Fotogram II 1923

László Moholy-Nagy made this photogram with photosensitive paper and light. It's a cameraless photograph. Objects are placed directly on the paper, which is then exposed to light, leaving a negative image. What we see in this print is the evidence of this process. The composition is built with everyday materials, like mesh, and simple geometric forms. This gives the piece an abstract quality, highlighting the interplay of light and shadow. The photogram technique democratizes art-making, moving away from traditional artistic skills. It is the artist’s manipulation of materials, time, and exposure that becomes paramount. This method mirrors the industrial age's emphasis on mass production. It diminishes the artist's hand, focusing instead on the interaction of light, material, and process, a kind of "factory in the darkroom." So, when looking at this photogram, consider how Moholy-Nagy challenges the conventional definitions of art. He emphasizes the importance of materials, process, and context, echoing the shift in artistic values during the early 20th century.