Combining text and photographs

[cz23]

Does anyone know of any example of artists who have combined photographs and words or phrases into integrated works?

I know Robert Frank did so later in his work, sometimes by scratching text into his prints. Can you suggest any others? Thanks.

John

 

[Chris101]

Hey John, writing on photographs is associated strongly with photography from the mid-70s through the 1990s. Photographers who identify themselves with feminist and gay movements of that era used this technique to co-opt imagery from mainstream society. There have certainly been others, who did so for other reasons, but this is a strong correlation. Look at work by Barbara Kruger, Clarissa Sligh, Duane Michaels and Lynette Molnar to get an idea of where I'm coming from.

 

[Arjay]

Interesting references, Chris. Thank you!

It seems however, thatr most of these artists combined pictures and text in the context of layout or graphic design.

Are there also artists that included text in their photography, i.e. that photographed text elements?

I'm thinking of something like this:

 

[cz23]

Thank, guys. Chris, Google images shows many examples from the folks you cite. Appreciate your help.

John

 

[newsgrunt]

Philip Blenkinsop of Noor Images writes on his photographs as well. A terrific speaker with great stories.

from DigitalJournalist

"In the past few years, Philip has begun to manipulate his photographs. Not in a computer, but by using pens and inks on the surface of his prints. He writes little histories on the images.

He became aware of the limitations of photography. "It's not the image that is important, it's what's inside it. I like the history, and once you know the story, you can relate to the person in the image. With a caption under a photo, you are often relying on an editor, who can be incorrect. A caption is someone else's work. By writing directly on the image I am putting down my feelings, which helps reclaim the experience. The words are allowed to live through the strength of the image. Story is an integral part of the photograph. The words give credibility. They support the image. I want to create an environment where the picture can live, and transcend photography."

 

[tomalophicon]

Philip Blenkinsop of Noor Images writes on his photographs as well. A terrific speaker with great stories.

from DigitalJournalist

"In the past few years, Philip has begun to manipulate his photographs. Not in a computer, but by using pens and inks on the surface of his prints. He writes little histories on the images.

He became aware of the limitations of photography. "It's not the image that is important, it's what's inside it. I like the history, and once you know the story, you can relate to the person in the image. With a caption under a photo, you are often relying on an editor, who can be incorrect. A caption is someone else's work. By writing directly on the image I am putting down my feelings, which helps reclaim the experience. The words are allowed to live through the strength of the image. Story is an integral part of the photograph. The words give credibility. They support the image. I want to create an environment where the picture can live, and transcend photography."

Blenkinsop not only writes with ink but also paints with blood onto his silver prints.
http://www.etapes.com/philip-blenkinsop

 

[Bob Michaels]

Does anyone know of any example of artists who have combined photographs and words or phrases into integrated works?
<snip>

Chris mentioned Duane Michals but I will bring him up again. Specifically his work "Real Dreams". That is one of my favorite photo books. Almost every photo or photo series has a hand written mini-story which is integral to the photo work.

 

[jsrockit]

Check out Jim Goldberg as well...

 

[Hilm3]

Alan Ginsberg did. Some of his work can be found at the Smithsonian, I think.

 

[Spleenrippa]

There are all kinds of dirty hipsters infesting Flickr with their Helvetica-covered iphone photos. Deep, man. 😛

 

[surfer dude]

Another recommendation for Duane Michals whose work is staggering. I have also immensely enjoyed the work of Bill Owens who put quotes from the people he photographed under the pictures of them. Wonderful. Check out his book "Suburbia".

 

[petronius]

This book could fit your needs:
http://www.amazon.com/Photo-Text-Synthesis-Photography-Contemporary/dp/3908162483

 

[cz23]

This book could fit your needs:
http://www.amazon.com/Photo-Text-Synthesis-Photography-Contemporary/dp/3908162483

Thanks! I ordered a used copy on Amazon.

 

[Chris101]

John, I'm curious. Are you researching this photo-concept for academic reasons or are you considering an artistic project? Or ... wass-up?

 

[cz23]

John, I'm curious. Are you researching this photo-concept for academic reasons or are you considering an artistic project? Or ... wass-up?

Hi Chris,

Thanks for asking. I purposely did not explain in the initial post because I did not want to narrow the discussion to my project.

I'm exploring ways to combine my photographs with either my ow poetry or quotes from well-known philosophers, mystics, or spiritual leaders.

I see two big challenges in this. First is the graphic part. I'd like an approach in which text and photo integrate into one piece, as opposed to a caption-like effect.

The other part is the relationship between text and photo. I want to avoid a sentimental feeling, as well as an overt or obvious connection between them. Leave a little something for the viewer to fill in.

I'm honestly sometimes frustrated that photographs are so bound to the external. Maybe at heart I'm really a word guy. A good poem by Rumi or Hafiz or Kabir take me places few photographs can.

I really enjoy metaphorical content in photographs and want to explore how text can further than expression, so that text and photo lift each other.

John

 

[robert blu]

Guillermo La Barca, there is no beauty without words. One of my preference...
robert

 

[ebino]

Hi Chris,

Thanks for asking. I purposely did not explain in the initial post because I did not want to narrow the discussion to my project.

I'm exploring ways to combine my photographs with either my ow poetry or quotes from well-known philosophers, mystics, or spiritual leaders.

I see two big challenges in this. First is the graphic part. I'd like an approach in which text and photo integrate into one piece, as opposed to a caption-like effect.

The other part is the relationship between text and photo. I want to avoid a sentimental feeling, as well as an overt or obvious connection between them. Leave a little something for the viewer to fill in.

I'm honestly sometimes frustrated that photographs are so bound to the external. Maybe at heart I'm really a word guy. A good poem by Rumi or Hafiz or Kabir take me places few photographs can.

I really enjoy metaphorical content in photographs and want to explore how text can further than expression, so that text and photo lift each other.

John

put together your photos in the form of a flash/movie slideshow and add narration of your poetry along with it. for example check the photo essays in magnum website.

 

[cz23]

put together your photos in the form of a flash/movie slideshow and add narration of your poetry along with it. for example check the photo essays in magnum website.

Thanks for the suggestion. For this particular project I'm interested in prints. Those Magnum shows are wonderful indeed.

John