About
Jonathan Calm is an Associate Professor of Photography in the Department of Art & Art History at Stanford University, where he has taught since 2015. A visual artist working primarily in photography and video, Calm's practice explores the intersection of architecture, documentary practices, and African American experience. His work has been exhibited internationally at prestigious venues including the Studio Museum in Harlem, Tate Britain, and Reina Sofia Museum.
His educational background includes:
- M.F.A. from Columbia University (2000), specializing in Photography and Video
- B.F.A. from Montclair State University (1997), specializing in Photography and Sculpture
Jonathan Calm's research centers on the relationship between photography, architecture, and African American experience. He investigates how visual representation shapes urban spaces and communal life, with particular focus on Black (auto)mobility, historical memory, and the politics of space. His work examines the legacy of segregation through projects like his Green Book series, while also exploring themes of safety, community, and resilience in African American history.
Calm's artistic output demonstrates a consistent engagement with historical documentation and spatial politics. His recent work shows increasing sophistication in combining archival research with contemporary photographic practices, particularly through projects like 'Green Book' and 'Double Vision' that bridge historical and contemporary perspectives on African American experience. His use of alternative photographic processes like cyanotype in 'Blue Black History' reflects an innovative approach to historical representation.
His significant recognition includes:
- Nominated for 49th Northern California Area Emmy Award (2020)
- Larry Sultan Photography Award, Headlands Center for the Arts (2019)
- Pauline Brown Fund for Advanced Research in American Art at Stanford (2018)
- Art Matters Grant (2008)
As an educator, Calm has directed senior thesis programs at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts and teaches undergraduate and graduate courses at Stanford University. His research has been supported by Stanford through the Hellman Faculty Scholar Fund and the Pauline Brown Fund. His 'Mourning Side Proposal' was developed in partnership with Columbia University and the Wallach Art Gallery, demonstrating his commitment to community-engaged scholarship.
While not operating within traditional laboratory settings, Calm's work involves deep engagement with historical sites and community spaces, creating what might be considered a form of mobile, site-specific research practice that bridges academic inquiry with public history.
