Description

Bio

Peter van Agtmael was born in Washington, DC, in 1981. He was 20 years old and studying history at Yale on 9/11, an event that was pivotal in shaping his career. Shortly after graduating, he began documenting the United States at war and at home, which continues to be the anchor of his work.

Van Agtmael is known for his deeply affecting, sometimes surreal images, which explore themes of conflict, history, memory, nationalism, militarism, race, and class. He has spent more than 15 years covering US wars from both sides and countless angles, from embedding with military forces in Iraq and Afghanistan to covering the civilian cost of the wars. He has also extensively documented the Israel/Palestine conflict.

Along with ongoing personal projects, van Agtmael has photographed for many leading publications, including the New York Times Magazine, where his images have been featured on multiple front covers. His work is held at the International Center of Photography, Museum of Fine Arts in Houston, Deutsche Börse Photography Foundation, and Yale University Art Gallery. He is the author of five books, and is the recipient of numerous awards, including the Guggenheim Fellowship, the W. Eugene Smith Fund Grant. He became a full member of Magnum Photos in 2013. 

Mentorship

Since 2014, van Agtmael has been a mentor in the Arab Documentary Photography Program in Beirut. His mentorship philosophy is deeply rooted in his appreciation for the spectrum of photography and its communicative power, ranging from photojournalism to conceptual work. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the photographer’s intent, saying, “When I review portfolios, I try to get to the root of what the photographer is trying to say.” This approach informs his process of editing, sequencing, and providing constructive criticism, which he aims to use to help photographers crystallize their vision. Van Agtmael believes that this often-overlooked aspect of photography can make the difference between an average work and an excellent one.

His commitment as a mentor and his own photographic practice guide photographers in refining their artistic voice and vision, contributing to their personal growth. 

 

• 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 Peter van Agtmael is in English.
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