Camera Work: A Photographic Quarterly (1914 (Heft 47))

lar things elsewhere are dead. It is because Monsieur the Director is not
dead, and consequently attracts, almost automatically, the work and the
people who are also not dead. So it turns out that we, of the nearly-dead
brigade, crawling skeptically into Two-Nine-One, find ourselves revivified,
and suddenly learn with gladness that all kinds of subjects (even Art!) are
more interesting than we had supposed. And once more we start upon the
almost forgotten task of using our brains—of thinking.
Sept. 18, 1914. Ward Muir

WHAT 291 MEANS TO ME
It is very hard to put into words the feeling which I have for the place.
I know that it draws me in quite a different way from that in which I
know that any other place draws me. I go and go again when I am in town;
and just recently when I returned after an absence of two years, the wish
to go to “291” was one of the strongest feelings which I recognized. I dis-
tinctly miss my little visits when I am where I cannot make them.
What is it which draws me so strongly?
I am sure it is not just the exhibition which is on. Sometimes I do not
understand the things I see. And yet I go and go again, even though I do
not understand, in the hope of getting in touch with the spirit of the artist
that I may gain expansion of spirit myself.
It is not just Mr. Stieglitz; for sometimes I do not see him;—though
I do always feel the presence of his sincerity and fearlessness.
It is not just that I often meet friends there; tho that is one of the
delightful possibilities.
Nor is it that I sometimes meet new people who I feel are harmonious
to me.
It is all these things together which make the atmosphere of the place;—
the Spirit of the place. Yes, I feel sure that as nearly as I can put it:
’Tis the call of spirit to spirit;
Subtle and sweet and strong.
’Tis the wonderful call of the human,—
As clear as if voiced in song!

Abby Hedge Coryell

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