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Fogg Art Museum Scrapbook, May 1973-March 1978

ARCH.2003.39, Rendition: 806483

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

This image shows a single page from the November 21, 1973 issue of The Boston Phoenix, specifically from its “B.A.D. The Arts & Entertainment Section”.

The page features an article titled:

“Another Candle for All of Photography”
Jerry Uelsmann speaks without words

The article is written by Clif Garboden and discusses the work of American photographer Jerry Uelsmann, known for his surreal, darkroom-manipulated photomontages.


Visual Elements:

  • The page is mounted on a brown, three-hole-punched backing sheet, suggesting it’s preserved in a binder or archive.
  • The headline “B.A.D.” is rendered in large, stylized red letters with a white outline, with “The Arts & Entertainment Section” printed to its right.
  • The main article’s title is in large, bold black font, followed by the subtitle and author credit.
  • On the right side of the page is a large, striking black-and-white photograph by Uelsmann titled “Untitled, 1972”, credited to the Fogg Museum.
  • The photograph depicts a surreal, dreamlike scene: a disembodied head hovers above a body composed of gnarled tree roots and branches that resemble limbs and a torso. The image is enclosed in a dark, curved arch, resembling a crescent moon or celestial opening.

Content Summary:

The article explores Uelsmann’s philosophy and technique, describing his work as “romantic fiction” that operates through “multiple images” or “synthesized” prints — essentially photographic collages created entirely in the darkroom without the use of digital tools. The author highlights how Uelsmann’s images are not merely visual tricks but evoke deep, intuitive, and sometimes uncomfortable emotional responses — touching on themes of love, fear, courage, and the subconscious.

Uelsmann is quoted saying, “The negative sandwich, of course, is not edible,” a playful nod to his layered photographic process. The article also recounts a lecture Uelsmann gave at the University of Massachusetts, where he presented his work in an unconventional, almost theatrical setting.


Overall Impression:

The page captures a moment in 1970s art criticism, showcasing a thoughtful profile of an innovative photographic artist. The combination of poetic writing and surreal imagery reflects the countercultural and avant-garde spirit the Boston Phoenix was known for.

This artifact serves as both a critical review and a visual document of Uelsmann’s influential work from the early 1970s.

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

This image appears to be a page from a magazine or newspaper section called "The Arts & Entertainment Section." The title at the top reads "B.A.D." and the section features a headline that says "Another Candle for All of Photography" by Clif Garboden. The article discusses the work of artist Jerry Uelsmann, specifically addressing his photographic technique known as the "negative sandwich."

The main visual in the image is a black and white photograph by Jerry Uelsmann, titled "Untitled, 1972." The photograph shows a nude figure in a contemplative pose, with a dark circle framing the head and an intricate floral design surrounding the lower body. The image is accompanied by a caption that reads "Untitled, 1972, by Jerry Uelsmann" and credits the Fogg Museum as the source.

The article delves into Uelsmann's artistic process and the various techniques he employs, such as multiple image and synthesized prints, which he uses to create layered and surreal images. The text highlights Uelsmann's exploration of themes like personal expression, memory, and the subconscious through his photographic compositions.

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

This is a newspaper clipping from "The Boston Phoenix," dated November 27, 1973, from the Arts & Entertainment Section. The headline reads "Another Candle for All of Photography" and is accompanied by the subtitle "Jerry Uelsmann speaks without words." The article is written by Clif Garboden and discusses Jerry Uelsmann's photographic work.

The main feature of the page is a black-and-white photograph by Jerry Uelsmann, titled "Untitled, 1972." The image depicts a nude figure with a surreal and dreamlike quality. The figure appears to be floating or suspended in the air, with their hands placed on their face, obscuring their eyes. The lower portion of the figure is enveloped in a circular arrangement of what looks like roots or organic material, creating a nest-like structure.

The photograph is framed by a black border and is accompanied by the caption "Untitled, 1972, by Jerry Uelsmann." The article discusses Uelsmann's unique photographic techniques and artistic vision, highlighting his use of "multiple image" or "synthesized" prints and icon-fusing techniques. The piece also explores the themes and emotions conveyed by Uelsmann's work, describing it as an exploration of the unconscious and the search for meaning through imagination.

