Van Deren Coke
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Van Deren Coke
Van Deren Coke was a highly influential figure in the world of photography and art history in the United States. Born in 1921, he began his career as a photographer in the 1940s, and went on to become a professor of art at the University of New Mexico, where he was instrumental in founding the photography department. Throughout his career, Coke was a passionate advocate for photography as an art form, and he wrote extensively on the subject, publishing several books that have become key texts in the field. One of Coke's most significant contributions to the world of photography was his role as a curator. He curated numerous exhibitions of photography throughout his career, including the groundbreaking 1973 exhibition of Modernist photographs at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City. This exhibition helped to establish photography as a legitimate art form in the eyes of the art world establishment, and it remains an important moment in the history of photography. Coke's own photographic work was primarily focused on abstraction, and he was known for his ability to highlight the visual and formal properties of the medium. His series The Last Frontier (1966) and Canyon Suite (1977) are considered to be among his most significant works, and they demonstrate his mastery of the medium. Despite his many accomplishments, Coke remained a humble and dedicated teacher throughout his career. He was deeply committed to his students, and he worked tirelessly to help them develop their own artistic vision and voice. His legacy lives on through the countless students he taught and inspired, as well as through his many contributions to the world of photography and art history.
Van Deren Coke, photography, art history, curator, professor, University of New Mexico, Modernist photographs, abstraction, The Last Frontier, Canyon Suite, artistic vision
Van Deren Coke
Van Deren Coke (1921-2004) was an American photographer, curator, professor, and influential figure in the field of photography and art history. He was professor of art at the University of New Mexico from 1966 to 1990 and was instrumental in founding the photography department at the university. Throughout his career he was a champion of photography and an advocate for its recognition as an art form. He wrote prolifically on the subject and published several books, including the seminal Study of Photographics 1945-1980. Among his most significant curatorial works was the exhibition of Modernist photographs at the Museum of Modern Art in 1973. Coke's own photographic works were primarily in the realm of abstraction, highlighting the visual and formal properties of the medium. Among his most noteworthy works are the series “The Last Frontier” (1966) and the “Canyon Suite” (1977).
Van Deren Coke, American Artist, Photography, Abstraction, Curator.
— Mei Wang
CITATION : "Mei Wang. 'Van Deren Coke.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/define/van-deren-coke?E=201808 (Accessed on October 14, 2026)"
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