Aaron Siskind

Date of Birth: December 4, 1903

Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius

Date of Death: February 8, 1991

Biography

Aaron Siskind was an influential American photographer known for his unique approach to abstract expressionism within the medium of photography. He was born in New York City and initially pursued a career in literature, earning a degree in social science from the City College of New York. However, his path took a significant turn when he received a camera as a wedding gift, igniting his passion for photography. Siskind began his career as a social documentary photographer, joining the Photo League in the late 1930s. His early works focused on the social conditions of the time, capturing the lives of Harlem’s residents and the struggles of workers. Over time, his focus shifted towards abstraction, influenced by his interest in modern art and his friendships with painters such as Franz Kline and Willem de Kooning. By the 1940s, Siskind had developed a distinct style characterized by close-up shots of urban environments, peeling paint, graffiti, and other textures that emphasized form and composition over representational content. This innovative approach earned him a place in the Abstract Expressionist movement, paralleling the work of contemporary painters. Throughout his career, Siskind taught at several institutions, including the Institute of Design in Chicago and the Rhode Island School of Design, where he inspired countless students. His work has been exhibited in major museums and galleries worldwide, solidifying his legacy as a pioneer of abstract photography.

5 Interesting Facts about Aaron Siskind

1. Aaron Siskind was originally a schoolteacher before transitioning to photography.

2. He was a member of the Photo League, a group dedicated to socially conscious photography.

3. Siskind’s work often drew comparisons to abstract expressionist painters due to his focus on texture and form.

4. He received the Guggenheim Fellowship twice, in 1950 and 1956.

5. Siskind’s photography was featured in the landmark exhibition “The Family of Man” at the Museum of Modern Art in 1955.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Aaron Siskind

1. “Photography is a way of feeling, of touching, of loving. What you have caught on film is captured forever… it remembers little things, long after you have forgotten everything.”

2. “When I make a photograph, I want it to be an altogether new object, complete and self-contained, whose basic condition is order.”

3. “The start of the journey is every bit as important as the destination.”

4. “I may be wrong, but the intense attraction of photography for me has always been its simplicity and directness.”

5. “We look at the world and see what we have learned to believe is there. We have been conditioned to expect… but, as photographers, we must learn to relax that belief.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Aaron Siskind did not achieve significant wealth from his photography during his lifetime. His highest net worth is estimated to be modest, primarily derived from teaching positions and sales of his works.