Duane Michaels Response

This photomontage was particularly intriguing to me because I felt that, without having read some of the facts on the purpose and identity behind each piece, I would have misinterpreted the meanings behind almost all of the pieces. I think this is partially due to the techniques, values, and styles of his Michael's various artworks. To me, each picture seemed eerie and almost grim. When analyzing the pieces, it was hard for me to separate those feelings from the actual interpretations of his art. While I thought this style of photomontage was interesting, I think I was partial to more of those done by Hoch or some with a similar collage style. I enjoyed the use of texture, color, and other materials for the work, which is why I felt less connected to these black and white, more layered images.

Within Michael's article, however, I did appreciate that each technique was highlighted, with a purpose for the art behind each one. It did help in interpreting the purpose behind his art when I didn't have as much of a liking for the style. One of my favorite techniques discussed was that of identity. It discusses merging two images together, and depending on where or how they are connected, what that suggests about the identity of an art piece. While many of the images under identity were that of personal identities, images overlapping with a person’s face or body part, one of the ones I really enjoyed was Fossil in Formation by Barbara Morgan. By placing the fossil on top of the view of New York city, I think it has a really powerful, beautiful effect on the tones of the skyline. It intensifies the hues of the buildings and the swirling shape of the fossil adds an interesting texture to the image as well. While she may be making a claim towards the identity of history’s process of growth in a city, I’m not sure, but I think the image is well crafted and thought provoking.

This image is by Paul Renner 1930.