Eugène Atget

Photography Appreciation

Eugène Atget, hailed as a trailblazer in documentary photography, is revered for his enduring impact on the art form. Born on February 12, 1857, in Libourne, Atget was raised by his maternal grandparents in Bordeaux. Following his secondary education, he sought admission to the National Conservatory of Music and Drama, facing initial rejection before fulfilling his military service requirement and ultimately gaining acceptance.

Venturing into the realm of acting, Atget joined a traveling troupe, gracing stages in and around Paris. It was during this time that he crossed paths with Valentine Delafosse Compagnon, an actress who would become his companion until her death.

However, Atget's acting career was cut short by a vocal cord infection, prompting a shift to painting, without notable success. Subsequently, he found his calling in photography, capturing his inaugural images of Amiens and Beauvais in 1888.

With camera in hand, Atget traversed the streets of Paris, meticulously documenting the city's evolving urban fabric and rich cultural tapestry. His focus on architectural marvels and quintessentially French scenes drew the attention of artists seeking inspiration for their creations. Driven by a fervent desire to create what he humbly termed "documents," Atget pursued his craft with unwavering dedication.

In the twilight of his life, Atget's work caught the eye of surrealist Man Ray, who marveled at the surreal quality of his photographs depicting storefronts. This recognition led to a fortuitous encounter with Berenice Abbott, then darkroom assistant to Man Ray. 

Abbott sought Atget and persuaded him to sit for a photograph. To her surprise, Atget arrived at her studio dapper wearing an overcoat. She immortalized Atget in a portrait session, days before his death. Abbott assumed custodianship of his prints and negatives, emerging as a steadfast advocate for his legacy.

In 1984, Atget's enduring contributions were posthumously celebrated with his induction into the International Photography Hall of Fame and Museum.

Avenue des Gobelins (1925)

The Orangerie Staircase (1901)

Boulevard de Strasbourg (1925)

Cafe, Avenue de la Grande-Armee (1924-25)

Sources:

Wikipedia

https://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/atgt/hd_atgt.htm

https://www.apollo-magazine.com/eugene-atget-getty-los-angeles/

https://iphf.org/inductees/eugene-atget/

https://www.gallery.ca/collection/artist/eugene-atget

https://www.henricartierbresson.org/en/expositions/eugene-atget/

https://www.westongallery.com/original-works-by/eugene-atget 

Dance: Órla Baxendale - 2023 Dance Showreel

Órla Baxendale passed away January 11, 2024 due to an allergic reaction of a mislabeled product.

Read her obituary HERE.

via OralB

Grace Henry

Art Appreciation 

Grace Henry, born on February 10, 1868, near Peterhead, Aberdeenshire, gained renown as a Scottish artist celebrated for her enchanting portrayals of the Scottish landscape. Raised in a home environment, she spent part of her youth at the family residence in London. In 1895, Henry embarked on an artistic career, first attending the Blanc-Guerrins Academy in Brussels and later pursuing studies at the Delacurze Academy in Paris.

During her time in Paris, she met Irish artist Paul Henry, whom she married shortly thereafter. The couple relocated to Achill Island, Ireland, in 1910, where they became pivotal figures in the formation of the Society of Dublin Painters—an avenue for emerging Irish artists. However, Grace's personal life took a turn, leading to a legal separation from Paul in 1930 due to a romantic involvement with Stephen Gwynn, an Irish journalist and politician.

Grace Henry's artistic journey continued to evolve as she explored new horizons during travels to France and Italy with Gwynn. Studying under cubist artist André Lhote, she delved into various styles, ranging from fauvism to expressionism. Her works found regular exhibition spaces at esteemed venues such as the Royal Hibernian Academy, as well as the Waddington and Dawson galleries in Dublin.

Achill Village (c. 1970s)

The Gypsy Girl (ca 1920s)

Relaxing by the Shore

Sources:

Wikipedia

https://www.whytes.ie/artist/grace-henry/15594/

https://www.thebennettartcollection.com/artists/grace-henry

https://www.morganodriscoll.com/art/grace-henry-relaxing-by-the-shore/83928

Year of the Dragon

Happy Lunar New Year!

Fashion is DEFINITELY Art: 11 Threads Roma

Designers: Shane Ramnarine and Luca Di Berardino  

via Yvan Creates

Internet Comments

Writing serves as my outlet to express my passions, be it music, art, or photography. It provides a space for creativity and self-exploration. However, when I share my posts on platform X, anxiety creeps in as I anticipate internet comments. Past experiences with negative feedback led me to pause my writing and retreat momentarily.

Growing older, I've come to accept that negative comments are a part of the process, and surprisingly, I welcome them. It signifies that people are engaging with my blog, taking the time to read and share their thoughts. Embracing both positive and negative responses has become an integral aspect of my journey, fostering resilience and a deeper connection with my audience.

By Adam Ellis @adamtots

RANDOM WEDNESDAY: FANTASTIC FOUR 200th Issue - 17th Anniversary (1978)