KARL BLOSSFELDT
Karl Blossfeldt (1865–1932) is recognised for his
extensive and unique collection of photographic plant portraits that
reveal the tactile qualities, intricate forms and uncanny aspects of
flora. His fusion of scientific observation, sculptural form and surreal
composition pioneered an artistic style that forged new approaches to
modern art and photography.
Working at the junction of Art Nouveau and Modernism, Blossfeldt
developed a series of homemade cameras that allowed him to photograph
plant surfaces in unprecedented magnified detail. Working as a tutor in
Berlin from the late nineteenth century until his death, Blossfeldt’s
works were primarily used as teaching tools and were brought to public
attention in 1928 by his first publication Urformen der Kunst (Art
Forms in Nature). Swiftly regarded as a seminal book on photography,
Blossfeldt’s factual yet finely detailed imagery was praised by Walter
Benjamin, adopted by the Surrealists and mass produced in magazines and
books.
The exhibition is a major presentation of Blossfeldt’s work and
consists of over 80 silver gelatin prints made and used during his
tutorship. In addition, five rarely-seen large-scale prints will also be
shown. These historic photographs are accompanied by his original
publications, a set of working collages made in preparation for his
books along with a number of avant-garde writings that embraced his
work, including a text by Georges Bataille.
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