Sartre 1949

Editor: We’re looking at Chargesheimer's "Sartre," a black and white photograph at the Harvard Art Museums. It’s quite striking, almost like an abstract inkblot. What formal elements stand out to you? Curator: The interplay of light and shadow is certainly paramount. Notice how the composition leads the eye through a series of interconnected, curvilinear forms. The stark contrast contributes to a sense of depth and tension, wouldn't you agree? Editor: Yes, absolutely. The way the shapes are arranged gives it an almost unsettling feeling. Curator: Indeed. It's the strategic placement of voids and the dynamic arrangement of forms that evoke such a response. The negative space is just as important as the positive. Editor: I hadn’t considered the negative space so deliberately, that's insightful. Curator: Examining the formal qualities allows us to appreciate the artist's intention, regardless of any specific narrative. Editor: I will be sure to look at the negative space when I examine an artwork next time.