Field Work Term Spotlight: Devan Spiro
Devan Spiro '27 studies interdisciplinary photojournalism through ethnographic research methodologies and curatorial practices. During the winter, Spiro completed a Field Work Term experience at SoHo Photo Gallery, one of New York City's oldest cooperative nonprofit art gallery spaces.
At Bennington, students spend six weeks every year taking their skills and knowledge out of the classroom and applying them in the world of work. They use this annual work-learning opportunity—known as Field Work Term—to deepen their studies, challenge and test new ideas, and hone their direction for the future.
How did your Field Work Term relate to (or diverge from!) your studies at Bennington?
I’m from Brooklyn, so I was trying a site close to me for the commuting. My Field Work Term was at SoHo Photo Gallery. They showcase a wide variety of photographic and image-based work, which was exciting to be around, as I am a street and documentary photographer.
I had never been in the back ends of a professional gallery space, so this felt super official, as I got to meet and converse with so many different and experienced photographers who offered their time to be members of the cooperative. The breadth of members' work was energizing because I learned about all the different ways people view and interact in the art world.
What did a typical day at your Field Work Term site look like?
A typical day at SoHo Photo Gallery would consist of getting to open up the gallery and greet guests who wandered in. There would often be a different member sitting with an intern like myself, and we got to spend time talking about photography or hearing stories about the old days! I loved taking breaks to look at the monthly shows from members on the walls, and there was also a small library in the office that was full of all types of photography. I would also get to take a lunch break where I’d walk around with my camera around Canal Street and grab some food.
On special days, there were events hosted at the gallery. One memorable moment was getting to meet and hear from Julia Kochetova, an active Ukrainian war photographer. It was so emotionally powerful to hear Julia's experiences. I am interested in international conflict and the realities of documenting them, so this meeting was insightful and inspiring.
What surprised or challenged you the most about your position?
A couple things I was surprised about was how all the members got along to accomplish such collaborative work, utilizing each others' unique strengths to achieve maximal success. I was fond of moments where I learned about how they critiqued each others work as they were looking to accept invitations for new members and assess the completion of a proposed exhibition from a current member.
One of the greatest take aways was being able to assemble a group show with the other interns working at the gallery! This was my first time putting up work on a professional gallery wall. All of this was daunting, but once finally accomplished, I had a body of work that was able to be mounted on the wall!
What do you hope to do in the future—for your next Field Work Term and beyond Bennington?
I’m not too sure what I will do for my next Field Work Term. I would like to look at opportunities to travel and do some volunteer work or art making studies abroad, but I am always keeping my eye open for museum or gallery opportunities in the New York City area. I am definitely interested in working at more art- and photo-based cooperatives or nonprofit organizations. I would like to find a good future opportunity involved in photojournalism.