The text is arranged in two columns, with the photograph taking up the right side of the page. The article concludes with a note directing readers to turn to page B-16 for more information. The overall layout and design of the page are typical of newspaper sections from the 1970s, with a focus on the artistic and cultural aspects of photography.

Amazon, amazon.nova-pro-v1:0

The image is a newspaper clipping from the Boston Phoenix, dated November 27, 1973, featuring an article about Jerry Uelsmann, a renowned photographer. The headline reads "Another Candle for All of Photography," with a subheading that says "Jerry Uelsmann speaks without words." The article is part of the Arts & Entertainment section and is written by Cliff Garboden.

The main image in the clipping is a photograph by Jerry Uelsmann, titled "Untitled, 1972." The photograph is a surreal and abstract composition featuring a human figure surrounded by a complex network of branches and twigs, creating an ethereal and dreamlike atmosphere. The figure appears to be in a state of contemplation or meditation, with hands raised and eyes closed.

The article discusses Uelsmann's unique photographic style, which involves combining multiple negatives to create surreal and abstract images. It highlights his ability to evoke a sense of wonder and exploration through his work, which often defies conventional descriptions and invites the viewer to engage with the images on a deeper level.

The text also mentions Uelsmann's background, including his education at the University of Massachusetts and his involvement in a series of photo lectures. The article concludes with a description of Uelsmann's reaction to the setting of the lecture hall, where he appeared "uncomfortable" and "sneeringly serious" due to the crowded and noisy environment.

Amazon, amazon.nova-lite-v1:0

The image is a newspaper clipping from the Boston Phoenix, dated November 27, 1973. The clipping is from the Arts & Entertainment Section and features an article titled "Another Candle for All of Photography." The article discusses the work of Jerry Uelsmann, a photographer known for his imaginative and surreal photographic creations. The clipping includes a photograph of a woman with her hands raised, surrounded by a complex arrangement of leaves and branches, which is one of Uelsmann's iconic images. The article highlights Uelsmann's ability to evoke emotions and provoke thought through his photographs, which often incorporate multiple exposures and creative editing techniques. The clipping also mentions a related event where Uelsmann was present and suffering from a throat condition, which adds a personal touch to the article.

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

The image shows a page from a publication titled "The Boston Phoenix", dated November 21, 1973, and specifically from the "The Arts & Entertainment Section". The page is titled "Another Candle for All of Photography" and features an article about the photographer Jerry Uelsmann.

Key Elements of the Image:

  1. Headline and Subheading:

    • The main headline reads "Another Candle for All of Photography", with a subheading stating "Jerry Uelsmann speaks without words".
    • The article is attributed to Cliff Garboden.
  2. Visual Content:

    • A prominent black-and-white photograph is displayed on the right side of the page. The photograph depicts a surreal and dreamlike scene:
      • A human figure is shown with their hands raised, seemingly in a gesture of surprise or alarm.
      • The figure is surrounded by a complex, organic, and somewhat chaotic network of dark, tendril-like forms that appear to emerge from or envelop the figure.
      • The overall composition evokes a sense of surrealism, psychological tension, and symbolic meaning.
  3. Caption and Attribution:

    • Below the photograph, there is a caption that reads: "Untitled, 1972, by Jerry Uelsmann".
    • The caption also includes a note: "Courtesy of the Fogg Museum", indicating the source of the artwork.
  4. Article Text:

    • The left side of the page contains dense, typed text that discusses Jerry Uelsmann's photographic work.
    • The article describes Uelsmann as a photographer who creates "romantic fiction" through the manipulation of photographs, using techniques such as multiple printing, collage, and symbolic composition.
    • It highlights his ability to evoke emotion, provoke thought, and challenge conventional notions of photography by blending reality with imagination.
    • The text also mentions a lecture Uelsmann gave at the University of Massachusetts, where he presented his work to a captivated audience.
  5. Design and Layout:

    • The page has a vintage, newspaper-like design with a clean, structured layout.
    • The headline and subheading are in bold red typography, drawing attention to the article's theme.
    • The photograph is placed prominently, serving as a visual centerpiece that complements the textual discussion of Uelsmann's artistic approach.

