Boston School (photography) facts for kids

The Boston School of photography was a group of artists who shared a similar way of taking pictures. They didn't follow strict rules. Instead, they used a natural and spontaneous approach to make their photos feel more real and honest.

What is The Boston School?

The Boston School isn't a real school building. It's a name for a group of photographers who worked in a similar style, mostly in the 1980s. They liked to capture everyday life and real moments, often in a way that felt raw and unpolished. Their goal was to show things as they truly were, without making them look perfect or staged.

Key Artists of the Group

Several talented photographers were part of this group. They each had their own unique style, but they all shared the idea of making honest and personal photographs.

• Mark Morrisroe was seen as an important figure for the group. He helped inspire many of the other artists.
• Nan Goldin is known for her very personal and honest photos of her friends and life.
• David Armstrong also took photos that felt very real and close to his subjects.
• Gail Thacker is famous for using Polaroid cameras, which create instant photos.
• Jack Pierson is another artist who explored themes of everyday life and feelings in his work.
• Philip-Lorca diCorcia created photos that often looked like movie scenes, but still felt very real.
• Tabboo! is also part of this artistic circle, bringing their unique vision to the group.

How the Artists Connected

Many of these artists met while studying photography in Boston and New York City.

• Mark Morrisroe, Gail Thacker, Nan Goldin, and David Armstrong all met when they were students at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts at Tufts. This school was a place where many creative people learned and shared ideas.
• Philip-Lorca diCorcia was already friends with Nan Goldin. He met Mark Morrisroe later when they were both living in New York City. This shows how artists often connect in different cities.
• Jack Pierson met Mark Morrisroe when Pierson was a new student at the Massachusetts College of Art. Morrisroe was in his final year there. These connections helped shape the ideas and styles of the Boston School.