Research

Edward Steichen

Migrant Mother (1936), Dorothea Lange

Steichen (1879-1973) was an American Photographer as well as a painter, art gallery and museum curator. One of the exhibition’s Steichen curated was 'The Family of Men', first shown in 1955 at the Museum of Modern Art in New York. The exhibition contained 503 photos from 68 countries which represented 273 photographers. The photographs show powerful snapshots of everyday human experiences. From birth, love and joy but also shows illness, war and death. I think if I had the opportunity to see the exhibition it would have probably been breath taking and moving. I read that Steichen created the exhibition as a 'manifesto of peace' and the photos bind people and cultures around the world. The exhibition itself represents humanity. 

One of the images in the exhibition is this, Migrant Mother. This was taken from a set in 1936 by Dorothea Lange, showing California’s migrant farm labourers. The woman is a mother to seven children, a pea picker who fed her children frozen peas and birds the children killed. I find this image quite sad, I read that she was only 32 years old but to me she looks so much older, you can see the pain and suffering in not just her but the children around her.  If this images was in colour i don't think it would show the sadness and character it does now. The contrast, i think is just right if it was a little darker or brighter it wouldn't have the same effect.

Steichen experimented with a lot of different types of photography like, Landscape, Architecture, Theatre and Dance and War photography. He was offered the position of chief photographer for Vogue and Vanity fair by Conde Nast. Its been said that Steichen captured the glamour of Hollywood's Golden Age and a critic in 1900 reviewing Steichen's work, wrote that Steichen "is not satisfied showing us how a person looks, but how he thinks a person should look." He captured a photograph of American actress Gloria Swanson in 1924. I personally find this image interesting to look at. Because of the black lace in front of her face it makes her more mysterious in a way. Her facial expression makes her look in control i guess (like a boss). When you first look at the image your instantly drawn to her eyes. You can see that this image is more of a fashion portrait, Steichen referred to this image as "her look of a leopardess lurking behind leafy shrubbery, watching her prey."

Edward Steichen, 1924

  

Paolo Roversi, 2009

Paolo Roversi recreated this image in 2009, i don't think its as strong as the original. Rather then looking in control the subject looks the total opposite to me. Maybe frighted I'm not sure, her eyes look shocked and give a scared look because of how wide they are and her mouth looks as if shes gasping. Compared to the original that looks natural and controlled, this is more forced you could say, she doesnt look like the preditor more the prey.