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Wk 3 Lines and Patterns Artists

Laszlo Moholy-Nagy

A Hungarian painter, photographer and professor who is known for his explorations of light, shadow and reflections.  His works featured technology and machines which he was fascinated by.  He sought to improve printed photography by using various mechanisms.

Below is a picture produced by a photogram.  These are images made with photographic materials, such as light-sensitive paper but without a camera.  It has examples of patterns and lines.  The light also produces lines forming a triangle on top of the object, keeping the focus on that area.


I'm drawn in by the light which forms a triangle over the objects.  There are three strong lines which cross paths and form a mini triangle at the top.  Movement around this picture is possible by the many lines and also patterns of the objects however the eye is led back to the middle by the three main lines.  It's quite an interesting piece and the longer you look at it your eye becomes introduce to another part of the photo which are hidden under the shadows or layer of objects.

Title: Photogram 1922, Artist Laszlo Moholy-Nagy, Size: 17.8 x 23.7cm Medium: Photograph, gelatin silver print

I have never heard of photograms before so to see such a clear image appear without a camera is quite amazing. The detail is so crisp.  As i'm writing this up i am reminded about a conversation i had with a friend who had asked me if i saw similarities with a screenprinting course i'm doing and photography.  I said no, but now i can say yes - the photogram process is similar to exposing a screen for screen printing.  A photogram uses a light sensitive paper to expose its image on whereas screenprinting coasts a screen with a light sensitive liquid.

Olive Cotton

An Australian photographer during 1930s - 1940s.  Her career spanned more than six decades.  Her works commonly feature light and form.  She was childhood friends with photographer Max Dupain.  He was also her first husband.

The photo below uses pattern and lines to draw the viewers eye.  The pattern which is present comes from the group of trees packed in the fore, mid and back ground.  The low angle shot, draws attention to the group of trees in the foreground making it the dominating subject in this picture.  The lines which are seen from the trees draw the eye toward the clouds, then to the light which beams through the clouds at the top of the photo.  This then leads the eye towards the group of trees bringing you back to the main subject.

What i am starting to see is that curved lines are softer and if they are directing you to the something it is often subtle however straight lines have a more direct approach.

Title: Storm 1938, Artist: Olive Cotton, Medium: Photograph Size: 30.8 x 30.2cm

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