Pushing West: The Photography of Andrew J. Russell

Pushing West: The Photography of Andrew J. Russell

MonoVisions Black & White Photo Contest 2025

Travel back in time through Andrew J. Russell’s epic photography of the Transcontinental Railroad’s western expansion, completed 150 years ago in 1869. Though commissioned to document the railroad and its successful development, Russell’s photography reveals the tensions between the economic and technological advances and the Railroad’s significant impact on western lands and Native peoples. His powerful imagery highlights the majesty of the landscape with locomotive engines set amongst vast plains and colossal mountain ranges, captured through Russell’s remarkable technique using the collodion photographic process in remote locations.

In this intimate exhibition, visitors will view rare vintage and digital prints, powerful landscape and 3D images, and original collodion negatives, as well as memorabilia, ephemera, and a video demonstrating the collodion process. Learn about Russell’s legacy as one of the most important photographers of the 19th century in this inspiring presentation of one of the most historic and controversial moments in American history.

Pushing West
The Photography of Andrew J. Russell
May 4 – September 1, 2019

Oakland Museum of California
1000 Oak St Oakland, CA 94607
https://museumca.org

Castle Rock, Green River Valley

Castle Rock, Green River Valley. Pushing West: The Photography of Andrew J. Russell

East and West Shaking Hands at Laying Last Rail

East and West Shaking Hands at Laying Last Rail. Pushing West: The Photography of Andrew J. Russell

Hanging Rock, Foot of Echo Canon

Hanging Rock, Foot of Echo Canon. Pushing West: The Photography of Andrew J. Russell

Mormon Family, Great Salt Lake Valley

Mormon Family, Great Salt Lake Valley. Pushing West: The Photography of Andrew J. Russell

O.C. Smith and Wife, Echo

O.C. Smith and Wife, Echo. Pushing West: The Photography of Andrew J. Russell

Shoshone Indians

Shoshone Indians. Pushing West: The Photography of Andrew J. Russell

Smith's Rock, Green River Valley

Smith’s Rock, Green River Valley. Pushing West: The Photography of Andrew J. Russell

Temporary and Permanent Bridge, Green River, Citadel Rock in Distance

Temporary and Permanent Bridge, Green River, Citadel Rock in Distance. Pushing West: The Photography of Andrew J. Russell


MonoVisions Black & White Photo Contest 2025