American Vision

Photographs taken by Delaware-born Bullock, a founder of the Photo-Secession movement that, during the early 20th century, sought to bring photography artistic attention, are here collected for the first time. From Maine landscapes to pastoral portraits of farmers, roly-poly children and eminences grises of the Bullock family, the photographer reveals a sometimes painterly lyricism in both his composition and his use of light: instead of documenting, Bullock characterizes places and persons with an air of intimate, respectful familiarity. Curator of photography at the Kuhn Library at the University of Maryland, Beck bases his catalogue on a Kuhn Gallery show of the photographer's work. In exploring Bullock's artistic roots, career and technical achievements, the author exercises high critical intelligence, bringing to light a figure of consequence. (Oct.)