Photographer: Aaron Siskind

8 Photos he took:

  Martha’s Vineyard 108(https://www.icp.org/browse/archive/objects/marthas-vineyard-108)

.  Jalapa 43(https://www.icp.org/browse/archive/objects/jalapa-43)

.  Arizpe (Mexico) 2(https://www.icp.org/browse/archive/objects/arizpe-mexico-2)

.  Rome: Arch of Constantine 5(https://www.icp.org/browse/archive/objects/rome-arch-of-constantine-5)

   Gloucester II(https://www.icp.org/browse/archive/objects/gloucester-ii)

. Chilmark(https://www.icp.org/browse/archive/objects/chilmark)

. Providence 57(https://www.icp.org/browse/archive/objects/providence-57)

.  Hoboken(https://www.icp.org/browse/archive/objects/hoboken-2

Analyzing Siskind’s abstract style:

Characteristics of Siskind’s Abstract Photography

1. Texture:
   Siskind often emphasizes the tactile qualities of surfaces, capturing details that engage the viewer’s sense of touch and invite closer examination.
2. Bold Color Palettes:
   His images frequently utilize vibrant colors that create striking contrasts, enhancing the visual impact and drawing attention to abstract forms.
3. Dynamic Composition:
   The arrangement of elements within the frame is carefully considered, often leading to a sense of movement and fluidity that captivates the viewer.
4. Simplification of Forms:
   Siskind abstracts subjects to their fundamental shapes, which can obscure their original identity and challenge the viewer’s perception.
5. Layering and Depth:
   Many of his works incorporate layers of materials or visual elements, creating depth and complexity that invite exploration and interpretation.

Abstract Nature of Siskind’s Photographs

Siskind’s photographs are abstract because they often strip away context and narrative, focusing instead on the visual and emotional qualities of the subjects. By emphasizing formal elements like line, shape, and color, he encourages viewers to engage with the images in a more personal and interpretive manner. The abstraction allows for multiple interpretations, inviting the viewer to find their own meaning in the work.

Personal Appreciation of Style

What I particularly like about Siskind’s style is his ability to transform ordinary objects into extraordinary visual experiences. His focus on texture and form creates a sense of intimacy, allowing viewers to discover beauty in overlooked details. The interplay of light and shadow in his work adds a poetic dimension that resonates with me, making me see the world in a new light.

Quotation

 

“The only other things I got from the abstract expressionists is the absolute belief that this canvas is the complete total area of struggle, this is the arena, this is where the fight is taking place, the battle. Everybody believes that, but you have to really believe that and work that way.”

— Aaron Siskind

(https://photoquotes.com/quote/the-only-other-things-i-got-from-the-abstract-expr)

Connection to My Vision

I chose Aaron Siskind as my inspiration because his abstract photography resonates with my goal of exploring the emotional and aesthetic potential of everyday subjects. His ability to transform mundane objects into compelling visuals encourages me to find beauty in the overlooked details of life.

Adapting Siskind’s Style to My Photography

To adapt Siskind’s style, I plan to focus on:

1. Emphasis on Texture:
   Capturing intricate details to evoke a tactile response.
2. Bold Use of Color:
   Utilizing vibrant colors and contrasts to create visual interest.
3. Dynamic Composition:
   Experimenting with composition to encourage exploration.
4. Simplification:
   Abstracting subjects to challenge perceptions and interpretations.
5. Layering Elements:
   Incorporating layers to add depth and complexity.

Inspiration from Siskind

Siskind’s work inspires me to critically observe the world and seek abstract qualities in everyday scenes. His focus on light and texture encourages me to embrace a more experimental approach, deepening my exploration of form, light, and emotion in my photography.

Evaluation of “Martha’s Vineyard 108” by Aaron Siskind

Why I Chose This Image

I chose “Martha’s Vineyard 108” because it encapsulates Siskind’s unique ability to transform natural forms into an abstract composition. The photograph evokes a sense of serenity and introspection, inviting viewers to engage with the subtleties of nature.

Surprising or Unusual Elements

What I find surprising about this photograph is its ability to convey movement and stillness simultaneously. The interplay of shapes and textures creates a dynamic quality, even though the overall scene feels tranquil and reflective.

Important Formal Element: Light

The use of light in “Martha’s Vineyard 108” is particularly important as it highlights the textures and shapes within the image. The way light interacts with the surfaces brings depth and dimension, enhancing the abstract qualities of the photograph. This manipulation of light not only guides the viewer’s eye but also intensifies the emotional resonance, making the image feel alive and engaging.

Revised Vision Statement

My vision is to explore the emotional and aesthetic dimensions of everyday life through abstract photography.

