Seaweed 8 Possibly 1953 - 1957

Aaron Siskind made this photograph, Seaweed 8, with a camera. It’s not about a wavy green plant at all, but a study of the marks, lines and textures found in the everyday. The grain of the sand, the stray flecks and spots, all become this rich field for the single line to play in. It’s like a Cy Twombly drawing, but found, not made. I’m really drawn to the contrast of the smooth, almost perfect curve of the seaweed against the rough, granular surface. It emphasizes the accidental nature of the composition. I love the way Siskind finds abstraction in reality, elevating humble subjects to the level of high art. It makes you think about all the overlooked beauty around us, just waiting to be framed. Like, what else am I missing? It makes me want to go for a walk on the beach.