Alec Soth explores art students’ enthusiasm across the US

Alec Soth, a renowned photographer, embarked on a two-year journey across the United States to engage with art students, aiming to capture their vibrant enthusiasm. During this time, he focused on photographing young undergraduates, whose fresh perspectives contrasted with the jaded views often held by more experienced artists. Soth's approach involved immersing himself in their environment, creating a series of images that reflect both his own experiences and the energy of the students. The project evolved from an initial idea of creating nude self-portraits to a broader exploration of youthful creativity. Soth's photographs include portraits of students and their artworks, showcasing the dynamic atmosphere of art schools. He aimed to embrace the youthful way of self-perception, as illustrated by a self-portrait that features him reflected in a mirror, symbolizing his connection to the students. Soth's work is characterized by a sense of humor regarding aging and the absurdity of life, as he seeks to rekindle the feelings of youth he once experienced. He playfully role-played as a teenager while working on his images, experimenting with new techniques and tools in the classroom setting. This allowed him to reconnect with the passion and intensity that often accompanies the early stages of artistic exploration. The culmination of this project is a book that not only showcases Soth's photography but also includes a drawing of him by a student, emphasizing the collaborative spirit of the endeavor. The work serves as a reflection on the paradoxes of aging and creativity, ultimately celebrating the exuberance of youth in the art world.