Untitled (Roots), ca. 1960s
Gelatin silver print, 10 9/16 x 13 7/16 in. (26.8 x 34.1 cm)
Gift of Lisa Rosenblum, B.A. 1975
1985.24.1
© 2005 Aperture Foundation Ind., Paul Strand Archive
Paul Strand’s instruction in photography began with a class in 1908 taught by Lewis Hine, in which a documentary approach to photography was strongly promoted. During the following years, however, Strand adopted the soft-focus symbolist approach of the Photo-Secessionists, prompted by his friendship with Alfred Stieglitz. In 1932, Strand’s relationship with Stieglitz would come to an end as he returned to a documentary approach to photography in order to explore changing social issues and conditions. Nevertheless, Stieglitz remained a significant influence. This photograph, although undated, was likely taken in Orgeval, France, where Strand photographed roots and shrubbery throughout the 1960s. The closely cropped abstract roots resemble Stieglitz’s tree forms taken in Lake George, New York, during the 1920s.
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