Photography is compelling because everyone can relate to the essence of its images. It can forever capture and preserve some of the world's most dramatic events and can also be modified to produce works of extreme complexity and depth. However, it can also depict everyday forms with great elegance. Indeed, it is some of the simplest photographs that are the most gripping because they transform the ordinary into the extraordinary.
In "Photographic Figures," which runs until May 10 at the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA), Boston, many of the works are basic depictions of the human body. While this sounds potentially mundane, the methods employed by the artists make these everyday subjects very compelling. Hands, feet, legs, eyes, etc. are transformed into windows to the soul that, in their simplicity, are both approachable and gripping.
The theme of simplicity links nearly all of the works in the gallery and makes the exhibition an appropriate inauguration for The Herb Ritts Gallery, which will henceforth be devoted solely to photography. As part of the MFA's Building Project, large parts of the museum are being reorganized to display as much of its extensive collection as possible. However, because the campaign is being completed in phases, visitors can already enjoy this new gallery even during major construction.
Diana O'Donnell, public relations coordinator for the MFA, said that most of the pieces in this exhibition are from the museum's permanent collection. And, as the text at the entrance to the exhibition states, "The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, was one of the first museums in the world to acquire photographs as works of art." According to O'Donnell, the museum's collection has since grown into one of considerable influence, and in this gallery, which is located directly beyond the reception desk at the West Wing Entrance, works will be rotated several times a year as a perpetual celebration of the collection.
In "Photographic Figures," most pieces in the first room of the exhibit keep with the theme of simplicity. In this space, the photographs are arranged in groups depicting faces, eyes, legs and hands. One of the pieces, "Eye" (1930) is particularly characteristic of this simple style. In this photograph, the artist, Theo Ballmer, depicts an eye and eyebrow at close range. However, in its minimalism and excellent manipulation of lighting, the piece is quietly compelling. From this simple, everyday image it is possible to learn a great deal about the person depicted as well as the artist.
Another piece, "Agnes Macphail" (1934), also fits nicely into this theme. The portrait, depicting the first woman elected to the Canadian Parliament, is a simple profile that is enhanced by "veiling it with a sheath of elegant black lace," according to the wall text. The piece is not sensational, but is very absorbing because it demonstrates photographer Yousuf Karsh's ability to transform the simple into the spectacular.
Many of the photographs in the second room are grouped in a similar way to those in the first, but there are several outliers that demonstrate simplicity of form in other ways. This room also highlights the fashion photography background of many of the artists whose works are shown.
"Back, Paris" (1938) pulls on the theme of simplicity from the first room but merges it with the sense of glamour and sophistication associated with fashion photography. Another piece in this room, "Classic Back" (1984), joins simplicity with the ideals of classical painting. Indeed, as the text next to the photograph suggests, "Michael Spano [the artist] evokes … the style of the nineteenth-century French painter Ingres."
"Photographic Figures" is an excellent introduction to the MFA's extensive photography collection. In their ability to transform the mundane into compelling pieces of great elegance, the works in this exhibition are an exciting preview of the many photographs that will occupy the walls of The Herb Ritts Gallery for years to come.
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Photographic Figures
At the Herb Ritts Gallery, through May 10
Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
465 Huntington Avenue
617-267-9300
