Photographer: Aaron Siskind

5 Characterisitcs:

  • Bold
  • Texture
  • Lines
  • Shapes
  • Tone

Something similar in the photos are the tones and contrast between texture. I like this photography style because I think it is very different, it portrays textures in real life that are mostly ignored by people. The texture is strong and gives a sense of mood which is depressing, death, cold that is interesting to me. His photos create a strong sense of contrast between textures like for example in picture 2, there is a clear view of texture between a soft smooth side and a sharp and chunky side. The side with the more texture shows both geometric and organic elements, like the rectangles, squares that are cut from the wall represent geometric, and the cracked/ripped lines in between the shapes show the organic elements. Another significant element Aaron Siskind’s work uses is the contrast between light, like in photo 2 there are different places where the photo shows tones of black and white between the textures of shapes.

“We look at the world and see what we have learned to believe is there.” -Aaron Siskind

This is a quote from the photographer I chose. I believe this quote explains what he wants us to see in his work. What we see, is what we have been taught. But what about what hasn’t been taught, or what we cannot see due to what we have been taught. The differences in what he is showing is the contrast of live and learning. This photography style relates to my vision by conveying the aspect of life and beauty that is unknown to a lot of people.

silver Gelatin Print5

Why did you choose this image in particular?

I chose this photograph because I saw the strips of material and immediately thought they resembled people.

•What do you find surprising or unusual about this photograph?

I find the texture contrast between the material surprising, it is very unusual and unique.

•Look carefully and choose ONE of the Formal Elements that you think is important in the photograph (E.g. Focus, Light, Line, Repetition, Shape, Texture, Value/Tone).

Texture

•Describe why you think it is important (2 or 3 sentences)

It shows the difference between the material which creates a unique view. The background material comparing to the other material shown conveys stronger difference and view due to how you see it.

Citation:

Aaron Siskind

Aaron Siskind

https://www.wahlstedtart.com/exhibitions/aaron-siskind

https://www.taylorandgraham.com/artists/403-aaron-siskind/

AARON SISKIND "LIMA 25" PHOTO, 1980

https://www.lamodern.com/auctions/2024/07/photographs/355