Pictorialism to Modernism

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Pictorialist Image 1:

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“The Bamboo Blind” by Harold Caznueax is a gelatin silver photograph taken in 1915. This image is significant as this is the first of many portraits showing his diversity as a photographer, this particular one taken of his daughter Beryl. This displays key pictorialist characteristics. The overall image looks as if it had been painted on or criss-crossed charcoal patterning, particularly the bamboo and the crosses on the girl and her arms. The soft lighting is also a key element in pictorialism and one of Cazneaux’s signatures, which was inspired by impressionist work.

Pictorialist Image 2:

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“Martin Place, Wet Day” is another incredible image by Harold Cazneaux. This image is a gelatin silver photograph in 1975. The image used diffused light in a romantic approach; the background in the centre between the two buildings has a foggy light that emphasises this pictorialist approach more so. The buildings have a softer light outlining on what would be strong, harsh lines. The people have a definite outline however are stages due to lack of movement and stereotypical positioning.

Moderinsistic Picture 1:

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Max Dupain’s “Newport”, 1950 is a clearly demonstrated modernistic image. The image incorporates the key characteristics of Modernism, including the sharp focus and focal points- the man jumping off the ledge, tonal contrast between the shadowing and the actual man. As this image is taken outside, the natural light created discolouration to the man, in which some parts are light and some are dark, which also embodies a form of contrasting.

Moderinsim Image 2:

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Olive Cotton modernistic style is impeccable. Through the simple use of teacups, Cotton created a masterpiece. “Teacup Ballet” 1935, depicts these teacups as ballet dances. Cotton established this through the use of high tonal contrast, shadows, strong focus and a massive light to do so. With the use of light, the shadowing allows these teacups to look like high-defined ballet dancers. With this, also comes the strong tonal contrast from the light coloured teacups to the dark shadows accompanying it.

To conclude, Pictorialism was mainly present in the early 19th Century and the Early 20th Century and this photographic style slowly died out, as there were new, interesting ways of photography. However, Modernism is still being portrayed today and is still one of the heavy influences for many artists.