Modern Photography
Definition
This term refers to the development of photography as an art form during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly associated with movements such as Pictorialism, Modernism, and Surrealism, where photographers began to explore the expressive potential of the medium, often focusing on abstraction, the manipulation of light and shadow, and the exploration of new perspectives and techniques.
History
Modern photography emerged as artists began to move away from the documentary style of early photography and explore its potential as a creative, expressive medium. Movements like Pictorialism sought to elevate photography to the status of fine art by emphasizing its aesthetic qualities, while Modernism and Surrealism used photography to explore new ways of seeing and representing the world.
Notable Examples
Alfred Stieglitz
The Steerage, 1907
Key Artists & Movements
Key figures include Alfred Stieglitz, a pioneer of modern photography whose work often focuses on abstraction and the interplay of light and form, and Man Ray, a Surrealist photographer known for his experimental techniques, such as solarization and photograms, which push the boundaries of the medium.
Techniques & Materials
Techniques involve the use of various photographic processes, such as silver gelatin prints, photograms, and solarization, to create images that explore the possibilities of abstraction, light, and shadow. Photographers may manipulate the camera, lens, or printing process to achieve desired effects, often focusing on the aesthetic qualities of the image and the exploration of new perspectives. Modern photography often blurs the line between reality and abstraction, using the medium to challenge traditional notions of representation and explore new ways of seeing the world.
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