Matthew Herrmann

Matthew Herrmann is an Assistant Professor of Photography at Taylor University in the Art, Film & Media Department. After completing his MFA in Photography, Video, and Related Media from the School of Visual Arts in New York, he returned to his hometown of Upland, Indiana in 2024. His work spans commercial photography, particularly in architectural and artwork reproduction, and he has taught previously at CUNY’s New York City College of Technology.

Education:

• MFA, Photography, Video, and Related Media – School of Visual Arts, New York, NY
• BA, Film and Media Production – Taylor University, Upland, IN

Research Interests: Matthew’s work explores the intersection of visual semiotics, narrative construction, and architectural representation. He is particularly interested in how photography can construct meaning through the juxtaposition of disparate subject matter. His ongoing projects include documentation of produce distribution facilities and the semiotics of consumerism and utopia.

His photography has been featured in major publications such as The New York Times, Architectural Digest, Hyperallergic, and The Paris Review. His project Just This Side of Paradise critically examines the tension between utopian ideals and environmental degradation.

Awards & Recognition:

• Beth Block Travel Grant (2014)
• Alice Beck-Odette Scholarship, School of Visual Arts (2013)

Professional Practice & Teaching: Matthew runs a commercial photography business serving museums, galleries, and art foundations. He has built in-house photography systems for galleries and served as the inaugural in-house photographer for two major art institutions. His teaching experience includes two years at CUNY’s New York City College of Technology.