In November of 1996, Oklahoma City collector Christian Keesee acquired from the Brett Weston Estate the most complete body of Weston’s work in existence.

In addition to numerous vintage prints dating from as early as 1925, up through work produced shortly before he died in January of 1993, the Archive also contains rare, self-titled ‘private collections’ assembled by Brett Weston over six decades, that illustrate not only his range of subjects, but what he thought were examples of his finest prints. There also exist a number of unsigned, unmounted prints that provide a fascinating look at the exhaustive efforts Weston went to in pursuit of his art. As one of the largest and most significant collections by an individual American photographer, The Brett Weston Archive serves as a resource for museums, collectors, historians, and publishers worldwide.

One of the primary goals of the Archive is to organize and catalog the collection in such a way as to offer immediate access to recognized as well as unknown and unpublished photographs by Brett Weston. 

Collector Christian Keesee has said, “Brett Weston was one of the true American masters of photography, yet what we know of him through his publications and exhibitions represents only a small part of what we are uncovering in this important collection. It is my goal to bring to light a great body of work that has never been exhibited or reproduced and to make the public aware of the many sides of this gifted artist.”

The collection, moved from Monterey, California to Oklahoma City, is housed in a specially equipped facility that allows works to be cataloged and digitized via computer, as well as, exhibited and studied in a safe, secure environment. Photographic curator, Jon Burris, also of Oklahoma City, was a previous Director of the Archive: “Brett Weston was unquestionably a recognized and respected figure in American photography although he was often compared to his famous father, Edward Weston. However, what we found in this valuable Archive was a treasure trove of images representing Brett’s singular vision.”

 

The Brett Weston Archive website updates information regarding Exhibitions and Bibliography and will rotate works in its Gallery in order to present the broadest representation of the work of Brett Weston. Our News page will provide information on new projects and ongoing activities.

One of the primary goals of the Archive is to organize and catalog the collection in such a way as to offer immediate access to recognized as well as unknown and unpublished photographs by Brett Weston.

 

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Featured Photo

Untitled (Reeds, Japan), 1970 Gelatin silver print

OSU Museum of Art shines light on new Brett Weston exhibit

The work of renowned photographer Brett Weston will be on display at the Oklahoma State University Museum of Art. 

“Shadows and Light: The Photography of Brett Weston,” which will be on view Oct. 29, 2024 - Feb. 1, 2025, showcases Weston’s unique photography style. 

Weston (American, 1911-1993) was mentored in photography from a young age by his father, Edward Weston. By the age of 13, Weston’s father removed him from school to work on a photography project together in Mexico. While there, Brett Weston was exposed to the work of famous artists such as Tina Modotti, Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera. 

Weston’s unique photography style played a major role in securing him a spot as one of American’s most prominent photographic artists. By working with lighting and placement of objects, Weston blended objects into the background while still showcasing how they’re two separate entities. 

Weston’s work often amazes and confuses viewers with its complex relationships between subject and background. The most well-known strategy of representational photography, where the subject is brighter than the background, is upended in Weston’s photographs. In his work, the subject and background are seamlessly blended while still being distinct. 

Andy Mattern, OSU associate professor of art, graphic design and art history, has emphasized how everyone can benefit from viewing Weston’s work in various ways. 

“Exhibits like Brett Weston’s are an important resource not only for students studying the history of photography, but also those who wish to expand their appreciation for photography as an art form,” Mattern said. “Especially in our hyper-digital age, seeing this type of highly crafted photographic work in person represents a unique chance to understand the development of the medium and perhaps begin to see the world in a new way.” 

Weston understood the immense difference between a camera’s perspective and human vision. This understanding laid the foundation for Weston’s success. 

This exhibition showcases Weston’s artworks and invites viewers to ponder his captivating yet puzzling work.

“Shadows and Light: The Photography of Brett Weston” is on view Oct. 29, 2024 - Feb. 1, 2025, at the OSU Museum of Art in downtown Stillwater. This exhibition was made possible by donations from the Brett Weston Archive and the Christian Keesee Collection. Learn more at https://museum.okstate.edu/art/shadows-and-light.html.