Courtney Wise
Photography
Untitled, 1993
This peice is part of Uelsmann's more supernatural works. It contains the strinking black figure against a bright white sky, with white reflectors as well in the water. It is obvious that this photo could not have been captured in real life, but it is impossible to discern where one negative would begin and where one would end. There is also the appearance of movement due to the blurred appearance of the birds, making the viewer question the reality of the photo once again.
Jerry Uelsmann
Uelsmann was born in Detroit, Michigan, on the 11th of June, 1934. He was the second son of an independent grocer. Uelsmann had an interest in photography since he was 14, photographing weddings through his teenage years. In the late 50s he took these negatives and began assembling his own unique photos. Uelsmann studied photography at Rochester Insitute of Technology, earning his BFA degree. He recieved his MFA and MS from Indiana University, where he was also greatly influenced by his professor, Henry Holmes Smith. Smith taught him how to approach photography creatively, as compared to simply recording a moment. Uelsmann's first job offer was to teach photography at the University of Florida in Gainesville in 1960. In 1967 Uelsmann had his first one-man exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City, setting the tone for the remainder of his photography career. In 1974 he became a graduate research professor of art at the university. He is now retired from teaching, but still lives in Gainesville, creating works of art. Uelsmann is also currently married to his third wife, Maggie Taylor.
Uelsmann's art is unique bevause instead of simply capturing a moment he manipulates images in the darkroom, often using multiple negatives at once. He considers creative photography an experimental form of art through which he can express his vision on life. He photographs objects specifically to manipulate in the darkroom. Uelsmann's work transcends surface reality, and he tends to add natural and artificial objects in combination. Uelsmann's works contain striking values, and often contain at least two focal points which contrast the natural and artificial in life. He aspires to amaze himeslf, and often actually takes criticism to heart, showing his emotional connection to his art.
http://famous-photographers.com/jerry-uelsmann/