Hazel Larsen Archer

Hazel Larsen Archer, born in 1921, attended BMC for 9 years during 1944 to 1953. She participated in the summer institute photography program in 1944 with fellow artists Nancy Newhall, Anni and Josef Albers, Merce Cunningham, as well as several other notable artists during her time at BMC. Archer eventually became the college’s first full time professor of the photography program, constantly exploring the camera and the ability to create a photograph as opposed to simply capturing one, an idea influenced by Josef Albers. Refined to a wheelchair due to polio as a child, the artist explored the world through the lenses of a camera. Collaborating with artists such as Merce Cunningham in her collection exploring motion, Archer is referred to as the most active and integral photographer of the college, capturing the most photos from the time period. Archer has had art shown at the Museum of Modern Art, NY and the Asheville Art Museum, NC. The artist died in 2001.