Aaron Siskind:

Characteristics of Aaron Siskind’s Photographic Style

1. Flat Picture Planes: Siskind’s photographs often look flat, which makes the viewer focus on the surface of the image rather than the depth. This approach challenges how we usually see things and encourages us to appreciate the two-dimensional quality of the photograph.
2. Focus on Texture: He pays a lot of attention to textures in his work, capturing the details of everyday objects. This makes ordinary things interesting and shows their unique qualities.
3. Shallow Depth of Field: Siskind uses a shallow depth of field, which means that only part of the image is in focus while the rest is blurry. This technique helps to highlight specific details and makes the viewer feel closer to the subject.
4. Close-Up Framing: He often takes extreme close-up shots, which abstract his subjects and remove them from their usual context. This allows viewers to see familiar objects in a new way, making them feel fresh and exciting.
5. Gestural Composition: His photographs often have dynamic shapes and lines that remind us of abstract paintings. This adds an emotional quality to his work, making it feel alive and expressive.

   Why is Siskind’s work considered Abstract?

   Siskind’s photographs are abstract because they don’t always show things in a traditional way. Instead of just capturing what something looks like, he focuses on shapes, lines, and textures that can change how we think about everyday objects. By using close-ups and unusual angles, he invites viewers to see things differently and appreciate their beauty beyond what they normally notice.

   Why Aaron Siskind? 

   I really like Siskind’s style because it makes ordinary objects seem special. The way he captures textures and forms inspires me to find beauty in simple things around me. His abstract approach allows for different interpretations, so every time I look at his work, I see something new and interesting.

   “What I am conscious of and what I feel is the picture I am making.” — Aaron Siskind. This quote shows that Siskind believes photography is about expressing personal feelings and ideas rather than just showing reality as it is. It helps me understand that his work is more about emotion and abstraction than just taking pretty pictures.

   I chose Aaron Siskind because his style connects with my vision of showing the hidden beauty in everyday life moments that could easily slip away. His ability to turn everyday objects into art inspires me to look closely at my surroundings and find beauty in them.

   To adapt Siskind’s style in my own photography, I will focus on capturing textures and forms by taking close-up shots that highlight the abstract qualities of my subjects. I will try using shallow depth of field and flat compositions to create images that invite viewers to engage with them more deeply. Siskind’s work inspires me to discover hidden beauty in ordinary scenes and express my own feelings through abstraction.

   Evaluating One of Aaron Siskind’s work:

   

   I chose this photograph because it beautifully captures the textures and tone that tell a story of the decay of time. What I find unusual about this image is how the peeling paint and rough surfaces transform a simple wall into an artwork, making it feel alive with history. The important formal element in this photograph is texture. The surface creates a rich visual experience that draws the viewer in. This focus on texture is crucial because it emphasizes the wall’s age and character, allowing us to appreciate the beauty in what might normally be overlooked.

   Citation: “Aaron Siskind.” International Center of Photography, 15 Dec. 2023, www.icp.org/browse/archive/constituents/aaron-siskind?all/all/all/all/0.