Book Review: Painting Photography Painting by Carol Armstrong

Book Review: Painting Photography Painting by Carol Armstrong

Painting Photography Painting: Selected Essays by Carol Armstrong, published by Mack Books in 2023, is an ambitious collection of essays that delves into the intersections of visual art forms, specifically painting and photography. This compilation represents Armstrong’s decades-long engagement with art history, feminist theory, and critical analysis of visual culture, making it an illuminating read for both art enthusiasts and academic audiences.

Painting Photography Painting: Selected Essays

All images – Courtesy of the artist and MACK.

The Essence of Artistic Inquiry

At the heart of Armstrong’s essays lies a compelling question: what defines a medium? This query is vividly explored in the titular essay, where Armstrong reflects on Ellen Gallagher’s An Experiment of Unusual Opportunity (2008), a painting that combines ink, graphite, oil, varnish, and sliced paper. Armstrong’s analytical lens challenges readers to consider how materials, techniques, and visual effects contribute to classifying art forms. Is this hybrid work a painting? A collage? Or something entirely new? Through this inquiry, Armstrong encourages readers to interrogate the boundaries of art and expand their understanding of creative practices.

A Journey Through Time and Media

The essays traverse multiple periods and styles, featuring works and practices from the 19th and 20th centuries. Armstrong examines the innovations of figures like Paul Cézanne, whose brushstrokes redefined how we perceive objects, and Julia Margaret Cameron, a trailblazer in early portrait photography. Each chapter reflects Armstrong’s ability to connect seemingly disparate artists and ideas, threading them with themes of gender, representation, and the evolution of artistic techniques.

For instance, Armstrong’s discussion of Helen Frankenthaler offers a nuanced exploration of abstraction and its emotional resonance. At the same time, her analysis of Georges Seurat’s pointillism reveals a scientific approach to visual perception. Similarly, her engagement with feminist critiques highlights how artists like Tina Modotti and Diane Arbus disrupted traditional narratives of femininity and societal norms through photography.

Feminist Perspectives and Gender in Visual Arts

A recurring theme in Painting Photography Painting is the representation of women and gender. Armstrong’s feminist lens is especially poignant when analyzing how female artists have navigated and redefined their roles in a historically male-dominated field. She explores the intersection of femininity and power in art and the societal expectations placed on women as creators and subjects. This aspect of her work adds a rich, critical dimension, inviting readers to reflect on the cultural frameworks that shape artistic production.

Bridging Theory and Practice

One of the book’s strengths is Armstrong’s ability to blend theoretical rigour with accessible prose. While her essays are grounded in academic discourse, they remain engaging and thought-provoking for general readers. Her writing is marked by a deep appreciation for art’s tactile and emotional qualities, bringing intellectual concepts to life with vivid descriptions and thoughtful interpretations.

For example, Armstrong’s examination of Diane Arbus’s photography transcends technical analysis, delving into her work’s psychological and social implications. Similarly, her reflections on Cézanne’s still lifes highlight the tension between realism and abstraction, revealing the philosophical underpinnings of his practice.

A Unified Vision

Despite the diversity of subjects, Painting Photography Painting achieves a remarkable sense of cohesion. Armstrong’s overarching questions about medium, representation, and artistic intention connect the essays. Whether discussing Seurat’s optical experiments or Gallagher’s multimedia approaches, Armstrong consistently returns to the idea that art is a conversation—a dynamic interplay of tradition, innovation, and interpretation.

Final Thoughts

Painting Photography Painting is a rich, multifaceted exploration of visual culture. Armstrong’s essays challenge readers to reconsider their assumptions about art and its classifications, offering fresh insights into the works of celebrated and lesser-known artists. This book is a testament to Armstrong’s intellectual curiosity and ability to weave diverse thoughts into a compelling narrative.

This collection is essential for anyone interested in the intersections of art history, feminist theory, and the evolving dialogue between painting and photography. Armstrong’s work broadens our understanding of visual art and inspires a deeper appreciation for the complexities and contradictions that define creative expression.

To purchase this book, please go here.

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