Éric de Chassey's 'Platitudes' Explores Flat Photography
Éric de Chassey's book 'Platitudes. Une histoire de la photographie plate' (published by Éditions Gallimard) examines the concept of flatness in photography as a limit case. He argues that the only completely flat photograph is Alexander Rodtchenko's late photogram 'Noir sur noir', alongside unexposed photos. The study traces a non-homogeneous history from Talbot, Niépce, and Bertillon to Jean-Marc Bustamante and Thomas Ruff, including Paul Strand, Evans, and Friedlander. De Chassey focuses on an 'intention of flatness' rather than absolute flat images, rekindling modernist debates on pictoriality beyond painting. The book highlights common themes across photographers, such as the role of shop windows in the work of Hebderson, Frank, and Evans. Thierry Davila contributes to the analysis.
Key facts
- Éric de Chassey authored 'Platitudes. Une histoire de la photographie plate'.
- Published by Éditions Gallimard.
- The book considers Alexander Rodtchenko's 'Noir sur noir' as the only completely flat photograph.
- It covers photographers from Talbot, Niépce, and Bertillon to Jean-Marc Bustamante and Thomas Ruff.
- Includes Paul Strand, Evans, and Friedlander.
- De Chassey analyzes an 'intention of flatness' rather than absolute flatness.
- The work contributes to modernist debates on flatness and pictoriality.
- Thierry Davila is mentioned in relation to the book.
Entities
Artists
- Éric de Chassey
- Alexander Rodtchenko
- William Henry Fox Talbot
- Nicéphore Niépce
- Alphonse Bertillon
- Jean-Marc Bustamante
- Thomas Ruff
- Paul Strand
- Walker Evans
- Lee Friedlander
- Nigel Hebderson
- Robert Frank
- Thierry Davila
Institutions
- Éditions Gallimard
Sources
- artpress —