Overall Impression:

The image captures a moment in art criticism, focusing on the innovative and thought-provoking work of Jerry Uelsmann. The combination of the surreal photograph and the analytical text reflects the article's aim to explore how Uelsmann's photography transcends traditional boundaries, inviting viewers to interpret and engage with his work on deeper, more symbolic levels. The page serves as a historical artifact, showcasing both the artist's creative vision and the critical discourse surrounding his contributions to photography.

OpenAI, gpt-4o-2024-11-20

This is a page from the "B.A.D." (The Arts & Entertainment Section) of The Boston Phoenix newspaper, dated November 21, 1973. The headline reads: "Another Candle for All of Photography: Jerry Uelsmann speaks without words".

The content features an article about American photographer Jerry Uelsmann, known for his surreal, dreamlike photomontages. The article discusses his artistic vision and methods.

A black-and-white photograph by Uelsmann, titled "Untitled, 1972," is prominently displayed in the center. The image has a symmetrical and surreal quality, showing a human figure surrounded by mirrored, dark, organic shapes that resemble wings or foliage, emerging from their body. This photograph reflects Uelsmann’s style of blending fantastical and realistic visual elements.

The page layout includes dense columns of text, a bold red title, decorative font for the section name, and a red border accentuating the visuals. It appears to be a cultural critique and artistic exploration of photography during the 1970s.

OpenAI, gpt-4.1-mini-2025-04-14

The image is a page from a newspaper titled "B.A.D." under "The Arts & Entertainment Section." The date is handwritten at the top as "Nov 27, 1973," and the source appears to be "The Boston Phoenix." The headline reads, "Another Candle for All of Photography," with the subheading, "Jerry Uelsmann speaks without words."

The article is by Clif Garboden and discusses the work of Jerry Uelsmann, a photographer known for his surreal and imaginative photographic art. The main visual element on the page is a black and white artwork titled "Untitled, 1972, by Jerry Uelsmann," displayed to the right of the text. The artwork shows a human figure with arms raised and surreal, organic shapes extending from its sides, resembling wings or branches intertwined with abstract forms.

The article text borders the artwork on the left and bottom sides, analyzing Uelsmann's photographic approach, exploring themes of perception, imagination, and the blending of reality and fantasy in his work. The tone suggests an appreciation of Uelsmann's unique artistic vision and his method of creating evocative, dreamlike images.

OpenAI, gpt-4

The image shows a page from a publication, specifically The Boston Phoenix from November 21, 1973. The page highlights a section titled "B.A.D." which stands for The Arts & Entertainment Section. There is a featured article titled "Another Candle for All of Photography" about Jerry Uelsmann who, according to the subtitle, "speaks without words."

The main visual focus on the page is a photographic artwork created by Jerry Uelsmann, dated 1973. This artwork is a black and white photo montage or composite image that features a central figure which appears to be a woman with arms raised and inverted, mirrored at the midsection to create a symmetrical form. The figure appears to be part of or emerging from a tangled, nest-like structure.

The page reflects the art critique and reporting style of the era, offering insight into Jerry Uelsmann's artistic approach and recognition of his work's significance to the field of photography. The context provided on the page suggests he was known for creating complex, multilayered photographic compositions that did not require digital manipulation but were achieved through darkroom techniques.

OpenAI, gpt-5-nano-2025-08-07

  • A vintage arts/entertainment newspaper page mounted on brown cardboard with hole punches along the left.
  • The headline at the top reads “B.A.D.” in large red letters, with “The Arts & Entertainment Section” on the right.
  • The article title is “Another Candle for All of Photography,” about photographer Jerry Uelsmann.
  • A large black-and-white photograph dominates the center: a nude or semi-nude figure is framed inside a circular shape, surrounded by intricate, branch-like, nest-like forms, with a dark semicircular area behind them.
  • The caption under the image reads “Untitled, 1972 by Jerry Uelsmann.”
  • The page has dense columns of text on either side of the image, giving it the look of a clipped magazine or newspaper feature from the early 1970s.