Archives Scrapbooks

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Fogg Art Museum Scrapbooks, February 1978-October 1982

ARCH.2003.37, Rendition: 808671

Qwen, Qwen/Qwen2.5-VL-7B-Instruct

The image shows a yellowed newspaper page from what appears to be a publication from 1978. The headline reads, "In the Eyes of the Bystander: At the Fogg, Uncommon Angles Provoke Fresh Perspectives." The article discusses an exhibition at the Fogg Museum titled "Evidence," which features photographs taken from the files of various governmental agencies, corporations, and educational institutions across the country.

The text of the article highlights the unique and often poignant perspectives of these photographs. It describes images such as a man with a plastic bag over his head being torched, men floundering in a cloud of soap bubbles, a man in a spacesuit doing push-ups, and a man dressed in a complete spacesuit. The article notes that these photographs, originally taken for documentary purposes, have been repurposed in an art gallery setting, presenting the viewer with a new context and interpretative space.

The article also mentions that the photographs lack accompanying labels, leaving the viewer to interpret the photographer's intent. It discusses the accidental and sometimes humorous details present in the images, such as the placement of feet around a machine picture and the inclusion of a rocket's flash bulb in a photograph. The article compares these photographs to modern social landscape scenes by photographers like Nick Nixon and Steven Shore, raising questions about the validity of documenting the social landscape through photography.

On the right side of the page, there is a black-and-white photograph showing a collection of objects, possibly related to the exhibition. The page appears to have been pinned to a bulletin board with a thumbtack at the top. There is also a handwritten note at the top of the page that seems to refer to "Howard Curator" and the date "4/28/78."

Qwen, Qwen/Qwen2.5-VL-72B-Instruct

This image shows a printed article from a publication, titled "In the Eyes of the Bystander," with the subtitle "At the Fogg, Uncommon Angles Provoke Fresh Perspectives." The article appears to be discussing a photography exhibition at the Fogg Museum, called "Evidence," curated by California photographers Mike Mandel and Larry Sultan. The article mentions that the photographs in the exhibition are not typical family or art photographs but rather documentary photos taken from various government agencies, corporations, and educational institutions. The article describes the photographs as provocative and unusual, with viewers often laughing or questioning the intent behind the images. The text is accompanied by a black-and-white photograph of what appears to be an outdoor scene with some structures and debris. The article is dated January 20, 1978, and is written on a yellowed page, suggesting it is from an older publication. The top of the page is slightly torn, and there is a handwritten note at the top left corner that reads "Howard Curroor 1/20/78."

Qwen, qwen.qwen3-vl-235b-a22b

This image shows a photograph of a yellowed newspaper clipping, pasted onto a page inside an old, well-used scrapbook or binder. The clipping is from a newspaper section titled “GALLERIES,” and is identified as “PAGE FIVE.”

The headline of the article reads:
In the Eyes of the Bystander

Beneath it is a sub-headline:
At the Fogg, Uncommon Angles Provoke Fresh Perspectives

The article reviews an exhibition titled Evidence, featuring an unusual collection of photographs by California photographers Mike Mandel and Larry Sultan. These are not artistic snapshots, but rather found images sourced from government agencies, corporations, and educational institutions — originally taken for documentary or archival purposes. The article notes that the 71 photos are presented without captions or labels, forcing the viewer to interpret their meaning independently.

The piece describes several surreal and provocative images included in the exhibition, such as:

  • A man smiling passively while a plastic bag covering his head is set on fire.
  • A man in a spacesuit doing push-ups.
  • A photograph showing the shadow and flashbulb of the photographer’s own head at the bottom of a picture of a rocket, evoking a sense of self-reference and absurdity.
  • A scene of parachute balloons emerging from the side of a frame, contrasting the mundane street scene below.

The review notes that these images, removed from their original context, reveal strange and humorous details. They are described as having an “uncanny similarity” to the aesthetics of contemporary photographers like Nick Nixon and Steven Shore, or even to DeKooning paintings or Atget photographs.

