War Theme c. 1940

"War Theme" is a powerful black and white photograph by Barbara Morgan, created around 1940. It depicts a dancer in mid-leap, their body contorted in a dynamic and expressive pose. The photograph captures the raw energy and emotion of movement, and the dancer's form is rendered in stark contrast against a plain white background. The minimalist composition emphasizes the dancer's body and the dynamic nature of the pose, making the piece both aesthetically compelling and emotionally resonant. Morgan was known for her innovative use of flash photography to capture movement, which is evident in the sharp detail of this image. This photograph reflects the turbulent time period in which it was made, with its themes of conflict and struggle.