an abstract form of expression and an aesthetic end in itself. As the sole photographic member of the American Abstract Expressionist movement, Aaron Siskind is regarded as one of the most influential photographic-based artists of the 20th century.

Siskind taught in New York City's public schools for 25 years before becoming recognized as a photographer and then a gifted pioneer of photographic education. His vision and methods have and will continue to inspire and instruct future generations of artists and teachers.

The Aaron Siskind Foundation maintains this legacy by providing annual grants which “encourage and celebrate artistic achievement in contemporary photography by supporting the creative endeavors of individual artists working in still-photography and photography-based media.