Mark Steinmetz, former ETSU art professor, has a unique style of photography that has helped him become globally renowned for his artwork.
Steinmetz will return to ETSU on Nov. 7 to give a lecture on his current and past works.
He has published three books and his photos have been on display at several famous museums such as The Museum of Modern Art and The Art Institute of Chicago.
All of his work is in black and white, and Steinmetz does a lot of portrait work, especially in his two most recent books: “South Central” and “South East.”
South Central features photographs of people “who are one step away from being homeless” says Student Photography Association President Joe Reynolds.
Several of the photographs featured in the book were taken in the Knoxville area, which is said to have an influence on the naming of the book.
South Central Bell is the name of the phone company servicing the Knoxville area, and Steinmetz features several shots of public pay phones in the book, which symbolizes both economic hardship and represents the era before the popularity of cellular phones.
Several Web sites compliment Steinmetz on his ability to capture raw emotion through a lens.
Reynolds describes his work as “straight, non-manipulated in the computer, lots of detail, very much in focus and recognizable subjects.” Steinmetz’s work from the early ’80s is different from the more modern artwork he produces today. “His new stuff is more original,” said Reynolds.
Steinmetz earned his master’s degree from Yale and has taught at many prestigious universities such as Harvard and Emory.
He received the extremely competitive Guggenheim Foundation Fellowship in 1994-95, which Reynolds described as the “rock star grant for artists.” Winning this provided Steinmetz with the funds necessary to continue pursuing his photography goals.
Steinmetz’s lecture will be held at Ball Hall in Room 127 at 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 7. It is open to ETSU students as well as to the community.
Although Reynolds is not sure of the exact theme of Steinmetz’s lecture, he said the photographer will probably describe his current projects and provide a “sampling of his life’s work to give the audience a feel for it.”
This isn’t Steinmetz’s first trip to ETSU. He has been to the area twice serving as both a lecturer and visiting professor.
On Saturday, Nov. 8, Steinmetz will provide individual critiques for art and photo students.
It will last from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Ball Hall Room 321. There will be appointment times available for students to sign up.
The photo club invites the community to watch and learn from Steinmetz.
The lecture is sponsored by Buc-Funds and the Student Photography Association.

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