Photographer Research
Name of Artist: Jerry Uelsmann
Dates of Artist’s Life: June 11, 1934 - Present
Personal Background:
Jerry Uelsmann was born in Detroit, Michigan. At fourteen Uelsmann would show his interest in photography, by photographing weddings. He studied photography at the Rochester Institute of Technology, earning a B.F.A. degree. In 1960 at Indiana University he got his M.F.A. and M.S. degrees, where he also met one of his great influences and teacher, Henry Holmes Smith. Soon after he was offered a job in teaching photography at the University of Florida. Uelsmann’s photography career sparked when he had his first one man exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art in 1967.
Style:
Jerry Uelsmann’s work is very surreal. He often combines people or body parts, such as eyes, lips or hands. Nature is also very prominent in his photos. Often trees, water or clouds, or a combination can be seen. His photos are also always in black and white. He also does not use any photo editing software, as all of his editing happens in the blackroom.
Philosophy:
Uelsmann usually likes to leave the interpretation of his work to the viewer. He uses his work to ask questions, but leave the answer to his audience. Sometimes his work will be given a title by the place hosting it, giving it a new meaning besides the one Uelsmann ment for it.
Influences:
Uelsmann has influenced my photography by making me think outside the box. After seeing his work I became inspired to become more experimental with my photography. I now look for photos that might look interesting when edited together with another object or scene. Or if there is a theme I can use to connect multiple photos in an interesting way. Experiencing his work I have been able to learn a new perspective to viewing the world.
Compare and Contrast:
In the first photo set I think our photos come across very differently. Uelsmann’s Symbolic Mutilation seems to depict a much more somber, sadness than my recreation, which I think gives off a more “kick-butt”, can do vibe. In the second photo set, my recreation is very poorly edited with the limitations of my skills. The third photo set is kind of a reversal of the first one, with Uelsmann’s photo giving a pleasant, stroll in the woods, feel. Meanwhile my photo gives a more grim feeling, with the darker pathway, barren trees, and brighter, downturned, lips to contrast.
Dates of Artist’s Life: June 11, 1934 - Present
Personal Background:
Jerry Uelsmann was born in Detroit, Michigan. At fourteen Uelsmann would show his interest in photography, by photographing weddings. He studied photography at the Rochester Institute of Technology, earning a B.F.A. degree. In 1960 at Indiana University he got his M.F.A. and M.S. degrees, where he also met one of his great influences and teacher, Henry Holmes Smith. Soon after he was offered a job in teaching photography at the University of Florida. Uelsmann’s photography career sparked when he had his first one man exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art in 1967.
Style:
Jerry Uelsmann’s work is very surreal. He often combines people or body parts, such as eyes, lips or hands. Nature is also very prominent in his photos. Often trees, water or clouds, or a combination can be seen. His photos are also always in black and white. He also does not use any photo editing software, as all of his editing happens in the blackroom.
Philosophy:
Uelsmann usually likes to leave the interpretation of his work to the viewer. He uses his work to ask questions, but leave the answer to his audience. Sometimes his work will be given a title by the place hosting it, giving it a new meaning besides the one Uelsmann ment for it.
Influences:
Uelsmann has influenced my photography by making me think outside the box. After seeing his work I became inspired to become more experimental with my photography. I now look for photos that might look interesting when edited together with another object or scene. Or if there is a theme I can use to connect multiple photos in an interesting way. Experiencing his work I have been able to learn a new perspective to viewing the world.
Compare and Contrast:
In the first photo set I think our photos come across very differently. Uelsmann’s Symbolic Mutilation seems to depict a much more somber, sadness than my recreation, which I think gives off a more “kick-butt”, can do vibe. In the second photo set, my recreation is very poorly edited with the limitations of my skills. The third photo set is kind of a reversal of the first one, with Uelsmann’s photo giving a pleasant, stroll in the woods, feel. Meanwhile my photo gives a more grim feeling, with the darker pathway, barren trees, and brighter, downturned, lips to contrast.
Sources:
Photo 1: www.moma.org/collection/works/57346
Photo 2:www.uelsmann.net/_img/works/ju_31.jpg
Photo 3:www.uelsmann.net/_img/works/ju_10.jpg
Photo 1: www.moma.org/collection/works/57346
Photo 2:www.uelsmann.net/_img/works/ju_31.jpg
Photo 3:www.uelsmann.net/_img/works/ju_10.jpg