Recife (Olinda) 8 (1968) by Aaron Siskind

Recife (Olinda) 8 - Aaron Siskind - 1968

Artwork Information

TitleRecife (Olinda) 8
ArtistAaron Siskind
Date1968
Art MovementAbstract Expressionism

About Recife (Olinda) 8

The artwork “Recife (Olinda) 8” was captured by the artist Aaron Siskind in 1968. It is a photographic work that embodies the principles of Abstract Expressionism, a movement that emphasizes spontaneous, automatic, or subconscious creation. Siskind’s contribution to this movement is often through his photographic explorations that transform the mundane into the abstract.

The artwork in question features a monochromatic composition with strong textural elements and a focus on form and contrast rather than on any identifiable subject. It presents an array of worn and weathered surfaces, probably wooden, arranged in a collage-like manner. There is an evident play of light and shadow, creating a rhythm that guides the viewer’s eye across the frame. The presence of two protruding forms that resemble oversized flat metal latches interrupts the otherwise continuous patchwork of surface textures, adding a sense of depth and intrigue. These elements seem to serve a functional purpose—perhaps as door pulls or latches—yet in the context of the photograph, they become abstract shapes contributing to the overall visual interplay.

The artwork’s lack of color and discernible imagery is typical of Abstract Expressionism, directing attention to the aesthetic qualities of shapes and the emotional resonance of textures and forms. Siskind’s ability to isolate and elevate such simple details into art reflects the movement’s broader attempts to access deeper feelings and responses not through depiction, but through abstraction. In doing so, Siskind’s “Recife (Olinda) 8” represents a moment of transformation where the ordinary transcends into the extraordinary, encouraging the viewer to perceive beyond the tangible.

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