lesson 12

Portraiture is a broad artistic concept dealing with the representation of individuals through various forms of visual media, including photography.

Notable Photographer: Barbara Morgan
- Famous for her dance photography, particularly of Martha Graham.
- Attended UCLA and taught at San Fernando High School.
- Became interested in dance photography after covering Hopi and Sunni rituals.
- Her iconic dance photograph, often called "The Kick," showcases the beauty and movement in dance.

Notable Photographer: Ruth Bernhard
- Emphasized the human form in her work, focusing on nude photography as a means of expression.
- Born in Berlin, moved to New York in 1927.
- Became renowned for her nudes, particularly after she began photographing women in 1934.
- An influential figure after meeting Edward Weston, enhancing her artistic vision.

Notable Photographer: Hans Bellmer
- Bellmer's work featured articulated dolls, reflecting rebellion against fascism and exploring themes of sexuality and desire.
- His dolls had ball joints, allowing for unconventional posed photography, and he was influenced by German expressionism.
- His work was classified as "degenerate" by the Nazis, leading him to flee to Paris where he was accepted by the Surrealists.

Notable Photographer: Philippe Halsman
- Known for inventive portraits, including his work with Salvador Dali.
- Introduced the concept of environmental portraits, effectively portraying subjects in unique settings that reflected their personalities.
- Famous for the surreal photograph of Dali with water splashing in the background, highlighting Halsman's creative process.
- His work with celebrities like Marilyn Monroe and historical figures showcased contrasting emotions and styles.

A British photographer known for social and documentary photography, capturing post-war society.
- Explored Britain, photographing various social classes and working conditions.
- Famous for emphasizing texture in his portraits, often juxtaposing figures with their environments.
- His work reflects both affection and critique of British society prior to and following World War II.

Notable Photographer: Arnold Newman
- Known for "environmental portraits" which utilize setting to enhance the subject's narrative.
- Pioneered the concept that the setting provides deeper insight into the personality and life of a subject.
- His composition linked artistic intent with biographical prominence.

Armenian-Canadian photographer known for iconic portraits.
- Revolutionized portrait taking with his focus on lighting, emphasizing the physical presence of subjects.
- Famous works include portraits of Winston Churchill and Albert Schweitzer, showcasing his mastery of tonal contrasts.

Self-taught photographer from Detroit, influenced heavily by modern art movements.
- Known for experimental approaches and portraying his wife, producing iconic images with nuanced textures and forms.
- His photographs displayed a keen sensitivity to light and form, often juxtaposing the everyday with the poetic.

An expressionistic photographer, known for dreamlike and haunting images.
- Often incorporated masks into his work, creating an aura of mystery and unsettling beauty.
- His background in literature informed much of his work, drawing parallels between visual art and literary themes.

Iconic figure in the pop art movement, known for challenging the concept of originality in art.
- His work often used mass-produced images from popular culture, blurring lines between commercial and fine art.
- Famous for silkscreening works like Marilyn Monroe, which speaks to both celebrity culture and the transient nature of fame.
- Explored themes of consumerism, identity, and the mechanization of art creation through his studio known as "The Factory."

Continuing from the focus on portraiture, the next lesson will shift towards fashion photography, exploring how portraiture intersects with fashion in contemporary art.