Duane Michals Day

Today will be Duane Michals Day, and we start with a piece from the Leslie-Lohman Museum 

called The Old Man Photographs the Young Man from 1978.

 

Windows

This one is all about windows . . . and the model's rear end.

He seems to be holding something to read.

 

Anatomy lesson

I previously posted a front facing version of this anatomy lesson photo.

 

Triumph

My source didn't identify either of the models here.

 The photo is one of at least six boxing themed works by Duane Michals.

 

Multiple

This apparent multiple exposure is my favorite of the day.

 

America

I included this totally G-rated photo called America because I find it striking.

 

Collage

Collage elements set this photo apart from the rest of today's series.  It doesn't take 

much imagination to guess what those white tadpole-like squiggles might represent.

 

Toweling off

The lighting is exceptional in this Duane Michals photo of a man toweing off.

I can't tell if the bar of light at right is accidental or intentional.

 

Antlered

Mr. Michals wrote himself that "He became an antlered creature."  'Nuff said.

 

Narcissus

Our last Duane Michals photo of the day is a piece 

from a photo shoot on the them of Narcissus.

 

Duane Michals Day

Duane Michals (born 1932) is an American photographer who is described by many as having upended the U.S. photography scene during his long career.  Yet somehow I am only now giving him a well deserved day here on the blog.  Better late than never, I always say.  Here we go.

 

Anatomy lesson

Duane Michals has combined an antique anatomical chart 

and a modern man to make an amazing photo.

 

Toweling off

The lighting here is exceptional, and I particularly like the positioning of the door and hinge.

 

Wallpaper

While it's tempting to contemplate what Miss Magnolia Thunderpussy would have to say about that wallpaper, I'm trying to focus on the well built male stripping off his T-shirt.

 

Night Times

This is an example of how Duane Michals sometimes writes in the margins of his photos.  

Sometimes, as here, it is a simple title and signature.  In other instances, he has been known 

to write relative lengthy descriptions of the ideas or experiences behind the picture.

 

Man walking up stairs

Duane Michals can take a rather ordinary activity and make it special.

 

Gilles

I included this photo called Gilles Receives a Seashell because it fascinates me.  Did the cottontail rabbit (not a domesticated variety) present Gilles with his seashell?  Why is Gilles wearing a clown suit, but no makeup?  Why are the two of them intently staring at one another?  And what is that book?  I'd really like to get to know these two.

 

Kentucky Kid

 

Duane Michals is known for shooting sequences of photos that tell a story.  This is one of those called The Kentucky Kid, and I don't know how the artist produced the interestiing visual effect.

1978

A somewhat austere bedroom is the setting for this 1978 photo.

 

Shoes

Seemingly absurd juxtapositions are recurring feature of Mr. Michals' work.

Is it just me, or are those shoes mismatched?