Alexandre Vitkine photos at AIPAD 07
Alexandre Vitkine's Industrial Silhouette photographs were shown in the HackelBury Fine Art booth at AIPAD 07.
We at MAO had never seen the work of Alexandre Vitkine before. But, in fact, this photographer is 96 years OLD!! He was previously an electromechanical engineer but created these images in the 1960's and 70's. So while we're late to discovering this work, you might say we still got a real charge, or maybe sparks flew when we saw this engineers photographs!
(Photo #1, Alexandre Vitkine, Serrage bride, Sous station Les Acqueducs, Juillet, 1970,Gelatin silver print, dry-mounted to archival board. 120 x 160 cm, Signed and editioned in ink, frame verso)
At first these images almost look like black and white ink drawings. Actually, the work of DCKT artist.. Mario M. Muller came immediately to what's left of the MAO mind, but upon close inspection these turn into sublime graceful photographs like you've never seen before. They manage to achieve a graceful eloquence that B&W masters Aaron Siskind and Lewis Hine might have even envied!
(photo #2, Ferrailleurs, Sepeaux, Avril, 1965
Gelatin silver print, dry-mounted to archival board. 120 x 160 cm
Signed and editioned in ink, frame verso)
We found them refreshing and totally lovely, these silhouette photographs show what a camera can really accomplish when in the hands of a talented artist.
So, What do you think of the work of Alexandre Vitkine??
- Total Pleasure on the eye... or just a total photo terror?
- Industrial monster or Industrial masterpiece ?
- Undiscovered dreamy images or yet another engineering nightmare?
FYI.. they were priced.. starting at 3,700 to 7,000 sterling for modern editions of 5 or 8, 120cm x 180cm.
And don't worry my little MAOettes even if you don't like these.... there are more MAO AIPAD Picks to come...
Wow, amazing. I sent this to Mario Muller. I have no idea if he's ever heard of this guy before.
Posted by: DC | April 18, 2007 at 03:08 PM
i think its really fun and crisp.............i think it would work well to silk screen on t-shirts.
Posted by: marlon | April 19, 2007 at 05:32 PM
wow.. I love the strong outline in his work. Clean.
Posted by: Iris | April 20, 2007 at 05:34 AM
A unique way of looking at the world, and quite possibly the influence for the ipod campaign. Thanks for sharing the work of Alexandre Vitkinee with us. -TMNK
Posted by: TMNK | April 22, 2007 at 03:54 PM
A unique way of looking at the world, and quite possibly the influence for the ipod campaign. Thanks for sharing the work of Alexandre Vitkine with us. -TMNK
Posted by: TMNK | April 22, 2007 at 03:54 PM
Really interesting work, especially considering it's from the 60s and 70s.
Posted by: Lisa Hunter | April 30, 2007 at 01:44 PM