8.) Aaron Siskind — Genevieve Kerr

Aaron Skiskind was an American photographer who specialized in documentary photography, and was part of the Abstract Impressionist movement in New York in the 1940’s. His most famous works are the “Harlem Document” from the 1930’s, and his impressionist work. His abstract concepts paved the way for a new type of photography, one that depicts images of the real world as the lens “sees it” with abstraction. To Siskind, this style was was all about seeking meaning in the most intimate forms around him. To create his iconic images, Siskind payed close attention to different lines, shapes, textures, and forms. The results of his thoughtful processes are uniquely intimate images that evoke a strong emotion and tension in the viewer through the different textures and lines. Some of the things he photographed reflected his emotional state at the time, and created an intense mood. Through the photo, the viewer question the nature of that mood, and ultimately trigger the same feelings in the viewer.

The early 1940’s was when Siskind started his abstract work. He started by photographing every day objects up close, to isolate their shapes and textures. Most of these pictures emphasize the overall flatness of the space by not offering much context, however, the abstract shapes and form are what pull the viewer into the image. One could derive their own personal meaning from each photo, as well as understanding the connection Siskind had made when the photo was taken. Many of the objects in the photos are recognizable, for example the hook and what appears to be chipped paint, but somehow we see those objects in a completely new way. They become less everyday objects, and more metaphors of life. The real world has so many moments of order, chaos, and uncertainty, and Siskind’s impressionistic photos represent not only that, but the emotions that come along with it. Siskind had a particular way of interpreting the world around him, and that is why he is considered one of the greatest artists in photography.