The Carter Names María Beatriz H. Carrión as Assistant Curator of Photographs
On April 10, 2024, the Amon Carter Museum of American Art, located in Fort Worth, TX, joyfully announced the appointment of María Beatriz H. Carrión as the new Assistant Curator of Photographs. Carrión, who is currently completing her PhD in the History of Art at the Graduate Center of the City University of New York, will step into her new role on May 6, 2024.
A Specialist in Photography
María Beatriz H. Carrión is renowned for her expertise in the history of photography in the United States, particularly its interplay with race, gender, and ecology. In her upcoming role, she will contribute to the stewardship and interpretation of the Carter’s extensive photography collection. This collection is celebrated globally as one of the leading repositories of American photography, showcasing a range from early daguerreotypes to contemporary site-specific installations.
Leadership’s Praise
Andrew J. Walker, Executive Director of the Carter, praised Carrión’s global perspective and interdisciplinary approach. “Her deep scholarship and ability to connect with communities enhance our team,” Walker stated. He emphasized her passion for the evolution of American art and her role in advancing the museum’s mission to showcase diverse creative histories across the U.S.
Carrión’s Enthusiasm
“I am thrilled to join the Carter’s photography department,” Carrión expressed. She highlighted her honor in contributing to the museum’s renowned program and its emphasis on significant social issues through art. Carrión looks forward to advancing the museum’s dedication to its audiences and the study of photography’s pivotal role in American history.
Academic and Professional Background
Carrión is working on her dissertation titled “Picturing Americans: Indigeneities and Modern Visualities, 1873–1929,” exploring the impact of photographers like Edward Curtis and Eadweard Muybridge on the modern viewer. Her research has previously focused on American and European women photographers during World War II, Latin American photography, and contemporary Indigenous and Latino photography. She has contributed to significant publications and held various academic and mentoring roles at prestigious institutions.
Before her appointment at the Carter, Carrión held significant positions at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, the Amie and Tony James Gallery, the Morgan Library & Museum, and the New Orleans Museum of Art. She holds a BA in Liberal Arts from Universidad San Francisco de Quito, an MA in History of Art from Tulane University, and an MPhil from the City University of New York.
About the Carter’s Photography Collection
The Carter’s collection includes over 45,000 exhibition-quality prints and 250,000 photographic objects, making it a critical hub for American photography. Its holdings document America’s history and the evolution of photography as a major art form, featuring works from the 19th century to the present day. The collection includes a complete set of prints from Richard Avedon’s “In the American West” and hosts regular collaborations with contemporary photographers.
Discover the Amon Carter Museum of American Art
The Amon Carter Museum of American Art, nestled in Fort Worth’s Cultural District, stands as a beacon of American creativity. With a collection that includes masterworks from iconic artists and a focus on American photography, the museum offers rich insights into America’s artistic heritage. It is a key destination for art lovers and scholars, with free admission, providing a comprehensive view into the evolution of American art. For more details, visit cartermuseum.org.
