INDIAN LADDER, A LYRIC JOURNEY: PHOTOGRAPHS BY JOHN YANG

BIO: John Yang

ALBANY, NY- New York City Photographer John Yang was born in Suchow, China in 1933, and later immigrated to the United States with his family in 1939. Yang received his first camera at the age of 13 from his father, and quickly developed a passion for photography. Yang began photographing for his school magazine, which is where he would soon have his first picture published.

Graduating from Harvard University in 1954 Yang received his bachelor’s degree in philosophy. While attending Harvard, Yang traveled to San Francisco for a summer class taught by photographer Minor White where he learned the “zone system” of photography developed by Ansel Adams. Following his undergraduate education, Yang attended University of Pennsylvania to become a trained architect, followed by a period of time in the United States Army. 

After serving in the United States Army, Yang practiced architecture in New York City; however, his passion for photography never faded.  Yang had his first solo exhibition in 1965 at Norbert Kleber’s Underground Gallery.  Since his first exhibition, Yang has participated in many group and solo exhibitions, including shows at the Modern Museum of Art and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. 

Prior to 2001, Yang photographed the miniature enamel portraits on the tombstones in Mount Zion Cemetery in Queens, NY. This body of work resulted in

the 2001 publication Mount Zion: Sepulchral Portraits.  Since this publication, Yang has been capturing the landscapes of Thacher Park especially along Indian Ladder Trail.  The photographs taken by Yang of Thacher Park have a distinctive elegiac tone, and are considered by Yang to visualize a “lyric journey.” These works will comprise the upcoming exhibition Indian Ladder, a Lyric Journey: Photographs by John Yang at the Albany Institute of History & Art.  The show will open on September 22 and run through December 30, 2007. 

Support provided in part by Mr. and Mrs. C. Wayne Williams, The Alan Goldberg Charitable Trust, Hartgen Archeological Associates, Inc., Spectra Environmental Group, Inc., David and Lois Swawite and the Omni Development Company, Inc., Eric D. Foster, Prentiss and Frieda Carnell and Margaret M. Craven. Tech Valley Printing provided in-kind support for the printing and production of the catalogue.

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Founded in 1791, the Albany Institute of History & Art (AIHA) is a 501(c) 3 cultural and educational institution dedicated to public service.  As a museum, its mission is to collect, preserve and interpret the art, history and culture of Albany and the upper Hudson Valley region from the 17th century to the present.  AIHA acquires collections, conducts research, produces publications, and offers a wide range of exhibitions, educational and public programs that appeal to diverse audiences ranging from pre-K to senior citizens.  The museum is open year round, Wednesday-Sunday. Admission is free to members and children under 6, $8 for adults, $6 for seniors and students, and $4 children ages 6-12.  The Albany Institute of History & Art is accredited by the American Association of Museums and chartered by the New York State Department of Education.