Clarence John Laughlin - Father of American Surrealism

[Corran]

This past weekend I saw an amazing retrospective of Clarence John Laughlin's photography at the High here in Atlanta (sadly, it is closed as of Sunday). I was actually there to see the big Sally Mann show but I frankly enjoyed CJL's work more.

I will admit I'd never heard of him, so if you are in the same boat, you should check out the online gallery of the permanent collection at the High here:

https://high.org/highlights/clarence-john-laughlin/

I was especially interested in his images from New Orleans (https://high.org/collections/elegy-for-moss-land/), as well as the multi-exposure architectural images (https://high.org/collections/the-staircase-as-masks/)!

[Tin Can]

Wow!

I see what you mean, "he Staircase as Masks"

[Thom Bennett]

He is, obviously, is a big influence here in New Orleans. I know quite a few photographers just a few years older than me who actually knew him and attended his salons. Check out a very good bio by A.J. Meek, a photographer himself (8x20) who started the photo program at LSU: http://www.ajmeek.com/book_clarence_john_laughlin_reviews.htm.

The New Orleans Photo Alliance has a grant named in honor of Laughlin: https://neworleansphotoalliance.org/photography-grants-new-orleans/clarence-john-laughlin-award/

And, lastly, David Armentor and I, under the auspices of St. Veronicas Photography, have created a portfolio of Laughlin objects that we will be selling in order to help Longue Vue House and Gardens raise the necessary funds to get the darkroom that Laughlin used back into service: https://stveronicasphotography.com/cjldarkroom.

Unfortunately, I haven't been able to make it to Atlanta to see the exhibition.

[Corran]

Thanks for the links, I will definitely check them out.

I found an older copy of "Ghosts Along the Mississippi" on eBay, sans dust jacket, for very cheap, like 1/10th the average price I've seen (the High had no books of his work available). Any other books I should be on the lookout for? I see several copies of "Personal Eye" available for not much money.

[Tin Can]

I found a few of his books on Abebooks, gotta wait for the next paycheck

Today got a 1966 Photographer's Mate 3 & 2 for light reading of it's 644 pages! Abebooks $10 delivered, name rank and serial # obliterated.

[Corran]

Thanks, I see Abe is cheaper on average. I will need to remember that. I got a steal on the Ghosts book though it seems ($12). I guess a missing dust jacket kills value.

[peter schrager]

He is, obviously, is a big influence here in New Orleans. I know quite a few photographers just a few years older than me who actually knew him and attended his salons. Check out a very good bio by A.J. Meek, a photographer himself (8x20) who started the photo program at LSU: http://www.ajmeek.com/book_clarence_john_laughlin_reviews.htm.

The New Orleans Photo Alliance has a grant named in honor of Laughlin: https://neworleansphotoalliance.org/photography-grants-new-orleans/clarence-john-laughlin-award/

And, lastly, David Armentor and I, under the auspices of St. Veronicas Photography, have created a portfolio of Laughlin objects that we will be selling in order to help Longue Vue House and Gardens raise the necessary funds to get the darkroom that Laughlin used back into service: https://stveronicasphotography.com/cjldarkroom.

Unfortunately, I haven't been able to make it to Atlanta to see the exhibition.
Sally uses wet plate...he used film I imagine
Two different viewpoints

[Thom Bennett]

There was a great exhibit a few years ago at The Historic New Orleans Collection (who have the Laughlin photo archive) about his correspondence with other photographers.

https://www.hnoc.org/exhibitions/clarence-john-laughlin-and-his-contemporaries-picture-and-thousand-words

"...photographers with whom Laughlin exchanged images include Imogen Cunningham, Wynn Bullock, Edward Weston, Carlotta Corpron, and Brassaï. Individually, the images and letters offer glimpses into the minds of major figures in 20th-century photography. Together, they reveal Laughlin—who imagined himself working in artistic exile in New Orleans—to have been actively engaged (though not always in step) with national and international photographic trends throughout his life."

There are a couple of documentary films about Laughlin: https://www.hnoc.org/events/clarence-john-laughlin-documentary-double-feature

Once you go down the Laughlin rabbit hole you may never come back.

[Tin Can]

I would expect New Orleans had an unusual photographer

At least one video is here, https://youtu.be/vVZUJqidwBU

[Merg Ross]

This takes me back. I first heard of Clarence Laughlin in the early 1950's from Dody Weston. Clarence had photographed her as a teenager in New Orleans where she was born. Later, in 1959, I visited Dody's mother in New Orleans and learned more about her friend Clarence and his work.

I enjoy looking at his photographs. Edward (Weston) was not a fan; however, Imogen more so with her own multiple negative prints, and her deviation from the f.64 school.

Thanks for bringing to our attention the important work of Clarence Laughlin.

Dody was eighteen when the photo below was made.



http://bid.igavelauctions.com/Bidding.taf?_function=detail&Auction_uid1=2770725

[Jim Michael]

A few More books https://www.alibris.com/booksearch?title=clarence+john+laughlin&mtype=B

[Tin Can]

Most, I did, would think that was either digital or a layer mask

Reality well seen!




This takes me back. I first heard of Clarence Laughlin in the early 1950's from Dody Weston. Clarence had photographed her as a teenager in New Orleans where she was born. Later, in 1959, I visited Dody's mother in New Orleans and learned more about her friend Clarence and his work.

I enjoy looking at his photographs. Edward (Weston) was not a fan; however, Imogen more so with her own multiple negative prints, and her deviation from the f.64 school.

Thanks for bringing to our attention the important work of Clarence Laughlin.

Dody was eighteen when the photo below was made.



http://bid.igavelauctions.com/Bidding.taf?_function=detail&Auction_uid1=2770725

[Corran]

Some of the prints seen this past weekend appeared to use cut-outs to achieve the desired result. Collage. Perhaps single-weight paper as it was hard to notice due to the thinness. And a sharp cutting instrument!

[Tin Can]

I am sure he used every option available at that time

I was thinking of the image of Dody, however it is seemingly and artificially symmetrical

Nonetheless, astounding!

[Ed Richards]

In 1983, Roslyn Special Editions offered a presentation print of The Enigma (Windsor Plantation ruins), bundled with a signed copy of Ghosts along the Mississippi and a picture of the artist spotting the prints for about $250. While I was not smart enough to buy any other of the art deals I was offered in my life, I did buy that one. I have been back to shoot the Windsor Plantation ruins a couple of times. The site has been cleaned ed, losing some of its romance, but is still worth the detour.