Recently I’ve been interested in the idea of making sublime photographs.
What is sublime?
The word “sublime” has an interesting etymology. It comes from the Latin word “sublimis,” which is a combination of “sub” (meaning “up to” or “under”) and “limen” (meaning “threshold” or “lintel”). So, “sublimis” originally referred to something that was elevated or raised up, possibly above a threshold.
Over time, the word “sublimis” evolved in meaning, and in English, “sublime” came to represent something of outstanding beauty, grandeur, or excellence. It is often used to describe things that evoke a sense of awe, wonder, or admiration due to their exceptional qualities.
Dark aesthetics
I find this paining by Caravaggio to be an example of sublime art. The dark themes and aesthetics fill your soul with a visceral emotional response that leaves you asking questions and wonder. Caravaggio’s use of chiaroscuro, the strong contrast of light and dark, creates this aesthetic that goes beyond beauty.
Obscurity
I believe sublime art should be dark and difficult to understand immediately. It should be simple yet unclear.
Photography Inspiration
Ray K. Metzker’s work is my biggest source of inspiration recently. His use of high contrast black and white evokes the essence of the sublime in a photograph that I appreciate. The deep black backgrounds set the subjects in his photographs on a majestic stage for the viewer to get lost in. Metzker’s approach to the streets of Philadelphia inspires me to expand his visual language in my own way.
To the source
It’s important to study the history of photography and find great work that you can draw ideas from. The work of Ray K. Metzker was a source of inspiration for Alex Webb. As I was influenced by Webb for the first ten years of my photography, it only makes sense for me to tap into his source and expand upon Metzker’s ideas.