Cut Paper 1980

Frederick Sommer's "Cut Paper" transforms a simple act into a complex visual experience. Sommer, active throughout the twentieth century in the United States, pushes the boundaries of photography by capturing the ephemeral arrangements of cut paper against a stark background. The high contrast and abstract forms invite us to question the very nature of representation. Is it a dance of light and shadow, or a deeper commentary on the disposable nature of modern life? Sommer's work emerged during a period of significant social and cultural shifts. The rise of consumer culture and mass production challenged traditional notions of value and permanence. The interplay between positive and negative space can be interpreted through the lens of post-war anxiety and societal fragmentation. By examining Sommer’s personal papers, letters, and engagement within artistic circles, one can find the threads that weave together his individual artistic vision and his broader cultural context. The meaning of art always depends on its social and institutional context.