4.5 New Objectivity

New Objectivity emerged in 1920s Germany as a photographic movement focused on realism and objectivity. It rejected emotional expressionism, instead aiming to capture reality with utmost clarity and precision through sharp focus and even lighting.

Key figures like Albert Renger-Patzsch and August Sander exemplified the movement's principles. They documented industrial landscapes, created systematic portraits, and revealed intricate natural forms, emphasizing photography's unique ability to record reality in detail.

Origins of New Objectivity

• New Objectivity emerged as a significant artistic movement in photography during the 1920s, marking a shift towards realism and objectivity in visual representation
• This movement developed in response to the social, political, and economic changes following World War I, influencing the way photographers approached their subjects and techniques

Post-World War I context

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• Emerged in Germany during the Weimar Republic era (1919-1933)
• Reflected societal disillusionment and desire for stability after the chaos of war
• Emphasized rationality and objectivity as a means of understanding and documenting reality
• Coincided with rapid industrialization and technological advancements in Germany

Reaction to Expressionism

• Rejected the emotional and subjective approach of Expressionism
• Sought to depict the world as it appeared without artistic embellishment
• Focused on clarity, precision, and factual representation in photography
• Aimed to capture the essence of objects and subjects without personal interpretation

Influence of Bauhaus movement

• Incorporated Bauhaus principles of functionality and simplicity in design
• Emphasized the importance of form following function in photographic composition
• Explored the relationship between art, technology, and industry
• Promoted a systematic and analytical approach to photography

Key characteristics

• New Objectivity in photography aimed to present the world with utmost clarity and precision, rejecting artistic manipulation and subjective interpretation
• This movement emphasized the inherent qualities of the photographic medium, focusing on its ability to capture reality in detail

Emphasis on realism

• Strived to present subjects as they appeared in reality without idealization
• Rejected romanticized or sentimental portrayals common in earlier photographic styles
• Focused on capturing the intrinsic qualities and textures of objects and scenes
• Aimed to reveal the beauty in everyday subjects through meticulous observation

Precision and clarity

• Utilized sharp focus techniques to render subjects with maximum detail
• Employed even lighting to reveal surface textures and forms
• Avoided dramatic shadows or atmospheric effects that might obscure details
• Prioritized technical perfection in exposure, development, and printing processes

Objective representation

• Aimed to minimize the photographer's subjective interpretation of the subject
• Presented subjects in a straightforward, matter-of-fact manner
• Avoided artistic manipulation or alteration of the image in the darkroom
• Emphasized the camera's ability to record reality more accurately than human perception

Notable photographers

• New Objectivity was championed by several influential photographers who defined the movement's aesthetic and philosophical approach
• These photographers' works exemplified the principles of clarity, precision, and objectivity that characterized the movement

Albert Renger-Patzsch

• German photographer known for his precise, detailed images of industrial objects and nature
• Published "Die Welt ist schön" (The World is Beautiful) in 1928, a seminal work of New Objectivity
• Focused on revealing the inherent beauty and form of everyday objects and structures
• Emphasized the importance of photographic technique in capturing the essence of subjects

August Sander

• Renowned for his extensive portrait series "People of the 20th Century"
• Aimed to create a comprehensive typology of German society through systematic portraiture
• Captured subjects from various social classes and professions in their work environments
• Employed a straightforward, neutral approach to portraiture, avoiding flattery or idealization

Karl Blossfeldt

• Specialized in close-up photographs of plants and natural forms
• Published "Urformen der Kunst" (Art Forms in Nature) in 1928, showcasing plant structures
• Revealed the intricate patterns and geometries found in nature through magnified images
• Influenced both photography and design with his systematic approach to natural subjects

Subject matter

• New Objectivity photographers explored a wide range of subjects, focusing on elements of modern life and the natural world
• The movement's emphasis on clarity and precision allowed for a new appreciation of familiar subjects and overlooked details

