Articles

Lisette Model, originally from Vienna, turned to street photography during the rise of Hitler to support herself. Her work captures the corrupt and grotesque aspects of society, often portraying subjects with a brutal, almost beastly quality. Model’s large, rough prints emphasize a universal human brutishness, reflecting both European decadence and American vulgarity. Her street portraits provide a direct, aggressive confrontation with her subjects, and her later work explores expressionistic reflections and perspectives that create an oppressive, claustrophobic atmosphere. Read Article

Miyako Ishiuchi, born in 1947, is featured in two current London exhibitions at Tate Modern and Michael Hoppen Gallery. Beginning photography at age 28 under mentors Shomei Tomatsu and Daido Moriyama, her early work, such as the 'Yokosuka Story' series, reflects gritty black-and-white images of a declining town influenced by a former US naval base. Her exhibitions at Michael Hoppen Gallery include early black-and-white works and recent color series like 'Silken Dreams' and 'Hiroshima', which features delicate photographs of items recovered after the atomic bombing. Ishiuchi often embraces imperfections in her photos to evoke emotional impact. Read Article

Arnaud Montagard developed an interest in photography in 2006, initially capturing abandoned places connected to his graffiti pursuits. He focuses on street photography, emphasizing natural light, geometry, and color to reveal the overlooked details of everyday American life. Montagard draws inspiration from American realist painters like Edward Hopper, aiming to evoke human presence through absence. His book, "The Road Not Taken," explores rural America beyond clichés, revealing the ordinary as meaningful. He values storytelling and often conducts extensive research before projects, including his documentary work on Cowboy Poetry. Read Article

Arnaud Montagard is a French photographer based in Brooklyn, New York, who transitioned from marketing studies to pursuing photography full-time. Inspired by American culture, films, and street graffiti, he traveled extensively across the U.S., capturing iconic Americana motifs such as motel signs, vintage cars, diners, and drive-ins. His series "The road not taken" highlights the juxtaposition of change and timeless iconicity in America through carefully composed images emphasizing light and color. Read Article

Arnaud Montagard is a French photographer living in Brooklyn, NY, known for his minimalist approach that highlights ordinary details through careful composition. His work evokes the atmosphere of American realist painters like Edward Hopper and early color photographers such as Stephen Shore and William Eggleston. Montagard’s series 'The Road Not Taken' explores classic American themes and the introspective spirit of the Beat poets, capturing isolated figures lost in thought. His images emphasize light and shadow, creating painterly effects that invite viewers to appreciate often overlooked everyday moments. Read Article

Sarah Moon's photography is marked by ethereal, elusive beauty with diffuse lines, inspired by 1920s expressionist cinema and formalist abstraction. Starting as a model in the 1960s, Moon discovered photography almost by chance and quickly gained recognition from top couturiers and magazines. Her work captures fleeting, poetic moments of femininity through graceful silhouettes and intentional blurs, contrasting with the sharp, stereotypical fashion images of the 1970s. Dior recently published an exceptional collection of her photographs and writings, enriched with insights from key figures, celebrating her revolutionary impact on high fashion photography. Read Article

Photojournalist Robin Hammond documents harrowing stories of suffering and injustice across Africa, including children branded witches in Nigeria and victims of war in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Hammond's work highlights environmental disasters, systemic violence, and mental health crises, often focusing on stories neglected by mainstream media. Inspired by the powerful humanistic photography of W. Eugene Smith, Hammond seeks to give a voice to the voiceless, creating awareness that can compel action. His long-term immersive approach aims to connect distant audiences with people enduring hardship, believing that knowledge can overcome ignorance and inspire change. Read Article

Lewis W. Hine (1874–1940) was a sociologist-turned-photographer known for his powerful documentation of social conditions in early 20th century America. Educated at the University of Chicago and Columbia University, he used photography to expose exploitation, especially child labor, working extensively with the National Child Labor Committee. His work includes portraits of immigrant workers, the poor, and urban laborers, often accompanied by detailed reports. Utilizing the Graflex camera, Hine captured dignified images that highlighted both individual subjects and larger social issues, disseminated through lectures and publications. Read Article

Lewis W. Hine (1874-1940) was an American photographer known for his impactful work documenting child labor conditions in the early 20th century. Starting in 1906, he worked with the National Child Labor Committee, traveling to factories, mines, and mills to covertly photograph exploited children at work. His images provided compelling evidence of abuse and were instrumental in advocating for child labor laws in the United States. Despite the dangers he faced, Hine celebrated the dignity and resilience of working children, emphasizing their honorable intentions amid harsh conditions. Read Article

Lewis W. Hine was a sociologist and photographer who used his camera as a tool for social reform. He documented poor working conditions in U.S. factories, particularly highlighting the widespread use of child labor. His courageous work often put him at risk, but it played a significant role in raising awareness and promoting changes in labor laws. Read Article

Kevin Erskine, portrayed as a storm photographer in the article, captures the dramatic and awe-inspiring phenomena of supercell storms. Growing up in Nebraska, his fascination began after experiencing a devastating tornado in 1986. Using traditional large format panoramic cameras, Erskine focuses on the aesthetics of severe weather, emphasizing beauty over thrill-seeking. His work draws parallels to J.W. Turner’s storm paintings, aiming to showcase nature’s power, beauty, and brutality. Erskine is featured in an exhibition titled 'Super Cell' held in New York in 2012, accompanied by his book 'Escape the algorithm'. Read Article

This review covers "Hong Kong Yesterday," a photobook by Fan Ho, a Shanghai-born photographer and filmmaker who moved to Hong Kong in 1949. The book features a diverse collection of black and white images, ranging from candid street scenes to expressionistic compositions, many taken when Fan was just 19 or 20 years old. The photographs capture the atmosphere of Hong Kong's past with a delicate tonal quality and artistic sensitivity. The book's minimalist text enhances the contemplative flow of the images. Published by Gingko Press, this photobook is praised for its beautiful presentation and is a valuable addition for photography enthusiasts. Read Article