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Group f/64
Manifesto
The name of this Group is derived from
a diaphragm number of the photographic
lens. It signifies to a large extent the
qualities of clearness and definition of
the photographic image which is an
important element in the work of members
of this Group.
The chief object of the Group is to
present in frequent shows what it
considers the best contemporary
photography of the West; in addition to
the showing of the work of its members, it
will include prints from other
photographers who evidence tendencies in
their work similar to that of the Group.
Group f/64 is not pretending to cover
the entire of photography or to indicate
through its selection of members any
deprecating opinion of the photographers
who are not included in its shows. There
are great number of serious workers in
photography whose style and technique does
not relate to the metier of the Group.
Group f/64 limits its members and
invitational names to those workers who
are striving to define photography as an
art form by simple and direct presentation
through purely photographic methods. The
Group will show no work at any time that
does not conform to its standards of pure
photography. Pure photography is defined
as possessing no qualities of technique,
composition or idea, derivative of any
other art form. The production of the
"Pictorialist," on the other hand,
indicates a devotion to principles of art
which are directly related to painting and
the graphic arts.
The members of Group f/64 believe that
photography, as an art form, must develop
along lines defined by the actualities and
limitations of the photographic medium,
and must always remain independent of
ideological conventions of art and
aesthetics that are reminiscent of a
period and culture antedating the growth
of the medium itself.
The Group will appreciate information
regarding any serious work in photography
that has escaped its attention, and is
favorable towards establishing itself as a
Forum of Modern Photography.
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