The Radical Eye: Modernist Photography from the Sir Elton John Collection
Various Artists
Tate Modern
10 NOVEMBER 2016 - 7 MAY 2017
£16.50 (members free)
The classic modernist period spans from the 1920s-1950s and includes some of the most talented photographers I have ever seen.
Studying Photography for A-Level I focused heavily on Modernism as a photographic discipline and became very familiar with the likes of Man Rae, André Kertész and Edward Weston. These photographers remain my idols and modernism my favourite photographic discipline, despite having been exposed to many more photographers and their works since.
As you can probably tell, this exhibition thoroughly excited me. Sir Elton John has the largest private collection of Modernist photography; possessing nearly 150 rare prints by over 70 artists. The works range from industrial prints such as Imogen Cunningham's 'Gas Tanks' to beautifully constructed photographs of the body such as Edward Weston's 'Nude' (pictured above). The skill and precision of the photographs Sir Elton owns are mind blowing, the names attached highly impressive also.
What particularly interested me when studying the Modernists was the element of distortion which they incorporated into their portraits of the human body. Modernism's aim was to accentuate the form of something in sharp precision and excellent quality. What differs between the modernists, however, is what they wish their subject to be perceived as. Much of the work from industrial modernists such as Imogen Cunningham aims to depict the thing itself, whereas André Kertész's image of a body submerged underwater (pictured below) aims to warp the appearance of the human form, the subject appearing almost headless.
The Tate Modern is brilliant in that no exhibition seems too short or too long, I honestly feel that every exhibition I have been to there has got the quantity just right. There was a vast body of work included in this particular exhibition however most of the photos were displayed in groups or were smaller prints meaning you did not feel overwhelmed. The photographs were also all displayed in Sir Elton's original frames, reminding us of the personal element and that this was actually a private collection, which I thought was a nice touch.
However, Sir Elton was not all good. In the video where he speaks about his works we are able to take a glimpse inside his home where all the photographs are usually kept. We see the walls absolutely covered top to bottom. Whilst he describes his absolute obsession and adoration for the Modernist Photographers, one cannot help but question if he has in fact gone too far. When one sees a beautiful work which remains with them, for a while, if not for life, one does not need 150 prints of the same theme plastered all over their walls. Whilst watching the video I couldn't help but think that Sir Elton has lost the point a bit... Modernism is about celebrating simplicity and clarity - the display witnessed was excessive and chaotic.
To have all 150 of these photographs as a private photographic collection in Sir Elton's house I think is rather vulgar (if you've got any spare Elton I'd happily take some off your hands). However, as an exhibition, these works all compliment each other side by side and are meant to be viewed at length. Highly recommended if you are into black and white photography, photography in general, modernism, or just simply like looking at beautiful things.
OVERALL RATING: *****
http://www.tate.org.uk/whats-on/tate-modern/exhibition/radical-eye-modernist-photography-sir-elton-john-collection