A black-and-white photograph accompanies the article, showing what appears to be a construction site or a group of modular structures in an open field, possibly one of the photographs from the exhibition.

Handwritten note: In the upper left corner of the clipping, someone has written in cursive: “Harvard Crimson 1/20/78,” indicating the source (the student newspaper of Harvard University) and the date of publication.

Physical condition: The scrapbook page is yellowed with age. The newspaper clipping is secured with adhesive, and some tape remnants are visible. The binding of the scrapbook is worn, suggesting it is well-used and old. The overall impression is archival — capturing a historical review of an influential conceptual photography exhibition.

Amazon, amazon.nova-pro-v1:0

The image is a photograph of a page from a magazine or newspaper. The page is slightly aged, with some discoloration and wear, suggesting it may be from an older publication. The page is open to an article titled "In the Eyes of the Bystander," which is on page five of the publication. The article is about a photography exhibition that showcases images from various photographers, including California-based artists Mike Mandel and Larry Sultan.

The article discusses the unique perspectives and angles captured by the photographers, highlighting the ordinary and mundane aspects of life. The text describes the exhibition as a collection of photographs that offer a fresh and unconventional viewpoint on everyday scenes.

Accompanying the article is a black-and-white photograph of a small structure, possibly a house or a shed, with a surrounding landscape. The image appears to be taken from an unusual angle, emphasizing the article's theme of capturing uncommon perspectives.

The photograph is slightly blurred, and there are some creases and folds on the page, indicating that it has been handled and possibly stored for a long time. The edges of the page are slightly torn, and there are some handwritten notes in the top left corner, possibly indicating the date or the name of the person who owned the publication.

Amazon, amazon.nova-lite-v1:0

The image shows a magazine page with a heading that reads "In the Eyes of the Bystander" and a subheading "At the Fogg, Uncommon Angles Provoke Fresh Perspectives." The page features a photograph of a man standing with a plastic bag over his head, holding a lighted torch in his hand. The text on the page discusses the unique perspectives and angles that can be captured in photography, using the example of the photograph of the man with the plastic bag.

Amazon, us.amazon.nova-2-lite-v1:0

The image shows an open book, specifically a page from a publication titled "In the Eyes of the Bystander" under the section "At the Fogg, Uncommon Angles" with the subtitle "Provoke Fresh Perspectives." The page is labeled as PAGE FIVE and includes both text and an accompanying photograph.

Text Content:

  • The article discusses a photography exhibit titled "Evidence," curated by Mike Mandel and Larry Sultan, currently on display at the Fogg Museum in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
  • The exhibit features 71 photographs taken from the files of various governmental agencies, corporations, and educational institutions across the country.
  • The photographs are described as "not family albums" but rather as documentation of everyday, often mundane, or overlooked scenes. They aim to provoke fresh perspectives by presenting subjects from uncommon angles.
  • The article emphasizes that these photographs were not taken for artistic purposes but for documentary or record-keeping reasons. As a result, they offer an unfiltered, candid view of everyday life, capturing details that might otherwise be ignored.
  • The text highlights how these images, when viewed in a gallery setting, invite viewers to reconsider their perceptions of ordinary scenes and the social landscape they depict.

Photograph:

  • The accompanying photograph shows an industrial or construction setting. It depicts a large, open area with visible machinery or equipment, possibly part of a factory or construction site.
  • The image includes several figures in the distance, likely workers, and features a paved surface with what appears to be a conveyor belt or pathway. The overall composition conveys a sense of scale and industrial activity.
  • The photograph is in black and white, consistent with the documentary style mentioned in the article. It serves as a visual example of the type of imagery featured in the exhibit.

Handwritten Note:

  • In the top left corner of the page, there is a handwritten note that reads "Howard Carlow 9/20/78." This suggests that the page may have been annotated or marked by someone named Howard Carlow on September 20, 1978.

