The photographs have abstraction because of the curvy lines pointing all the way, making abstract shapes and the rough texture and pattern of the abstract shapes make the picture look like it is moving. Further on, even though the picture’s overall tone may be dark, the abstract shapes cause distinct contrasts. Also, the objects have a connection, but the blandness of the edges builds mood-like fading. The photograph’s angles are primarily from a horizon view but also very closed up, showing small details like the formal art element. The pictures have colors like white, black, and grey, grabbing attention to the small details of the pictures rather than overwhelming them with bright colors. Most pictures have a darker color in the center and get more colorful on the edges, building wonder like what may be beyond the things taken in the image.

I believe the word fading and blandness reflect the word anxiety. Since technology only continues to take over civic participation and the human role in society, humans continue to feel worried and hopeless. Aaron Siskind shows that by using bland values and movement, showing how human society is rapid and we forget key values of our daily lives. Also, the small patterns created by the curvy lines, abstract shapes, and rough textures create small circles and squares, reflecting humans. The colors black, white, and grey reflect a mood of loss and hopelessness, showing how human society has lost its values and goals.

Fully evaluate one photograph.

The contrasting textures bring to mind many connections. The connection between the white objects and the dark surfaces makes the photograph look like a beach shore. Also, the rough and sketchy textures of the object and the silky surfaces build a sense of fading, as if leaves are decaying from the autumn dusk. The photograph’s close-up helps us see the white objects have small dots, showing patterns. The line’s directions are heading all ways, forming mysterious shapes between the lines. A rough texture surrounds the lines, creating value and moods like smokiness. The colors and shapes of the white objects are different, making it look like there is movement. There is a contrast between the surface and the white object,  making it look like a geographical territory viewed from the horizon. The texture of the surface looks smooth and silky, but the small cracks on the white objects give the mood of an earth. The photography sets a mood of sadness because the color is grey and bland, and loneliness because of the connection and isolation between white objects and the dark surfaces.

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‌Mooly. “Aaron Siskind.” Pinterest, 21 June 2020, uk.pinterest.com/pin/60798663708016326/. Accessed 17 Feb. 2025.

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‌“Aaron Siskind.” Meer, Meer.com, 11 Oct. 2017, www.meer.com/en/31401-aaron-siskind. Accessed 17 Feb. 2025.

‌Intern. “Aaron Siskind: A Painter’s Photographer and Works on Paper by BMC Artists – Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center.” Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center, 9 Nov. 2018, www.blackmountaincollege.org/aaron-siskind/. Accessed 17 Feb. 2025.

‌“Aaron Siskind Viewpoint on Magma — Cercle.” Cercle, 2019, www.cerclemagazine.com/en/magazine/articles-magazine/aaron-siskind-viewpoint-on-magma/. Accessed 17 Feb. 2025.

“Lumiere» Blog Archive» Aaron Siskind.” Lumieregallery.net, 2021, lumieregallery.net/202/aaron-siskind/. Accessed 17 Feb. 2025.

‌MartinVorel.com. “Aaron Siskind: A Pioneer of Abstract Photography – MartinVorel.com – Medium.” Medium, 4 Jan. 2024, medium.com/@marvorel/aaron-siskind-a-pioneer-of-abstract-photography-d9f1884c216d. Accessed 17 Feb. 2025.

‌“Aaron Siskind «Stephen Daiter Gallery.” Stephendaitergallery.com, 2025, stephendaitergallery.com/artists/aaron-siskind/. Accessed 17 Feb. 2025.

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