Jerry Norman Uelsmann (American, 1934-2022)
Known for his unique methods of blending multiple images using darkroom techniques, Uelsmann is somewhat of a photography alchemist. His technical knowledge and work began long before Photoshop methods were created. Born in Detroit he became interested in photography at a young age and knew it would be a lifelong pursuit. He earned a B.A. from the Rochester Institute of Technology and M.S. and M.F.A. degrees from Indiana University. He embarked on a teaching career after graduation and was also fortunate to have his first solo exhibition of his photography at the Museum of Modern Art in 1967. As a master printer, he refers to his final production images as a “photomontage” and frequently uses multiple images in different ways. He has produced several books compiling his images and is the subject of a feature-length documentary by Scott Erickson. His list of exhibitions is extensive and his work is in important museum collections nationwide.
