Typologies
Definition
This term refers to the systematic classification and study of types or categories of objects, often used in photography to document and compare similar subjects. Typologies in art often involve creating series of images that explore variations within a specific category, highlighting both the commonalities and differences between individual examples.
History
The use of typologies in art became prominent in the 20th century, particularly with the work of photographers like Bernd and Hilla Becher, who documented industrial structures in a systematic, typological manner. Typologies allow artists to explore themes of classification, identity, and the relationship between the individual and the collective.
Notable Examples
Bernd and Hilla Becher
Water Towers, 1972-1975
August Sander
People of the 20th Century, 1929-1946
Key Artists & Movements
Key figures include Bernd and Hilla Becher, whose Water Towersseries documents various water towers in a consistent, methodical style, creating a visual taxonomy of industrial architecture, and August Sander, a German photographer whose People of the 20th Century series classifies and documents individuals by their professions and social roles, creating a comprehensive portrait of society.
Techniques & Materials
Techniques involve the use of photography, drawing, or other media to systematically document and classify a series of related objects, people, or structures. Artists may focus on the repetition of form, the subtle variations between examples, or the cultural significance of the typological subject. The use of typologies in art often involves a scientific or documentary approach, creating works that blur the line between art, sociology, and anthropology.
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