Early Modern Era of Photography

Tsawataikneuk Girl

In 1914 Edward S. Curtis took a photo of the beautiful Tsawataikneuk Girl on Vancouver Island. This girl, now identified as Margeret Wilson Frank, wears her stunning earrings made from abalone shell and her cedar black cape with fur on the inside. A common attire for girls of the Northwest Coast First Nations People. 

Edward S. Curtis, was a photographer during the Early modern era of art (1900’s-1939) who was on a mission to document the traditional life of Native Amercians. With grants from scientists and writers, Curtis was able to travel the U.S. and photograph over seventy tribes of Native Americans including Native Alaskans between (1900-1930). I highly recommend purchasing the book “The North American Indian” which includes all of Edward S. Curtis’ portraits of the Native American lifestyle, it is truly remarkable to witness these photos. I would also warn you to stay away from the thought pattern “that this is what Native American life looked like before being influenced by Western culture”. These photos were taken nearly a century ago (which isn’t that long ago) and actually prove Western influence. Europeans had already been in America for over two hundred years. Although Edward S. Curtis was able to capture a lot of traditional lifestyle that isn’t commonly seen today, it is safe to argue if what he photographed was truly “traditional”. 

Besides all that, returning back to the focus of the “Tsawataiknuek Girl” I am drawn to the twinkle in her eyes and the small smile that appears on her face. I loved this picture because you don’t see a lot of people smiling in pictures at this time due to the long wait of the camera capturing everything. I’m also in awe of the lighting that this picture brings. Her abalone earrings reflect the light and her cheeks look weathered at such a young age. But, she carries a joy and mischief to her. This picture gives me a very balanced feeling with the shading and the way she is placed in the center of the photo by herself. 

I’m grateful towards Edward Curtis for recording so many First Peoples of America including my own ancestors. 

Semionova, Premiere Ballerina, Russia, 1931

 

Photography was a new form of art swiftly coming to a rise in the early 1900’s. Margaret Bourke-White (1904-1971) was a female photographer (the first female photographer to be included in LIFE magazine) who lived a full life. From being a woman who chased photography  to working in the combat zones of WWII and receiving international recognition for her works. She brought art to photography (clearly seen in the photo above) and wasn’t afraid to capture real-life events such as the Great Depression. 

Margaret Bourke-White spent multiple summers in Russia while documenting Stalin’s Five-Year plan of transitioning from agriculture to industrial. In her time there she captured her photo “Seminova, Premiere Ballerina, Russia, 1931” a piece that screams for attention in the most elegant manner. It looks as if the ballerina is dancing in this photo with her perfect lines and angles of her arms paralleling her leg as she ties her pointe shoes. The shadow mocks her foot on the wall, her tutu is playful and in the way, but she doesn’t seem to be bothered by it. The light is dim as if she is quietly preparing backstage. I like to imagine that she is a Bolshoi ballerina in Moscow getting ready to dance the Swan Lake. Overall, this piece of Margaret Bourke-White brings me the anticipation for a performance, yet a still peace to the small moments in life such as tying your shoe before walking on. 

Stevedore, Havana, Cuba Coal Dock Worker

     

       Walker Evans (1903-1975) was an extremely influential  photographer of his time. Known for capturing American life around him he was an inspiration to artists such as Robert Frank, Hilla Becher, and Lee Friedlander. His photos were well produced and intentionally captured. 

In 1933 Walker Evans traveled to Havana, Cuba to help Carleton Beal expose the harsh conditions that Cubans were living under the dictatorship of Machado y Morales. This Series of photos was designed as a wake up call to the U.S State Department who was covertly supporting the dictatorship. Above is one of the many photos that Walker took in Cuba. This photo displays a Cuban coal dock worker. His face looks tired and his skin worn, but his facial features are very soft and could almost be mistaken for a woman’s. His cigar hangs from his mouth lazily and his collar is frayed. His hat gives the picture a satisfying pattern. But what catches me the most is the way that his stare seems very solemn, not entirely sad, but certainly not happy or excited, it throws me off. It makes me feel that if I’m in the conversation I should either contribute something or leave. 

Summary

Today I chose three photographs, each one a different artist, person, and place in the world. But, all during the same time period. In the Early Modern Era of art between the 1900’s and  the 1930’s. WWI, The Great Depression, and the advancement of the world in science and technology was taking place. In the midst of this were people. What excites me about the rise of photography is the people that we see through this. I chose photos today that give us a sneak peek into three people's very different lives. We have a Native American girl from the Northwest Coast, a Russian Ballerina, and a Cuban dockworker. All living completely separate lives and facing very different circumstances within the same story and timeline. Each brought together by different artists of photographers sharing the stories of others around them. 

                                                                                Sources:

Curtis, Edward S. “[Tsawatenok Girl, Head-and-Shoulders Portrait, Facing Front].” Library of Congress, 1 Jan. 1970, https://www.loc.gov/pictures/item/93511813/. 

“Tsawataineuk First Nations Girl, of the Kwakwakaʼwakw People of the Northwest Coast - 1914 - Sanna Dullaway: Colorization Artist.” Sanna Dullaway | Colorization Artist, https://www.sannadullaway.com/tsawataineuk-first-nations-girl-of-the-kwakwakawakw-people-of-the-northwest-coast-1914. 

“Edward S. Curtis.” Smithsonian Institution, https://www.si.edu/spotlight/edward-sheriff-curtis. 

“Edward S. Curtis.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., https://www.britannica.com/biography/Edward-S-Curtis. 

“Margaret Bourke-White (1904-1971).” Women Photojournalists: Margaret Bourke-White (1904-1971) - Introduction & Biographical Essay (Prints and Photographs Reading Room, Library of Congress), https://www.loc.gov/rr/print/coll/womphotoj/bourkewhiteessay.html. 

“Margaret Bourke-White: Photographs of the U.S.S.R.” Margaret Bourke-White: Photographs of the U.S.S.R. - Miami University, https://www.miamioh.edu/cca/art-museum/exhibitions/past-exhibitions/15fall-bourkewhite/index.html. 

Metmuseum.org, https://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/evan/hd_evan.htm. 

Metmuseum.org, https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/283318.