Maddison Wright

Intro to Art History
12/4/2013

Extra Credit 2

I visited the UCR/ California Museum of Photography and saw many amazing pieces of work. On display was Eadweard Muybridge’s “The Horse in Motion, 1878” and if you spun the circle you could see the motion of the horses running. These are the moments I appreciate what I learned in Art History - so I can be knowledgable of the history behind these important artists showcased. This museum had many different levels and when you walked up to the second level you could still see the photographs on the first floor in clear view, just in a different aspect. 

One of my favorite series of photographs taken in 2011 by Katy Grannan showed what seems to be many troubled individuals, some even with their child. Such as one man holding a cigarette in one hand and his daughter wrapped around his arms. The man seems to have a look of despair on his face while not knowing how to support his daughter - his daughter, who has a look of confusion while gripping onto her father. 

Another one of Katy Grannan’s photos was of an exotic women with her disheveled hair blowing across her face. Her forehead had wrinkles as her eyebrows curved downward with a worried look. Her lips as well curved downward - not knowing what to think or do next. This women’s hand is lightly grasping onto some strands of her hair, showing her insecurities as her arm is across her face. To me this shows her inverted personality. 

Both of Katy Grannan’s photos that I have discussed looks as if she took them along a beach shore. The father and daughter are both wearing swim suits/ swim trunks and the exotic women has tangled curly hair that looks damp. The beach can be a place of relaxation and partying, however it is also a place where many people who are in need of help/ homeless go to live for some time.

A photograph I found to be both beautiful and dark was called “Aspens, Northern New Mexico,” taken in 1958 but not yet printed until 1978. The clarity of the photo allows one to focus more on the negative space contrasting to the single white tree to the left. This photographer’s name was Ansel Adams; a former pianist. In 1930 he switched careers to pursue his other passion, photography. He soon co-founded a photography group called f/64 and focused on the nature across the American West. 

I have always took an interest in photography but soon became sidetracked by other art means. Visiting this museum has somewhat sparked my interest in photography once again - hopefully I can find the time to dive back into this art. 

Katy Grannan, Untitled, 2011

Katy Grannan, Untitled, 2011

Ansel Adams, Aspens, Northern New Mexico, 1958 (printed 1978), Gelatin silver print