Mitch Epstein on Environmental Photography, Activism, and His Career - Episode 109
About this episode
Mitch Epstein discusses his career in photography, environmental activism, and artistic influences with Sasha Wolf.
Photographer, director, and producer Mitch Epstein joins PhotoWork with Sasha Wolf to discuss his storied career in photography, environmental activism, and artistic influences. From early inspiration by Garry Winogrand to guidance from John Szarkowski, Epstein reflects on how he evolved into a research-driven, project-based photographer focused on environmental issues. He also discusses his work in film as a production designer and co-producer on Mississippi Masala (1991) and Salaam Bombay! (1988), and shares insights on privilege, longevity, and sustaining a life in photography. https://www.mitchepstein.net Mitch Epstein has photographed the landscape and culture of America for half a century. A graduate of Cooper Union, he became a pioneer of 1970s fine-art color photography. Epstein has been inducted into the National Academy of Design (2020) and was awarded the Prix Pictet (2011), Berlin Prize (2008), and a Guggenheim Fellowship (2002). His work has been shown and collected by museums worldwide, including New York’s Museum of Modern Art, Metropolitan Museum of Art, and Whitney Museum of American Art, the National Gallery in Washington DC, The Art Institute of Chicago, Tate…
People in this episode
Host: Sasha Wolf
Guest: Mitch Epstein
Topics covered
- environmental photography
- activism
- artistic influences
- career in photography
- film production
- sustaining a life in photography
Keywords
- Mitch Epstein
- environmental photography
- activism
- film production
- artistic influences
- photography career
- Garry Winogrand
- John Szarkowski
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Cooper Union, National Academy of Design, Prix Pictet, Berlin Prize, Guggenheim Fellowship
Books & works: Mississippi Masala, Salaam Bombay!, American Nature
Places: New York, Washington DC, Fort Worth, TX, London, Paris, Los Angeles
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