Ansel Adams: Revealing Nature in All Its Glory

Ansel Adams (1902–1984) is virtually synonymous with landscape photography. His majestic photographs highlight the grandeur of the American wilderness and convey his lifelong support for conservation efforts in the United States. 

Revealing the untouched beauty of the American West, especially California’s Yosemite Valley, his photographs aimed to promote transformative experiences of nature, just as Adams himself had enjoyed since his childhood in San Francisco. Adams’ photographs raised public awareness about environmental concerns for millions and encouraged government officials to protect lands under threat.

Adams was an expert in photographic technique, both in the field and in the darkroom. The exhibition on view at Denver Botanic Gardens through October 1, Ansel Adams: Early Works, is exceptional for its focus on Adams’ early prints of some of his most famous photographs from the 1920s to 1950s. These “vintage” prints, which are more intimate than the larger ones he made later, highlight not only Adams’ enduring love for the American landscape, but also his evolving artistic style over a career of 60 years.

Ansel Adams: Early Works is organized by art2art Circulating Exhibitions, LLC. All photographs are from the private collection of Michael Mattis and Judith Hochberg.