abstract graffiti black and white

My take on Siskind

Aaron Siskind (1903-1991), according to John Paul Caponigro in this article, Literally Abstract, was the preeminent abstract photographer of his time. Born in New York City, he was part of the abstract expressionist movement there in the 1950’s.

Siskind’s images are riddled with poetic gesture, but none of the gestures in his images are made by hand or by him. ~ John Paul Caponigro

They are the actual subject, yet a new way of seeing  “the thing itself.”

It’s not surprising then to find that Siskind studied literature and wanted to be a poet. However, while photographing on his honeymoon he discovered the artistic possibilities of photography. Perhaps he could be called a poetic photographer. I’ve also been drawn to similar subjects – graffiti, rust, peeling paint, frayed materials, weathered wood and roads and walls – that when abstracted reveal the extraordinary in what is often considered ordinary.

Watch the trailer in this short clip of Siskind himself (1981).

We look at the world and see what we have learned to believe is there. We have been conditioned to expect … but, as photographers, we must learn to relax our beliefs. ~ Aaron Siskind, Brainy Quotes

Learn More about Siskind 

Center for Creative Photography on Siskind

 

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