Overall Context:

The page combines textual analysis with a visual example to illustrate the theme of the article: using everyday, unposed photographs to challenge conventional perspectives and provoke new ways of seeing the world. The photograph serves as a concrete example of the exhibit's focus on documenting the overlooked and mundane aspects of life.

Meta, us.meta.llama3-2-11b-instruct-v1:0

The image presents a page from a newspaper, featuring a photograph of a man standing in front of a large, rectangular object with a flat top and a series of smaller objects arranged around it. The photograph is accompanied by an article discussing the work of photographers Mike Mandel and Larry Sultan.

  • Photograph
    • A man stands with a plastic bag over his head while an unidentified arm places a lighted torch to the bag.
    • The man smiles passively in it.
    • Who is this man, and what is he doing?
    • Not an unlikely question for most of the photographs currently on display at the Fogg Museum.
    • Evidence a show put together by California photographers Mike Mandel and Larry Sultan, is a collection of photographs taken from the files of various governmental agencies, corporations and educational institutions across the country.
    • The photographs exhibited are not family album shots (had mugging with Aunt Doris at Bunny's sixth birthday party) but not any recognized work done by renowned art photographers.
    • Originally taken for documentary purposes in order to record some fact or event, the photographs now stand in a wholly new context - the art gallery.
    • No labels of explanation accompany the 71 photographs; the viewer is left to figure out - what the photographs now stand in a wholly new context - the art gallery.
    • No labels of explanation accompany the 71 photographs; the viewer is left to figure out - what the photographs now stand in a wholly new context - the art gallery.
    • No labels of explanation accompany the 71 photographs; the viewer is left to figure out - what the photographs now stand in a wholly new context - the art gallery.
    • No labels of explanation accompany the 71 photographs; the viewer is left to figure out - what the photographs now stand in a wholly new context - the art gallery.
    • No labels of explanation accompany the 71 photographs; the viewer is left to figure out - what the photographs now stand in a wholly new context - the art gallery.
    • No labels of explanation accompany the 71 photographs; the viewer is left to figure out - what the photographs now stand in a wholly new context - the art gallery.
    • No labels of explanation accompany the 71 photographs; the viewer is left to figure out - what the photographs now stand in a wholly new context - the art gallery.
    • No labels of explanation accompany the 71 photographs; the viewer is left to figure out - what the photographs now stand in a wholly new context - the art gallery.
    • No labels of explanation accompany the 71 photographs; the viewer is left to figure out - what the photographs now stand in a wholly new context - the art gallery.
    • No labels of explanation accompany the 71 photographs; the viewer is left to figure out - what the photographs now stand in a wholly new context - the art gallery.
    • No labels of explanation accompany the 71 photographs; the viewer is left to figure out - what the photographs now stand in a wholly new context - the art gallery.
    • No labels of explanation accompany the 71 photographs; the viewer is left to figure out - what the photographs now stand in a wholly new context - the art gallery.
    • No labels of explanation accompany the 71 photographs; the viewer is left to figure out - what the photographs now stand in a wholly new context - the art gallery.
    • No labels of explanation accompany the 71 photographs; the viewer is left to figure out - what the photographs now stand in a wholly new context - the art gallery.
    • No labels of explanation accompany the 71 photographs; the viewer is left to figure out - what the photographs now stand in a wholly new context - the art gallery.
    • No labels of explanation accompany the 71 photographs; the viewer is left to figure out - what the photographs now stand in a wholly new context - the art gallery.
    • No labels of explanation accompany the 71 photographs; the viewer is left to figure out - what the photographs now stand in a wholly new context - the art gallery.
    • No labels of explanation accompany the 71 photographs; the viewer is left to figure out - what the photographs now stand in a wholly new context - the art gallery.
    • No labels of explanation accompany the 71 photographs; the viewer is left to figure out - what the photographs now stand in a wholly new context - the art gallery.
    • No labels of explanation accompany the 71 photographs; the viewer is left to figure out - what the photographs now stand in a wholly new context - the art gallery.
