Tag: abstract photography, abstraction

Jacobi’s ‘photogenics’

Lotte Jacobi (1896 – 1990) ~ Birdform, 1946-1955 (printed 1981). Platinum print. | src Akron Art Museum
Lotte Jacobi (1896 – 1990) ~ Bird in Flight – Homage to Brancusi, 1946-1955 (printed 1981). Platinum print. | src Akron Art Museum

Though best known for her portraits of famous people, Jacobi also experimented with abstraction in her “photogenics.” She described making these photograms (photographs made without a camera) as drawing on photo-sensitized paper by moving the light source. While photography is most often used to document the external world, Jacobi’s abstractions are a vehicle for imagination.

Lotte Jacobi (1896 – 1990) ~ Untitled photogram, 1946-1955 (printed 1981). Platinum print. | src Akron Art Museum
Lotte Jacobi (1896 – 1990) ~ Untitled photogram, 1946-1955 (printed 1981). Platinum print. | src Akron Art Museum

Desperate Heart, 1944

Barbara Morgan :: Dancer Valerie Bettis in Desperate Heart, 1944 (printed ca. 1982). | src akron art museum

The dancer Valerie Bettis in Desperate Heart, 1944 (printed ca. 1982) by Barbara Morgan. This image of modern dancer and choreographer Valerie Bettis performing her signature work approaches abstraction. Her body is almost completely obscured by the cascading fabric of her skirt. | akron art museum