Untitled (bride and groom with large wedding party posed in carpeted room with plants) 1930 - 1940

Editor: Here we have Martin Schweig's "Untitled (bride and groom with large wedding party posed in carpeted room with plants)," a photograph of some kind. The composition seems very staged, very formal. What do you see in this image? Curator: Observe how Schweig constructs the image using a carefully arranged group. The tonal range, inverted here, emphasizes the textures—the floral arrangements against the carpet, the smoothness of the gowns versus the rougher suits. Editor: So, you're focusing on the visual relationships within the photograph itself, rather than thinking about, say, the wedding? Curator: Precisely. The inverted tones force us to consider the formal qualities. Notice the balance created by the distribution of light and shadow, and the way it guides the eye. What do you make of that visual rhythm? Editor: I guess I see how the artist is using the group to create a pattern with the light and dark areas. That’s interesting.