I finished reading a book by Hewitt H. Parker titled
“The Principles of Aesthetics” where
the author discusses the ways in which art finds gracefulness in observing
people, their bodies and re-presents them in sculpture. I am not a sculptor but
I identified with many of the principles he proposes as these are relevant to
photography, especially to street photography where the focus is on people,
their behavior and their body language.
Therefore the author’s statement that
“The sculptor
has this advantage over all other artists, that his chief subject is the most
beautiful thing in the world–the human body. In two ways the body is supremely
beautiful: as an expression of mind and as an embodiment of sensuous charm”
may be too restrictive. After all when people are
photographed, the artist is celebrating who they are – body, mind and attitude.
But there are many eloquently stated principles of
aesthetics in Parker’s book that go beyond sculpture and are truly germane to
all artistic expressions where the visual is the mode of communication. For
example, a street photographer often tells a story (or perhaps more
appropriately captures a moment of a story) he/she has a focal point.
Technically, there is one subject, a person, who is emphasized by focusing on
that person with the lens. Traditional photographers using manual focus (and
film!) cameras, add their technique to the choosing of the story by selectively
focusing on a person, blurring the background and surroundings, and deciding on
the shades of light that give B&W photos the feel of three-dimensionality.
Parker expresses this situation very well:
“When the
charm of the body is the prime object of expression, those actions and poses
which exhibit grace and vigor are the ones naturally chosen. This beauty is
best revealed in the single figure, because in the group there is usually some
dramatic interest which diverts attention from it. The figure is preferably
wholly or partially undraped, or when drapery is used, it should reveal the
body underneath and possess beauty of line of its own.”
… To illustrate these points, I chose a photos
I recently took in Vienna, Austria, from Singapore and one from Washington DC.
Vienna: This is a famous and massive statue at the entrance
of the Hofburg palace grounds. I have looked at it at every visit from a
different angle and I see something new every time. So, it does tell a story, perhaps a different
one depending on the expectations of the observer.
In this photo I wanted to capture body language, but
also wait till I can include symmetry and harmony between the two persons’
posture and the sport cars mural in the museum. I wanted fluid shapes, no rough
angles contrasting the restful postures on those on the bench to the suggested
speed of the race cars.
Singapore: There is an Armenian Cemetery at the center of the city, and a chapel. The Armenian Community dates back to the 1800s and does not exist anymore. The cemetery is a national heritage site, and at every visit to Singapore I am touched by the gravestones and the beauty of the statues there. This one is my favorite -- it has pain, hope and the undeniable beauty defined as kàllos in Greek. Yet, it is made of sandstone and the tropical weather of Singapore shows the passage of time. But not of beauty.
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Washington, DC: Finally, I chose an older photo I had taken of a woman struggling with the lock-chain of a bicycle. It was taken very quickly, so it is off-focus but does seem to have a story. Given the attire of the woman, her bag and sandals, I did not expect her to be navigating in Washington DC on a bicycle.
The aesthetics of the human body in its different forms.
December 7, 2017
© Vahé A. Kazandjian, 2017
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