Ep 7. New Vision: Experimental Photography of the 1920s

In season 1 episode 7 of Photo: A History From Behind the Lens, viewers are taken on a journey through the innovative and experimental world of photography in the 1920s. This episode explores the various artists and photographers who pushed the boundaries of the medium and brought forth new forms of expression.

Through interviews with historians and curators, viewers will gain a deeper understanding of the cultural and artistic context of the 1920s, a time when modernism was flourishing and the status quo was being challenged in many ways, including through photography. Many of the artists featured in this episode were part of avant-garde movements such as Surrealism and Dada, and they saw photography as a means of breaking free from traditional forms of representation.

One of the main figures featured is Man Ray, a leading figure in the Surrealist movement who experimented with photograms, or cameraless photographs, as well as solarizations and other unconventional techniques. Through his work, viewers will see how he used photography as a way of exploring the irrational and the subconscious.

Other artists featured include László Moholy-Nagy, who was a key member of the Bauhaus movement in Germany, and his wife, Lucia Moholy. The episode explores how they experimented with photomontage and other techniques to create new forms of visual language. Another figure is Aleksandr Rodchenko, a Russian artist who used photography as a means of promoting political and social change through his images of everyday life.

The episode also highlights the work of female artists such as Florence Henri and Germaine Krull, who were pioneers in the use of the camera as a tool for self-expression. By examining their work, viewers will gain insight into how they challenged gender norms and paved the way for a new generation of feminist artists.

Throughout this episode, viewers will see how these experimental photographers broke free from the constraints of traditional photography to create new forms of art. From photograms to photomontage, solarizations to double exposures, these artists brought forth a new vision of what photography could be, and their legacy continues to inspire artists today.

Whether you're an amateur or a professional photographer, or simply someone with an interest in art history, this episode of Photo: A History From Behind the Lens is sure to be an enlightening and enjoyable viewing experience.