Aaron Siskind, “Peeling Paint, Jerome, Arizona”, 1949

 

If I had been the photographer of this photo, I would name it “Eroded Time”, because I associate the idea of “peeling paint” with the passing of time immediately as I think of it.

In this photograph, I think Aaron Siskind was trying to capture the elements of texture, shape, and value/tone. Siskind uses the formal elements of photography to emphasize the feeling of the passing of time and erosion by magnifying the texture of the chipping paint in the photo, making it the main focus. The shape of each peeling paint is unique, and without a specific pattern, this creates a better connection with the real world as a realist abstract photographer. The black and white in this photograph illustrates a strong contrast between chipped and unchipped paint, enhancing visual depth and giving it a better sense of dimension and layer.

Works Cited:

Siskind, Aaron. “Peeling Paint, Jerome, Arizona | the Art Institute of Chicago.” The Art Institute of Chicago, www.artic.edu/artworks/22556/peeling-paint-jerome-arizona.