ITAP Part 2, Genius of Photography, Week 2

Week 2, Part 2 Genius of Photography

Q1. What Are Typologies?

   Typologies are a means of comparison or reference of photographic evidence
of existence and change, therefore creating records and documenting

the characteristics of common objects that have resemblance of previous 

found objects. Typologies consist of subject matters based around;

medicine, criminology, astronomy, material culture, architecture

and even food, therefore the vast analytical study of such areas creates 

an archive for future reference. 
   Each individual photographer will have their own interpretation upon a
 study and analysis of what they are wishing to photograph, making their collection
personalised and unique to their style and preferences, creating their own
constraints for content and completion.

   The images which have been collected over a period of time may often retain 
the appearance of repetition, however, the differences which have been

documented are more obvious when displayed as a series of images.

Bernd and Hilla Becher

   These two artists are prime examples of creatives who have produced  

a typology. However, as a unique approach these two artists have formed a duo

to produce collaborative typologies based upon structures, and buildings during

the decline of industry within Germany, documenting their existence before the 

disappearance and removal of such structures and buildings. 

Q2. What is "The Face of Times"?

   August Sander created a book produced from the collection of images formed 

from his human typologies in which he had been collecting of people 

living in German. Each person used within this published piece had been divided 

into one of seven different categorisations devised by Sander's himself, 

and each category contained sub areas for each individual.

   From each of these segments it documented social classes, 

relationships of the people in which he had photographed, as well as

documenting German society during the years of the war.

   The images do not fully describe the the characteristics of the person 

who has been introduced into this particular typology, however it is showing more

of how the subject wishes to be seen because everything else is hidden.

Q3. What magazine did Rodchenko design?

   Rodchenko designed the magazine entitled "USSR in Construction", 
which displays political propaganda, which glorified the achievements of the
Soviet system. The magazine consisted of cutting edge graphics,
and series of Photo-Montages which manipulated the reality of the raw images
which were issued within the magazine.

Q4. What is a Photo-Montage?
   A photo-montage is the conjoining of two or more images to generate 
a continuation of image which create a sequence, in order to create an 
illusion and trickery of reality. A photo-montage can consist of digital manipulation, 
photographic manipulation and scrap-book collaging.
   Photographs can be treated as raw material enabling editing, manipulating, 
and combing of various images together to change the intention and meaning 

of the original imagery, creating an alternate reality and deception of the 

truth and history through simplistic methods of cutting and pasting.

Peter Kennard

Peter Kennard produces photo-motages, based upon political issues publishing his 

opinions through the photographic medium to create campaigns. 

   Through the manipulation of imagery Kennard has addressed

issues such as war, and nuclear disarmament, displaying his work as pieces

of petition, altering the nature of reality of current/previous occurrences, 

and amplifying and intensifying the original raw photography to produce

imagery which is more striking and powerful as well as persuasive to encourage

his beliefs, and approaches.

Q.5.Why did Eugene Atget use albumen prints in the 1920’s?

   With dream like qualities of brightness attained within his photographic imagery and 
profound shadows, his ability lacked in using modern methods and 
materials for the medium of photographing, despite this Atget produced images 
with intense clarity and precision. Due to his methods being acquired from that
of an older generation it was easier for him to use the Albumen process,
since his knowledge upon other processes was minimal, although his
knowledge of other processes was not extensive, he was very skilful
in this area of expertise.

Q.6 What is Solarisation and how was it discovered?

   Solarisation is the reversing of the tone, creating an alternate reality of surrealism.

The subjects within the photographs appear metallic, robotic and almost

solid due to the appearance the reflectivity creating the effect of aluminium.

   Solarisation was discovered in the late 1920's by Man Ray, his curiosity

of using the camera as a form of instrument to explore his dreams was what bought
his exploration of the medium to this discovery.  

Q.7 What was the relationship between Bernice Abbott and Eugene Atget?
   After Man-Ray's assistant Abbott, became familiar with Atget's work,
discovering his documentary pieces of "Old Paris" which could only be explained 
as an extreme piece of art work, Abbott began to pursue purchasing Atget's work.
   Through this pursuit it began to expose his work, making Atget's photographic 
pieces more widely renowned as well as gaining world wide recognition, exposing
the genius of his photography.

Q.8 Why was Walker Evans fired from the FSA?

  Since Walker Evans refused to fulfil the requests of the government for propaganda

purposes he was fired from the FSA, showing a different perspective upon 

the situation of the Great Depression.