Seduced by Art

Fascinating exhibition at the National Gallery examining the dialogue between art and photography in the early years of the technology and how contemporary artists have used it to reflect the old masters.

It was arranged via the various genres of painting such as portraits, still life etc and created a very interesting dialogue between works.

Works which stood out for me were Oscar Rejlander’s “The Two Ways of Life” a wonderful early photograph giving a louche tableau based on the School of Athens and made up of separate pictures pieced together.

I loved a video by setting up an image of Lady Eastlake, reproducing the original photo but showing all the stages including the model eating here lunch! There was a nice twist at the end which raised a laugh from viewers. Unusual in a gallery to share a moment like that with you fellow visitors.

It was amusing to realise that as soon as you get photography you get nudes both artistic and not so artistic. How like the start of the internet and in fact any new visual technology!
 
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