Why Sublime?

Recently, I’ve been captivated by the idea of making sublime photographs.

What is Sublime?

The word “sublime” has an intriguing etymology. It originates from the Latin word “sublimis,” a blend of “sub” (meaning “up to” or “under”) and “limen” (meaning “threshold” or “lintel”). Originally, sublimis implied something elevated or raised above a threshold.

“Over time, sublimis evolved, and in English, sublime came to represent something of outstanding beauty, grandeur, or excellence. It now describes things that evoke a sense of awe, wonder, or admiration due to their exceptional qualities.”

Dark Aesthetics

An iconic example of sublime art is Judith and Holofernes (1598-1599) by Caravaggio. His use of dark themes and high-contrast chiaroscuro fills the viewer’s soul with a visceral, emotional response, sparking wonder and contemplation. Caravaggio’s work goes beyond beauty, leading us into the sublime with intense contrasts of light and dark.

“I believe sublime art should be dark and difficult to understand immediately. It should be simple yet unclear.”

Photography Inspiration

Philadelphia, 1963 by Ray K. Metzker

Ray K. Metzker’s work is my primary source of inspiration lately. His high-contrast black-and-white photography embodies the sublime in a way I deeply admire. His deep black backgrounds place subjects on a majestic stage, inviting viewers to get lost in the visual narrative. Metzker’s approach to Philadelphia’s streets pushes me to expand his visual language in my own way.

Leon, Mexico, 1987 by Alex Webb

It’s essential to study photography’s history and find impactful work that can fuel your creative ideas. Ray K. Metzker was an inspiration for Alex Webb, who influenced my photography for the first ten years. Tapping into Metzker’s ideas, as Webb did, is a natural evolution in my exploration of the sublime.

“The sublime goes beyond what we see, reaching into what we feel and interpret. In both art and life, it’s the spaces between light and shadow that inspire awe.”