Jerry Uelsmann

Prior to PhotoShop, there was Jerry N. Uelsmann, a  man of such distinct vision, great talent and an unparalleled ability to manipulate photographic images. Born in Detroit on June 11, 1934, Uelsmann’s infamy would not begin until his tenure  at the University of Florida, Gainesville  where he pioneered his characteristic signature of  multiple image development. When appreciating an Uelsmann, it’s important to note that all his imagery was  achieved without cutting, pasting, or any other of the thousands of applications that  computers offer.

The images are created by exposing various negatives onto a single print, even reversing the image from left to right or from top to bottom in order to create a perfectly symmetrical picture. As always, when studying an individuals art, experiencing the prints on a monitor attributes little detail in comparison to seeing them in real life. The seamless images look so real that they appear as if they are pictures taken in a different realm, and indeed they are; the realm of Uelsmann’s mind.

Jerry Uelsmann

His work truly bestows the mantle of art rather than representation to Photography. His unique vision re-images the world and transposes it into surreal black and white scenes. More so, when looking through the viewfinder of his camera, Uelsman is able to flip, rotate, copy, and paste in order to compose a picture before even setting up the tripod or opening the shutter. The content is of a darker nature, meaning the tones and the print exposure give many of his images a ghastly or almost frightening mood. At the same time, the beauty of the alternate landscapes that Uelsmann creates hint of science fiction and the phantasmagorical.

As a side note, Jerry N. Uelsmann’s third wife, Maggie Taylor, is highly involved with testing Adobe Photoshop, a program I hope Jerry never discovers… as it would herald the Apocalypse of  photographic art. Glossless dares you to look for Uelsmann’s exhibitions at your local galleries, as many museums worldwide keep his collections as coveted treasures, only to be released on the 6th and 13th full moon of every decade. Much to Paul Karibines for introducing us to a spectacular artist.

Contributed by Kaptain K-Mart