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freemesser

Bernard Freemesser (1926 - 1977)

East of Spout Springs, Mt. Weston, 1968

gelatin silver print


Only 51 years old when he died, Bernie Fremesser nevertheless inspired a generation of photographers during his tenure at the University of Oregon. His pioneering work in photography education, combined with his achievements as a photographer helped to establish photography's rightful place in the fine arts curriculum. Bernie's program brought a continuing stream of major artists and photographers to the campus, and drew in photography students from all over the U.S. Something of a maverick, he is best remembered for his group review sessions in his own home in the evenings and his summer outings, otherwise preferring to work with his students one-on-one.