Industrial landscapes

• Documented factories, machines, and industrial processes with meticulous detail
• Highlighted the geometric forms and patterns found in industrial architecture
• Explored the relationship between humans and technology in the modern workplace
• Captured the rapid industrialization and technological advancements of the era

Portraits and typologies

• Created systematic studies of people from various social classes and professions
• Aimed to document the diversity of human types and social roles in society
• Employed standardized approaches to composition and lighting for consistency
• Focused on revealing character through facial features, clothing, and posture

Natural forms and structures

• Examined plants, animals, and natural objects with scientific precision
• Revealed hidden patterns, textures, and structures through close-up photography
• Drew parallels between natural forms and man-made designs or architectural elements
• Explored the concept of "Urformen" or primal forms found in nature

Techniques and approaches

• New Objectivity photographers employed specific techniques and approaches to achieve their goal of objective representation
• These methods emphasized the unique capabilities of the photographic medium and its ability to capture reality with precision

Sharp focus vs soft focus

• Prioritized sharp focus to render subjects with maximum detail and clarity
• Rejected the soft focus techniques popular in Pictorialist photography
• Utilized small apertures (high f-numbers) to achieve greater depth of field
• Employed precise focusing techniques to ensure sharpness across the entire image

Straight photography principles

• Adhered to the concept of "straight" or "pure" photography without manipulation
• Avoided darkroom techniques that altered the original image (dodging, burning, retouching)
• Emphasized the importance of composition and framing in-camera
• Strived for technical perfection in exposure, development, and printing

Use of large format cameras

• Favored large format cameras (4x5 inch, 8x10 inch) for their superior image quality
• Utilized the movements of view cameras to control perspective and focus plane
• Took advantage of the high resolution and detail capture of large format film
• Employed longer exposure times, necessitating careful composition and subject selection

Impact on photography

• New Objectivity had a profound and lasting influence on the development of photography as an art form and documentary medium
• The movement's principles continue to resonate in various aspects of contemporary photography

Influence on documentary style

• Established a foundation for objective, factual approaches to documentary photography
• Influenced the development of photojournalism and social documentary practices
• Promoted the idea of photography as a tool for social observation and critique
• Inspired later documentary photographers to adopt systematic and typological approaches

Relationship to Neue Sachlichkeit

• Paralleled the broader Neue Sachlichkeit (New Objectivity) movement in German art
• Shared similar goals of depicting reality without idealization or subjective interpretation
• Contributed to the overall cultural shift towards rationality and objectivity in the arts
• Influenced and was influenced by developments in painting, literature, and architecture

Legacy in contemporary photography

• Continues to influence photographers working in various genres (landscape, still life, portraiture)
• Informs contemporary approaches to typological and systematic photography projects
• Resonates with digital photography's emphasis on sharpness and high-resolution imaging
• Inspires photographers to explore the inherent qualities and limitations of their medium

Critical reception

• The reception of New Objectivity photography evolved over time, reflecting changing attitudes towards art, photography, and representation
• Critical perspectives on the movement have shifted from initial enthusiasm to later reassessment and renewed appreciation

Contemporary responses

• Initially praised for its clarity, precision, and rejection of artistic pretension
• Viewed as a progressive and modern approach to photography in the 1920s and 1930s
• Criticized by some for its perceived coldness and lack of emotional engagement
• Debated in terms of its relationship to broader artistic and cultural movements

Later reassessment

• Reevaluated in the context of 20th-century art history and photographic developments
• Recognized for its significant influence on documentary and conceptual photography
• Critiqued for potential connections to totalitarian aesthetics and rationalization
• Analyzed in terms of its relationship to modernism, realism, and avant-garde movements

Influence on art history

• Contributed to the establishment of photography as a legitimate art form
• Shaped discussions about objectivity, realism, and representation in visual arts
• Informed theoretical debates about the nature and purpose of photography
• Influenced the development of photographic education and institutional collections

