Challenging the conventional wisdom that the 1930s were dominated by literary and photographic realism; Sensational Modernism uncovers a rich vein of experimental work by politically progressive artists. Examining images by photographers such as Weegee and Aaron Siskind and fiction by writers such as William Carlos Williams; Richard Wright; Tillie Olsen; and Pietro di Donato; Joseph Entin argues that these artists drew attention to the countrys most vulnerable residents by using what he calls an "aesthetic of astonishment;" focused on startling; graphic images of pain; injury; and prejudice. Traditional portrayals of the poor depicted stoic; passive figures of sentimental suffering or degraded but potentially threatening figures in need of supervision. Sensational modernists sought to shock middle-class audiences into new ways of seeing the nations impoverished and outcast populations. The striking images these artists created; often taking the form of contorted or disfigured bodies drawn from the realm of the tabloids; pulp magazines; and cinema; represented a bold; experimental form of social aesthetics. Entin argues that these artists created a willfully unorthodox brand of vernacular modernism in which formal avant-garde innovations were used to delineate the conditions; contradictions; and pressures of life on the nations fringes.
2012-12-02 2012-12-02File Name: B00APXDMMU
Review
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. A real mixed bagBy Beth MMy husband and I read from a daily book every morning over breakfast; and this year -- avid amateur photographers that we are -- we chose this one in addition to one with more traditional thoughts for the day.Its a total mixed bag of little bios about various photographers; simplistic how-tos for various techniques; descriptions of different kinds of photography; photojournalism hints; historical photography factoids; inspirations; and usually a sample photograph illustrating the days message. Its interesting and different from the usual meditative daily readers.There are no dates; just numbers -- "Day 60." Little symbols at the top of each page tell you what category the days messages fall into; not that it matters to us -- we enjoy the ritual and the informative reading.It keeps us thinking of new ways to take photos or of looking at our world; and thats a good thing for a daily reader to do.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Love this little book.By Bryan K. BaileyLove this little book. Whether youre a hobby photographer like me or a professional; youll enjoy the quick little daily reads. Theres a little wit; snippets of wisdom and insight. All together; just a very enjoyable book that youll always have time for.3 of 5 people found the following review helpful. Terrific book!By ConBatIve wanted this book for a while; but the price was too high. I was able to get it for less than half the price at and it was delivered on time.