Joel Swartz

Joel Swartz was born in Rochester, New York, in 1944. He earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Rochester Institute of Technology in 1969 and completed his Master of Fine Arts at the Visual Studies Workshop in 1971, where he later taught, along with appointments at the University of Rochester and other schools in the 1970s. Living in the hometown of Xerox gave him rare access to early electrostatic imaging equipment. With guidance from Xerox scientist Robert Gundlach, Swartz developed a unique approach using the Model D processor and No. 4 camera. He transferred his own photographs onto art paper, adding drawing and text to create layered images—all before digital tools existed. Later, he built a portable studio to make portraits on brown craft paper, producing thousands of images that many people still cherish today. 

His work blends photography, printmaking, and collage through an analog process that allowed him to create complex, multi-layered compositions. He carefully combined cut-out figures and cityscapes, assembling stories without any computer or darkroom. His Xerox prints were shown in exhibitions at places like the Visual Studies Workshop, and his art is part of collections including George Eastman House and the Art Institute of Chicago. A 2006 exhibition called New Work focused on his exploration of limited colors and subtle textures, capturing everyday moments with attention to light and shadow. Swartz’s practice is a thoughtful exploration of early copy art and electrostatic imaging, showcasing how artists engaged deeply with emerging technologies to create original and compelling work.