• What is was the Pictorialism Movement in photography? 

Pictorialism is a photo that is both a photographic aesthetic and a set of principles about photography’s role as art. It should be approached the camera as a tool that, like the paintbrush or chisel, could be used to make an artistic statement.

  • What was the straight photography movement in photography? Why was it popular amongst photographers?
  • (look at the work of Albert Renger-Patzsch, Edward Weston , Aaron Siskind, Uta Barth and Andreas Gursky)

The Straight Photography Movement is a photography skill that proponents to exploit the better qualities of the photographic medium and change it from painting and other art forms. It advocated for sharp focus, high detail, and the absence of manipulation in the darkroom. The movement was popular amongst photographers because it allowed them to celebrate the  qualities and to capture the world.

  • How have Edward Weston and Aaron Siskind (above) been influenced by the Straight Photography Movement?

Edward Weston was one of the leaders of the Straight Photography movement in the United States. His work is characterized by its high level of detail and lack of manipulation. Aaron Siskind ‘s work was characterized by its focus on the textures, forms, and abstract patterns found in usual life, shows the influence of Straight Photography.

  • What makes the work of Andreas Gursky and Uta Barth abstract? Are they both straight photographers? Why?

Uta Barth and Andreas Gursky are contemporary abstract photographers. The specific skills make them abstract photographer since Barth’s work is characterized by its focus on the incidental and overlooked aspects of visual perception, often featuring blurred, indistinct, or otherwise obscure images and  Gursky used skills such as large-scale, digitally manipulated images of landscapes and architecture, which often feature repetitive patterns and structures.

Pepper No. 30-Edward Weston

Edward Weston’s photograph, “Pepper No. 30,” is considered one of the most iconic modernist images.

Jerome, Arizona 21-Aaron siskind Uta Barth-White Blind

historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection.

Uta Barth-White Blind

Uta Barth intentionally turns her camera on unremarkable rooms and landscapes