    • No labels of explanation accompany the 71 photographs; the viewer is left to figure out - what the photographs now stand in a wholly new context - the art gallery.
    • No labels of explanation accompany the 71 photographs; the viewer is left to figure out - what the photographs now stand in a wholly new context - the art gallery.
    • No labels of explanation accompany the 71 photographs; the viewer is left to figure out - what the photographs now stand in a wholly new context - the art gallery.
    • No labels of explanation accompany the 71 photographs; the viewer is left to figure out - what the photographs now stand in a wholly new context - the art gallery.
    • No labels of explanation accompany the 71 photographs; the viewer is left to figure out - what the photographs now stand in a wholly new context - the art gallery.
    • No labels of explanation accompany the 71 photographs; the viewer is left to figure out - what the photographs now stand in a wholly new context - the art gallery.
    • No labels of explanation accompany the 71 photographs; the viewer is left to figure out - what the photographs now stand in a wholly new context - the art gallery.
    • No labels of explanation accompany the 71 photographs; the viewer is left to figure out - what the photographs now stand in a wholly new context - the art gallery.
    • No labels of explanation accompany the 71 photographs; the viewer is left to figure out - what the photographs now stand in a wholly new context - the art gallery.
    • No labels of explanation accompany the 71 photographs; the viewer is left to figure out - what the photographs now stand in a wholly new context - the art gallery.
    • No labels of explanation accompany the 71 photographs; the viewer is left to figure out - what the photographs now stand in a wholly new context - the art gallery.
    • No labels of explanation accompany the 71 photographs; the viewer is left to figure out - what the photographs now stand in a wholly new context - the art gallery.
    • No labels of explanation accompany the 71 photographs; the viewer is left to figure out - what the photographs now stand in a wholly new context - the art gallery.
    • No labels of explanation accompany the 71 photographs; the viewer is left to figure out - what the photographs now stand in a wholly new context - the art gallery.
    • No labels of explanation accompany the 71 photographs; the viewer is left to figure out - what the photographs now stand in a wholly new context - the art gallery.
    • No labels of explanation accompany the 71 photographs; the viewer is left to figure out - what the photographs now stand in a wholly new context - the art gallery.
    • No labels of explanation accompany the 71 photographs; the viewer is left to figure out - what the photographs now stand in a wholly new context - the art gallery.
    • No labels of explanation accompany the 71 photographs; the viewer is left to figure out - what the photographs now stand in a wholly new context - the art gallery.
    • No labels of explanation accompany the 71 photographs; the viewer is left to figure out - what the photographs now stand in a wholly new context - the art gallery.
    • No labels of explanation accompany the 71 photographs; the viewer is left to figure out - what the photographs now stand in a wholly new context - the art gallery.
    • No labels of explanation accompany the 71 photographs; the viewer is left to figure out - what the photographs now stand in a wholly new context - the art gallery.
    • No labels of explanation accompany the 71 photographs; the viewer is left to figure out - what the photographs now stand in a wholly new context - the art gallery.
    • No labels of explanation accompany the 71 photographs; the viewer is left to figure out - what the photographs now stand in a wholly new context - the art gallery.
    • No labels of explanation accompany the 71 photographs; the viewer is left to figure out - what the photographs now stand in a wholly new context - the art gallery.
    • No labels of explanation accompany the 71 photographs; the viewer is left to figure out - what the photographs now stand in a wholly new context - the art gallery.
    • No labels of explanation accompany the 71 photographs; the viewer is left to figure out - what the photographs now stand in a wholly new context - the art gallery.
    • No labels of explanation accompany the 71 photographs; the viewer is left to figure out - what the photographs now stand in a wholly new context - the art gallery.
    • No labels of explanation accompany the 71 photographs; the viewer is left to figure out - what the photographs now stand in a wholly new context - the art gallery.
    • No labels of explanation accompany the 71 photographs; the viewer is left to figure out - what the photographs now stand in a wholly new context - the art gallery.
    • No labels of explanation accompany the 71 photographs; the viewer is left to figure out - what the photographs now stand in a wholly new context - the art gallery.
    • No labels

