Karl Blossfeldt
Karl Blossfeldt was a photographer, artist, sculptor and teacher now remembered for his captivating work and detailed photographs on plant life and living organisms. He was inspired by nature and therefore put his own interpretation on it through the use of close up photography. He stated that plants held an 'artistic and architectural' pattern. Blossfeldt was intrigued with the way plants grew. His unique style of arranging magnified images of his subjects against neutral backgrounds and stark celebrated their artistic structure and architectural delicacy . Illustrating the intricacies of buds, pods, twigs, tendrils, seeds and other plant components, the photographs amplify the amazing design found in natural form. According to the artist himself "a plant never lapses into mere arid functionalism; it fashions and shapes, according to logic and suitability, and with its primeval force, compels everything to attain the highest artistic form" A book was later on published in 1928 by Ernst Wasmuth of Blossfeldt's work named 'Urformen der Kunst'. It was a best seller of its time making Blossfeldt famous overnight. In 2001 long after the artist had past away 'Urformen der Kunst' was added in The Book of 101 Books for being an influential,picturesque book of the 20th century. Prior to publishing this photographic book, in 1926 Blossfeldt was sent an invitation to present his work at Karl Nierendorf’s gallery in Berlin. From that point onward, Blossfeldt was encouraged to collect all his images in one place. Blossfeldt spent most of his childhood in the Harz Mountains in central Germany. After receiving an apprenticeship in sculpture and iron casting at the 'Art Ironworks and Foundry' in Magdesprung he then carried on to study at the 'Institute of Royal Arts Museum' in Berlin. During this time Blossfeldt collected a range of different plants to use as models for drawing in class. He later on used these plants as subjects for his photography. Blossfeldt used plant photography trying to inspire his students by natural form. He was later on appointed a teacher post at the 'Institute of Royal Arts Museum' in 1898 where then he displayed his photographs. Interestingly Blossfeldt didn't have any formal training in photography, he simply started with a homemade camera that magnified the object placed in front of it. This reflected his growing interest in the textures and patterns found in nature.
Blossfeldt’s images are recognized for there important contribution to history of photography and they remain as striking and memorable as they were when they were first taken. His photographs reveal intricate floral forms, textures and physical qualities of nature.
Blossfeldt’s images are recognized for there important contribution to history of photography and they remain as striking and memorable as they were when they were first taken. His photographs reveal intricate floral forms, textures and physical qualities of nature.
Examples of his work
My Interpretation
How I Got TherePhoto 1 |
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