Blog Post #7

Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, Walker Evans, 1936, Photograph

Photographs have the unique ability to freeze time and capture it, creating a snapshot of the landscape and time period. The photograph, though it may be solitary, tells a unique story that is set in its own time. Because of this ability to store visual clues and allow the viewer to draw inferences of the work, photographs are said to be "instant collages" of visual information. Perhaps the best creator of these "collages" is Walker Evans, a photographer best known for his photographs during the Great Depression. This theme is a common thread that will run through all of the work of Evans' early career. Each photograph depicts the suffering that people have to go through because of the severe economic atmosphere. In this photograph, that Evans sets the town of Bethlehem, a noted mining and industry town, behind a graveyard is telling: the Depression has "killed" the workforce, and the smoke stacks, once active with work, now lay still. Thus, understanding the time period goes a long way with this work.

Untitled #466, Cindy Sherman, 2008, Photograph

Portrait photography is a type of photography in which the emotion, personality, mood or other intimate details of the subject are displayed. A great example of this type of photography is Cindy Sherman's Untitled #466. In the work, the woman is shows to be wealthy, as shown by the massive home in the backdrop, and elegant, shown by the pair of high heels. That Sherman portrays only a woman suggests that all that the woman has, she has earned. Thus, the issue of women's role in society comes to a head not only in this work but throughout Sherman's entire portfolio. That this was taken in 2008 suggests that, though suffrage may be granted, the fight for gender equality still rages on.

Untitled, Jerry Uelsmann, 1996, Photograph

Manipulated photography is the application of image editing techniques to photographs in order to create an illusion of something that is not naturally present. One of the masters of this technique is Jerry Uelsmann and his skill is on display in this work. Through these tired and overworked hands is a picture of a boat, as if to suggest that these worked hands have done it for a hobby. This is a logical conclusion because of how the photograph is set up. This story-telling technique, in which the past is suggested in unconventional ways, is the defining aspect of Uelsmann photography.

Pieta, Michelangelo, c. 1499, Marble Statue

 Carving is a process in which the material being carved is chipped away and gouged at, hammered at until it takes the form of the intended subject matter. Perhaps one of the best to ever carve is Michelangelo and one of his most famous works is Pieta. Sculpted from marble, the work depicts the Virgin Mary with the lifeless body of Jesus. This work highlights some of the Renaissance ideals of natural beauty with religious undertones. Michelangelo, throughout his career, found carving history to be very important. Whether he carved David or the Pieta, Michelangelo made many important and famous statues.

Sheepfolds, Andy Goldsworthy, 1996-2003, Installation

Earth art is a form of art in which the landscape and the work of art are somehow linked. The art is created by using some elements of nature, in this case rocks, and mixing it with man-made objects like concrete. In this work, Goldsworthy gives an excellent example of Earth art. Goldsworthy is a big proponent of becoming one and at peace with nature. This work itself is very interesting. That a wall arises around a growing tree seems to send a message that these trees must be protected, lest humans come and chop them down. This would make sense given the time period as it was, truthfully, the first time in which deforestation became a national issue.

Untitled, Louise Nevelson, 1985, Various

Assemblage is a process in which various diverse singular objects are put together and combined into a solitary work. At the forefront of any conversation of assemblage art is Louise Nevelson, an immigrant who was known for putting together everyday objects and making them an art form. In fact, Nevelson used these objects and a three-color palette (black, white and gold) which gave her work a very mysterious tone even though the objects were everyday items. This mood and tone was what Nevelson searched for and it runs through nearly all of her works. It is also interesting that it was painted in 1985 as the Cold War, a time of great mystery as tensions ran high. Thus, the tone matches the history.