Stieglitz's Shadow--Mr. Salinas

                


   Georgia O’Keeffe—Hands and Thimble:

1919

                    Thanks to the generosity of my essay-eager tutors, I have recently spent a fair amount of my time in the library. In moments of procrastination, I have been occupying myself in the art section, in which, since our conversation on the difference between painting and photography, I have been drawn to the photography collection, particularly the couple of books on the works of Alfred Stieglitz. We have known Steiglitz mainly as the shadowy figure in O'Keeffe's life who seems to have played the simultaneous roles of major influence and also somewhat of an impediment in terms of how her work was interpreted and received. However, apart from the glimpses of him we get in the essays that we've read, I had not really taken the time to look at his own art, for which he is also renowned. 

                    When discussing the merits of painting versus technique we seemed to focus on composition, technique, and perspective as being the primary elements that felt integral to painting and also what elevated photography. I've been quite taken by Stieglitz's photography which to me feels rather painterly with its soft focus and sepia tones that bring a depth of richness to his compositions. Perhaps it is just because I have approached his work with the knowledge of his relationship with O'Keeffe on my mind, but I have to say that I do see a real symmetry of sorts between his and O'Keeffe's work. Stieglitz similarly likes to abstract the particular and would seem to have worked to find images that isolate figures and prioritize form. To me, these elements work together to capture a universality as well as a deep awe and enigma that I think is also a hallmark of O'Keeffe's work. I would love to hear whether y'all see/feel any similarity or connection between these photographs and some of the paintings we have looked at. 


Meeting of Day and Night, Lake George:
1896

The Dying Chestnut:
1919
    

The Dying Chestnut Tree—My Teacher:
1927



Equivalent:
1931


Equivalent:
1930



The Dancing Trees
1922







Comments

  1. Krishnan VenkateshNovember 27, 2022 at 7:14 PM

    You are absolutely right. The relationship was symbiotic -- not only between these two but also between the whole circle of artists around them. Stieglitz was one of the great hubs of modern American art. Isn't it interesting that art also exists within a conversation? -- as opposed to the stereotype of isolated genius.

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