Vortograph of Ezra Pound 1917

Alvin Langdon Coburn's 1917 "Vortograph of Ezra Pound" is a striking example of the Vortograph technique, a style of photography Coburn pioneered. The image, a portrait of the poet Ezra Pound, utilizes a combination of mirrors and multiple exposures to create an abstract and fragmented visual. This technique, which Coburn referred to as "plastic photography," is characterized by its geometric forms and dynamic compositions, showcasing the influence of Cubism and other modernist movements. The photograph's fragmented nature reflects the avant-garde artistic trends of the era, and it serves as a compelling visual representation of the modernist ethos.