Bernd and Hilla Becher (1931–2007; 1934–2015) changed the course of late twentieth-century photography. Working as a rare artist couple, they focused on a single subject: the disappearing industrial architecture of Western Europe and North America that fueled the modern era
They described these formal arrangements as “typologies” and the buildings themselves as “anonymous sculpture.”
Their first photobook Anonymous Sculptures was published in 1970 and is their most well-known body of work. The title is a nod to Marcel Duchamp’s readymades and indicates that the Becher’s referred to industrial buildings as found objects.
The book consisted of an encyclopaedic inventory of industrial structures including kilns, blast furnaces and gas-holders categorised into sections (the pot, the oven, the chimney, the winch, the pump, and the laboratory.)
Saw the show at the Met yesterday. I'm a big fan and love the work. But I must say I was surprised at the print quality. Most shots were medium or somewhat lower contrast and few if any seemed really. sharp. Taken as a whole it's a spectacular body of work, but few would say these are great pints. It's been suggested that this is part of their aesthetic, made that way so as not to focus on their "artistic" qualities but rather on the subjects themselves. Two additional things stood out. The early work of both artists was stunning, especially the industrial drawings and collages by Bernd. Also, I had no idea of the connection between the Beckers and American artists Carl Andre and Sol LeWitt.
I'm happy to see this is coming to SF MOMA. Their work was a big influence when I was a teen. Which I realize is probably weird.
I find it interesting how different the Becher couple is seen here and there.
Always thought of them as overrated photographers of water towers. Their art misses me completely.
Always thought of them as overrated photographers of water towers. Their art misses me completely.
What is "mere" documentation? It takes an intellectual vision, and I say in this case artistic vision, to see that something is worth documenting.
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