I will take photos in the style of Aaron Siskind.

I am particularly inspired by images like “Martha’s Vineyard 108” and “Gloucester II” and I will try to take pictures that emphasize texture and light, transforming ordinary subjects into evocative visual narratives. My goal is to invite viewers to engage deeply with the subtleties of form and emotion, encouraging them to find beauty in the overlooked details of the world around them.

I personally like this one very much because how the grass is invading the bricks’ space is really creative.

This one is well done but the shape is circle in a circle.

This one was taken at the hallway going out to the field from cafe.

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I couldnt rotate this picture, so if you look side ways it fits the template well.

This is the floor of my house

This is taken outside on the grass field beside the cafe.

There are multiple patterns like this on a keyboard

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There aren’t that much of dots but it fits the pattern well

  .  

Took this last week when I was waiting for my school photo to be taken. The sofa in upper gallery.

This was taken at my home on my old desk. the rubber part and the wood part meets

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This is the light on my wall.

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This is my bed sheet.

In this photo, I think the photographer focused mainly on lines, shape, and color, when these three elements are put together in this photo, the visual effects are very unreal.

I would give this photo a title named:”a dying pupil”. First, because of the eye-catching combination of the formal elements. A circle, lines, if you see these two elements seperately, it wouldn’t be rather “surprising”, yet if you be creative and combine them together, you can eventually have a photo like this. The unique and creative combination of shape and lines has created a photo that somehow looks like an extreme close-up of a pupil. That’s why I would call it a pupil for the title. I also said that the pupil is “dying”, mainly because of the color tone. It has a greyish black and white color tone, which gives us a rusty, old, and decaying feeling. Therefore, I will name this photo “a dying pupil”

The use of formal elements in this photo is very delicate and careful. With the circle in the middle, countless lines are beaming towards it, which creates a very interesting visual effect, which is that, when you look at the photo, you can see the objects, elements very big or very small, both looks very natural. Lastly, the elements are carefully positioned in order to give us a feeling of organization and carefulness when the photo was taken.

Albert Renger-Patzsch, “Fungi Lepiota procera”,https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/285659.

The phrase Formal Elements in photography refers to the fundamental components that make up an image. Understanding these elements helps photographers create more compelling and visually engaging photographs. The six primary formal elements often discussed are line, shape, pattern, texture, tone, and focus.

1. Line

Description: Lines can guide the viewer’s eye through a photograph and can create a sense of movement or direction. They can be straight, curved, diagonal, or implied.

Example: A photograph of a winding road can emphasize lines. For instance, Ansel Adams’ “The Tetons and Snake River” showcases strong leading lines created by the river.

Citation: Adams, A. (1942). The Tetons and Snake River.

2. Shape

Description: Shapes are defined areas created by lines or color. They can be geometric (squares and circles) or organic (irregular shapes found in nature).

Example: A photograph of a leaf can emphasize organic shapes. For instance, Georgia O’Keeffe’s floral photographs highlight the shapes of petals.

Citation: O’Keeffe, G. (1920). Black Iris III.

3. Pattern

Description: Patterns occur when elements repeat in a predictable manner, creating a sense of rhythm and harmony.

Example: A photograph of tiled floors demonstrates pattern. For example, Henri Cartier-Bresson’s street photography often captures patterns in urban environments.

Citation: Cartier-Bresson, H. (1952). Behind the Gare Saint-Lazare.

4. Texture

Description: Texture refers to the surface quality of an object, which can be seen or felt. It adds depth and interest to photographs.

Example: A close-up of tree bark emphasizes texture. An image by Edward Weston, such as his studies of peppers, illustrates texture beautifully.

Citation: Weston, E. (1930). Pepper No. 30.

5. Tone

Description: Tone refers to the lightness or darkness of an image, which can affect mood and depth. It is crucial in black-and-white photography.

Example: A dramatic black-and-white portrait can emphasize tone. Richard Avedon’s portraits often showcase strong tonal contrasts.

Citation: Avedon, R. (1965). In the American West.

6. Focus

Description: Focus determines what is sharp in an image and can direct the viewer’s attention to specific details or subjects.

Example: A macro photograph of a flower can highlight focus. For instance, a close-up shot by Thomas Shahan emphasizes the details in the petals.

Citation: Shahan, T. (2013). Macro Photography of Insects.

Can an image show just one element at a time?

While an image can emphasize a single formal element, it is rare for a photograph to showcase only one element in isolation. Most images will inherently include multiple elements, as they interact and complement each other. For example, a photograph focusing on texture may also contain lines and shapes, as those elements are often intertwined in the composition. Highlighting one element can be the main intent, but the presence of others usually adds to the overall richness and complexity of the image.