Meta, us.meta.llama3-2-90b-instruct-v1:0

This image is a photograph of a newspaper clipping that has been placed in a scrapbook. The clipping is from the "Galleries" section and features an article titled "In the Eyes of the Bystander" with the subtitle "At the Fogg, Uncommon Angles Provoke Fresh Perspectives." The article discusses a photography exhibition at the Fogg Museum, highlighting the unique perspectives and angles used by the photographers.

The clipping also includes a black-and-white photograph of a man standing next to a large box or crate, which appears to be part of the exhibition. The overall tone of the article suggests that the exhibition is showcasing innovative and thought-provoking photography that challenges traditional notions of perspective and composition.

The scrapbook itself appears to be old and worn, with yellowed pages and torn edges. The clipping has been carefully placed on a page, surrounded by other newspaper cutouts and ephemera. The background of the image is a plain gray color, which helps to focus attention on the clipping and the scrapbook. Overall, the image provides a glimpse into the world of photography and art, highlighting the importance of creativity and innovation in these fields.

Meta, us.meta.llama4-maverick-17b-instruct-v1:0

The image depicts a worn, yellowed scrapbook page featuring a newspaper clipping. The clipping is titled "In the Eyes of the Bystander" and includes a black-and-white photograph of a large outdoor sculpture or installation, accompanied by a lengthy article discussing the artwork and its context.

Key Features:

  • Scrapbook Page: The page is yellowed and worn, indicating age and handling.
  • Newspaper Clipping: The clipping is titled "In the Eyes of the Bystander" and features a black-and-white photograph.
  • Photograph: The photograph shows a large outdoor sculpture or installation, with several abstract metal structures arranged in a deliberate pattern.
  • Article: The accompanying article discusses the artwork and its context, providing insight into the artist's intentions and the significance of the piece.

Overall Impression:

The image suggests that the scrapbook is a personal collection of memorabilia, possibly related to art or culture. The worn condition of the page implies that it has been handled frequently over time, and the inclusion of a newspaper clipping suggests that the owner was interested in documenting and preserving information about the artwork.

Meta, us.meta.llama4-scout-17b-instruct-v1:0

The image presents a scanned page from an open book or magazine, featuring an article titled "In the Eyes of the Bystander" with a subheading that reads, "At the Fogg, Uncommon Angles Provoke Fresh Perspectives." The article is accompanied by a black-and-white photograph.

  • Title and Subheading
    • The title, "In the Eyes of the Bystander," is prominently displayed at the top of the page.
    • The subheading, "At the Fogg, Uncommon Angles Provoke Fresh Perspectives," provides additional context to the article.
  • Article Text
    • The article discusses a photography exhibition at the Fogg Museum, showcasing unconventional angles and perspectives.
    • The text describes the photographs exhibited, which are not typical representations of their subjects.
    • The article highlights the work of photographers Mike Mandel and Larry Sultan, who have created a collection of photographs taken from various vantage points.
  • Photograph
    • A black-and-white photograph is included on the right side of the page.
    • The photograph depicts a scene with people and objects, but the exact details are unclear due to the low resolution.
  • Page Information
    • The page number "PAGE FIVE" is indicated in the top-right corner.
    • A handwritten note in blue ink reads "Harvard College 9/20/79."
  • Book or Magazine
    • The page appears to be part of a larger book or magazine, as indicated by the presence of other pages and a binding.

In summary, the image shows a scanned page from a book or magazine featuring an article about a photography exhibition at the Fogg Museum, accompanied by a black-and-white photograph. The article discusses the unconventional angles and perspectives presented in the exhibition, highlighting the work of photographers Mike Mandel and Larry Sultan.