New Objectivity vs other movements

• New Objectivity developed in dialogue and opposition to other photographic and artistic movements of its time
• Comparing New Objectivity to these movements highlights its unique characteristics and philosophical approach

New Objectivity vs Pictorialism

• Rejected Pictorialism's emphasis on soft focus and painterly effects
• Prioritized sharp focus and clarity over atmospheric or romantic imagery
• Emphasized the inherent qualities of photography rather than imitating painting
• Sought to reveal reality rather than create idealized or imaginative scenes

New Objectivity vs Surrealism

• Focused on objective representation rather than subconscious or dream-like imagery
• Emphasized rational observation over irrational juxtapositions or manipulations
• Aimed to reveal the extraordinary in ordinary subjects through precise observation
• Rejected the use of techniques like multiple exposures or darkroom manipulations

New Objectivity vs Modernism

• Shared Modernism's interest in form, structure, and technological progress
• Differed in its emphasis on realism and objectivity over abstraction or experimentation
• Focused on documenting existing reality rather than creating new visual languages
• Emphasized the camera's mechanical nature rather than the artist's subjective vision

Cultural and social context

• New Objectivity emerged within a specific cultural and social context that shaped its development and reception
• The movement reflected and responded to the rapid changes occurring in German society during the interwar period

Weimar Republic era

• Coincided with the period of German history between World War I and the Nazi regime
• Reflected the cultural and intellectual climate of the Weimar Republic (1919-1933)
• Responded to the political instability and social upheaval of the time
• Aligned with broader cultural trends towards rationality and objectivity

Industrialization and modernity

• Documented and engaged with the rapid industrialization of German society
• Explored the relationship between humans, technology, and the built environment
• Reflected the optimism and anxiety associated with modernization and progress
• Captured the changing urban landscape and new forms of labor and production

Shifting social structures

• Responded to the breakdown of traditional social hierarchies after World War I
• Documented the emergence of new social classes and professional identities
• Explored changing gender roles and family structures in modern society
• Reflected the tension between tradition and modernity in German culture

Theoretical foundations

• New Objectivity was grounded in philosophical and theoretical ideas about art, perception, and reality
• These concepts informed the movement's approach to photography and its goals of objective representation

Ideas of objectivity in art

• Drew on philosophical concepts of objectivity and empirical observation
• Challenged traditional notions of artistic subjectivity and expression
• Explored the relationship between mechanical reproduction and human perception
• Questioned the role of the artist in creating or interpreting reality

Concept of "thing-in-itself"

• Influenced by Kantian philosophy and the idea of the "noumenon" or thing-in-itself
• Sought to reveal the essential nature of objects beyond surface appearances
• Emphasized the camera's ability to capture details invisible to the human eye
• Explored the tension between objective reality and subjective perception

Phenomenology and perception

• Engaged with phenomenological ideas about direct experience and perception
• Investigated the relationship between visual appearance and essential qualities
• Explored how photography could reveal new ways of seeing and understanding the world
• Questioned the nature of reality and our ability to perceive it objectively

Legacy and influence

• The principles and aesthetics of New Objectivity continue to influence various aspects of photography and visual culture
• The movement's legacy can be seen in both commercial and artistic applications of photography

Impact on photojournalism

• Influenced the development of objective, factual approaches to news photography
• Contributed to the establishment of photojournalistic ethics and practices
• Inspired documentary photographers to adopt systematic and typological approaches
• Shaped the visual language of reportage and social documentary photography

Influence on advertising photography

• Informed product photography techniques emphasizing clarity and detail
• Contributed to the development of modernist advertising aesthetics
• Influenced the use of photography in catalogs and technical documentation
• Shaped approaches to architectural and industrial photography for commercial purposes

Contemporary interpretations

• Continues to inspire photographers working in conceptual and fine art contexts
• Informs contemporary approaches to typology and seriality in photography
• Resonates with digital photography's capacity for high-resolution imaging
• Influences discussions about objectivity and subjectivity in the age of image manipulation