Cornus Nuttallii and Cornus Florida (Twigs of Two Dogwood Species) before 1928

Karl Blossfeldt made this gelatin silver print called "Cornus Nuttallii and Cornus Florida (Twigs of Two Dogwood Species)" and look at how he is playing with monochrome! The image is very tactile; the forms of the twigs almost look like they’ve been cast in metal. Look at the texture of the bark! See how each twig is segmented, like an abstracted torso or limb. The surface has a sort of velvety, almost greasy sheen. Each mark is intentional and deliberate. It’s all about close observation. My eye is drawn to the central twig, like some kind of embryonic form emerging from a bulbous pod. It’s so architectural, yet so organic. I’m reminded of those strange botanical studies by Adolphe Braun, where the flowers are isolated from their natural environment and turned into specimens. It is like they are pinned to the background! Art is definitely an ongoing conversation!