Lehigh University
Art Architecture and Design
113 Research Drive
Building C
Bethlehem, PA 18015

Kenneth, Siskind

Siskind, Chicago 2

The image captures what appears to be decaying paint or adverts placed on the side of an urban building. The architecture of the building’s roofing resembles that of a storefront on a main street or avenue. The color of the dark brick building is contrasted heavily by the clear sky and the lighter texture of the structure protruding from the building. Likewise, the detail of the photograph not only accentuates the textures of the setting but also all of the lighter accents of the side of the brick wall as well as the wide range of values in the decaying portion of the wall.

The photograph interestingly captures the intricacies of peeling paint/advertisements, the range of values and the varying directions of peeling creates a unique rustic texture. The contrast of the dark wall frames the two suspended structures as the subjects of the photograph.

Aaron Siskind, American, 1903 – 1991. 1970. Chicago 2, Chicago, Illinois. Photograph. Place: Lehigh University Art Galleries, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, USA. For more information, contact us at LUAG@Lehigh.edu. https://library-artstor-org.ezproxy.lib.lehigh.edu/asset/28026914.

One thought on “Siskind, Chicago 2

  1. Make sure you add Siskind in your Categories. Good description of contrasting values. You might analyze the relationship between the lighter rectangles – perhaps some are boarded up windows?

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