Luminous Landscape Forum

The Art of Photography => Discussing Photographic Styles => Topic started by: Deepsouth on November 10, 2008, 01:48:06 pm

Title: Clarence John Lauglin
Post by: Deepsouth on November 10, 2008, 01:48:06 pm
"Clarence John Laughlin, Prophet Without Honor"  A.J. Meeks. Jackson: Univ. of Mississippi Press, 2007. ISBN-13:  978-1-57806-909-5
 30 greyscale illustrations.

(I am not Meeks, nor am I connected with the book)

Laughlin is called the father of American photographic surrealism. His best-known work was "Ghosts Along The Mississippi". He produced hard, sharp images of ruins, poverty, decay and mourning in south Louisiana and New Orleans.  This book is not the best exhibit of Laughlin's works, that would be "Clarence John Lauglin, Haunter of Ruins". This is rather a biography of an uncompromising, often angry artist. Laughlin also was noted for his lengthy descriptions attached to each picture. He wanted you to see the image his way, not leaving much room for indvidual conclusions. In sum, a good read that illuminates not just Laughlin's life but the mileu of American experimental photography in the 20th century.
Title: Clarence John Lauglin
Post by: Kirk Gittings on November 10, 2008, 03:05:06 pm
One of my favorite photographers from the period. Question what does "Prophet Without Honor" refer to?

Quote from: Deepsouth
"Clarence John Laughlin, Prophet Without Honor"  A.J. Meeks. Jackson: Univ. of Mississippi Press, 2007. ISBN-13:  978-1-57806-909-5
 30 greyscale illustrations.

(I am not Meeks, nor am I connected with the book)

Laughlin is called the father of American photographic surrealism. His best-known work was "Ghosts Along The Mississippi". He produced hard, sharp images of ruins, poverty, decay and mourning in south Louisiana and New Orleans.  This book is not the best exhibit of Laughlin's works, that would be "Clarence John Lauglin, Haunter of Ruins". This is rather a biography of an uncompromising, often angry artist. Laughlin also was noted for his lengthy descriptions attached to each picture. He wanted you to see the image his way, not leaving much room for indvidual conclusions. In sum, a good read that illuminates not just Laughlin's life but the mileu of American experimental photography in the 20th century.
Title: Clarence John Lauglin
Post by: Deepsouth on November 10, 2008, 04:27:27 pm
Quote from: Kirk Gittings
One of my favorite photographers from the period. Question what does "Prophet Without Honor" refer to?


Gospel of John 4:44, and Meek's (it is Meek, not Meeks, and Laughlin, not Lauglin) assertion that Laughlin's techniques and his perona were not readly approchable while he was alive.
Title: Clarence John Lauglin
Post by: Eric Myrvaagnes on November 10, 2008, 04:28:59 pm
Quote from: Kirk Gittings
One of my favorite photographers from the period. Question what does "Prophet Without Honor" refer to?
One of my favorites, too. Very evocative stuff. I'm also curious about the "Prophet Without Honor" remark. I will look for the book.