Introduction to Photograms

Purpose:

To learn about and understand the Avant-Garde movement and artists associated with it;

To learn and understand the history of Photograms;

To become familiar with Man Ray;

To understand and demonstrate how to make a photogram;

To learn and demonstrate basic darkroom procedures

What is Avant-Garde?

Avant-garde art refers to artists, movements, or artworks that develop experimental concepts, processes, and forms that challenge the existing conventions of art. It is a term that originated in early 19th-century France, where it was used to describe any artistic expression that questions the status quo. The term "avant-garde" comes from the military, where it refers to the vanguard, the front line of an advancing army. The idea is that avant-garde artists are the pioneers, leading the way toward new artistic ideas and practices. Initially tied to social and political ideals, the concept of avant-garde transformed into more imaginative appearances and methods of achieving them.

Angelus Novus by Paul Klee, 1920

The art piece Angelus Novus by Paul Klee is significant because of its connection to Walter Benjamin, a German-Jewish philosopher, and critic. Benjamin purchased the painting in 1921 and referred to it as his most treasured possession. Benjamin wrote an essay in which he interpreted the painting as a symbol of the progress of history and the destructive nature of capitalism. The painting's composition features an angel who appears to be looking back at a pile of debris, symbolizing the destruction of the past. The work has become an icon of modern art due to its ability to capture the cultural and historical context of the time, as well as the connection to Benjamin's ideas about history and capitalism

Guernica by Pablo Picasso, 1937

The painting "Guernica" by Pablo Picasso is an important work of art because it is a powerful message to the Spanish Civil War and a premonition of the impending Second World War. The bombing of the Basque city of Guernica by German and Italian armies inspired Picasso's work, which depicts the suffering and destruction caused by war. The painting's fragmented composition, dull colors, and awfully configured characters bring a sense of chaos and despair, which is reflected by the ravages of war. "Guernica" has become a universal symbol of the horrors of war and a reminder of the need for peace and compassion in the world. Its significance is evident in its continued influence on contemporary art and political discourse.

Black Square by Kazimir Malevich, 1915

Kazimir Malevich's Black Square is widely regarded as one of the most influential works of modern art. The painting's simplicity portrays its significance, as it represented a radical departure from traditional representational art. By reducing everything to a single black square on a white canvas, Malevich rejected the conventions of realism and sought to explore the fundamental essence of form and space. The painting's impact was immediate and far-reaching, inspiring a new generation of artists to embrace abstract expressionism and explore the boundaries of what art could be. Ultimately, the Black Square represented a bold challenge to the established notions of art and aesthetics, and its enduring legacy continues to inspire and provoke contemporary artists and audiences alike.

Sources:

Editors, Artland. “Avant-Garde – Art That Breaks Barriers.” Artland Magazine, 7 July 2021, https://magazine.artland.com/avant-garde/.

Man Ray

Man Ray (1890-1976) was an American artist who is considered one of the most influential figures in 20th-century photography. He was part of the Dada and Surrealist movements, and his experimentation with photographic techniques helped to redefine the medium. Man Ray is known for his contributions to the development of photograms, a photographic process that creates images without the use of a camera. He called them "rayographs" and they were created by placing objects directly onto photographic paper and exposing them to light. Man Ray's innovative approach to photography and photograms had a significant impact on the art world and continues to influence contemporary photographers today.

Source:

Man Ray | American Photographer and Painter | Britannica. 6 Mar. 2023,

https://www.britannica.com/biography/Man-Ray.

What is a Photogram?

Photograms are shadow-like images created without the use of a negative or camera. The process involves placing objects between light-sensitive paper or film and a light source, resulting in opaque objects producing solid silhouettes while transparent images create amorphous and mysterious shapes. During the 1920s, photograms were extensively used for artistic purposes by photographers such as Christian Schad, painter-photographer László Moholy-Nagy, and Surrealist Man Ray who referred to his photograms as rayographs. In addition to photography, Man Ray also applied the contact-exposure technique of photograms to motion-picture making. Photograms remain a unique and intriguing photographic technique that continues to fascinate and inspire artists to this day.

Source:

Photogram | Photographic Print | Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/technology/photogram-photographic-print. Accessed 28 Apr. 2023.

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