Description

Bio

Matt Black is from California’s Central Valley, a rural, agricultural area in the heart of the state. His work has focused on themes of geography, inequality and the environment in his native region and in related places. Between 2014 and 2020, Black traveled over 100,000 miles across 46 states for his project American Geography, named as one of Time magazine’s top photography books in 2021.

His work has appeared regularly in Time, the New Yorker, The California Sunday Magazine, and other publications. He has been honored three times by the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Prize, including their top honor for journalism. He has received the W. Eugene Smith Grant in Humanistic Photography, and was named a senior fellow at the Emerson Collective. He was nominated to Magnum Photos in 2015, and became a full member in 2019.

Mentorship

Black’s teaching style is characterized by his dedication to nurturing each photographer’s unique vision and growth. He approaches mentorship with consideration, fostering a supportive environment that encourages creativity and personal expression. One of his students commented, “Matt has a way of gently and thoughtfully nurturing a photographer’s growth. It is so special and truly unmatched. Matt is a talented educator.”

In his mentorship, Black is eager to assist those interested in conceiving and executing their long-term projects. He encourages his mentees to delve into their personal narratives and explore the world around them, guiding them to develop projects that are both meaningful and impactful. His mentorship transcends technical skills, focusing on understanding and expressing deeper human stories through photography. This approach allows for organic development and confidence-building. As Black explains, “Photography, in the end, I think necessarily does end up being this deeply human affirmation of life, even the difficult parts. It’s a way of trying to reckon with those difficult parts and a way of trying to make sense of the world that is profoundly human.”

 

• Magnum Photos reserves the right to cancel this event. In the case of cancellation students will be given a full refund minus any charges. • Magnum Photos reserves the right to change or alter the program advertised. • Cancellations: No refunds will be issued after payment has been taken, but exchange on another portfolio review may be possible.
Magnum is committed to fostering a respectful and dignified environment that adheres to the highest level of professional standards. We strive to be inclusive and welcoming to everyone who works with or for Magnum and Magnum photographers, creating an environment in which each person’s rights, dignity and individual worth are respected. You can read Magnum Photos Code of Conduct here: https://www.magnumphotos.com/educational-safeguarding-policy/
The mentorship with Matt Black is in English.
Once we review your application, you will receive an email from the Magnum Learn team. Please note that we review application on regular basis.

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