Archives Scrapbooks

This image displays a printed article, likely a museum or gallery review, which has been mounted or preserved on a larger, beige-colored paper or cardstock. The article is titled “Private Fantasies” and appears under the section heading “PHOTOGRAPHY”.

The piece reviews the exhibition “Contemporary Photographs V” at the Fogg Art Museum, which ran through May 18 (the year is not specified in the header, but a handwritten note suggests 1975).

Content Summary:

The article examines the work of four contemporary photographers featured in the show:

1. Guy Russell – Described as a Boston University graduate and instructor at the Boston Art Institute. His photographs are noted for their focus on architectural corners and textures, often featuring dramatic shadows and natural elements like trees and bushes. One standout image is of “the thick base of a tree,” surrounded by ferns and plant edges.

2. Rosamund Purcell – Also a Boston University graduate, her work is described as “mysterious and caught with background.” She exclusively uses Polaroid Land materials and experiments with double exposures and unusual lighting. A noted image shows a woman “in a cone of light on a wooden floor... transformed into an unconscious astronaut hurtling through black space.”

3. Alex Webb – An alumnus of the Carpenter Center for the Visual Arts, his photographs capture “private fantasies triggered by the external world.” He focuses on “unguarded reactions” of people, especially in spontaneous moments—like “children wander aimlessly over an asphalt globe littered with popsicle wrappers and half-eaten ice cream cones.” His style is likened to Purcell’s, with an emphasis on capturing fleeting, vivid scenes.

4. Carol Ginandes – The reviewer expresses disappointment with her work, calling it “the only real disappointment of the show.” Her portraits, taken from a forthcoming book Of Woman Born, are described as “too long, repetitive and humorless.” Although she attempts to give her subjects voice through accompanying statements, the reviewer feels these “rarely give any insight into the character of the sitter.” The subjects are said to “wear cool masks of defiant disdain,” and the text notes her work is “sincere, but... too long, repetitive and humorless.”

Additional Details:

• The article is signed by Susan Cooke at the bottom right.
• A handwritten annotation in ink on the article reads: “Ottoman 5/9/75” — likely a cataloging or personal note, possibly indicating the date the article was cataloged or reviewed by an individual named “Ottoman.”
• The mounting paper has two punched holes along the right margin, suggesting it was stored or filed in a binder.
• The layout is clean, with justified text and classic serif fonts, typical of art criticism published in the mid-1970s.

Overall Tone:

The review is thoughtful and critical, praising the innovation and mystery of Russell, Purcell, and Webb, while offering a pointed critique of Ginandes’ work. The piece emphasizes the role of the photographer as a creator of “private fantasies” and explores the tension between illusion and reality in photographic portraiture and environmental capture.

This artifact offers a historical snapshot of mid-1970s photographic criticism and the evolving perception of photography as fine art in major American museums like the Fogg.

✅ In summary: This is a 1975 art review of the “Contemporary Photographs V” exhibition at the Fogg Art Museum, critiquing works by Russell, Purcell, Webb, and Ginandes, with a clear preference for the former three, mounted on cardstock with archival holes and a handwritten note.

The image appears to be a clipping from a newspaper or magazine, likely a print publication given the visible newspaper header and the layout. The text is titled "Private Fantasies" and discusses an exhibition of contemporary photographs at the Fogg Art Museum. The article critiques the works of four photographers: Guy Russell, Rosamund Purcell, Alex Webb, and Carol Ginandes. Each section provides analysis and commentary on the style, themes, and techniques of these photographers' works. The article notes the diversity of the exhibition, comparing the literal and non-dramatic approach of Russell with the more experimental and mysterious compositions of Purcell and Ginandes, and the candid, spontaneous nature of Webb's work. The text also touches on the exhibition's focus on lesser-known contemporary photographers, highlighting a shift in the status of photography within the museum. The cut-off at the bottom of the clipping indicates that the article continues beyond the visible portion. There is a handwritten note at the bottom of the page dated "Crumon 5/9/75," suggesting the clipping may have been filed or marked for personal reference. The overall tone of the article is analytical and critical, offering insights into the artists' works within the context of the exhibition.

This image shows a printed article titled "Private Fantasies" placed on a brown paper or folder. The article discusses "Contemporary Photographs V" at the Fogg Art Museum, focusing on the work of four young photographers: Guy Russell, Rosamund Purcell, Alex Webb, and Carol Ginandes. The text describes the styles and themes of each photographer's work, with particular attention to the quality and artistic personality of their photographs. The article concludes that the only weak spot in the otherwise excellent show is the work of Carol Ginandes. The article is signed by Susan Cooke. There is handwritten text at the bottom right of the article that reads "Crumon 5/9/75." The brown paper has two punch holes on the right side, suggesting it might be part of a binder or folder.

The image shows a page from a magazine or publication. The page is titled "Private Fantasies" and features an article about photography. The article discusses the work of several photographers, including Ben Shahn, Alex Webb, and Guy Russell. The article highlights the unique styles and themes of each photographer, such as Shahn's focus on social issues and Webb's exploration of urban landscapes. The article also mentions the upcoming exhibition of contemporary photographs at the Fogg Art Museum, which will showcase the work of these and other photographers. The page includes a photograph of a woman standing in front of a mirror, which is described as a "private fantasy" and a reflection of the photographer's personal style. The article is written in a formal and informative tone, providing insights into the world of photography and the artists who practice it.

The image is a page from a magazine or newspaper featuring an article about a photography exhibition at the Fogg Art Museum. The article discusses the exhibition's focus on contemporary photography and highlights the work of several photographers, including Ben Russell, Alex Webb, and Gina Nandede. The article provides a brief overview of the exhibition and its themes, as well as individual descriptions of the photographers' works. The article also includes a quote from Susan Cooke, who praises the exhibition as one of the best places to see contemporary photography. The image has a brown border and a hole in the upper right corner, suggesting that it may have been removed from a larger publication.

The image depicts a page from a magazine or publication titled "Private Fantasies", which appears to be a review or feature article discussing contemporary photographers and their work. The page is structured with a mix of text and visual elements, including a handwritten note in the bottom right corner.

Key Elements of the Image:

Header:

• The top of the page features a header with the word "PHOTOGRAPHY" prominently displayed, indicating the subject matter of the article.
• Below this, the title "Private Fantasies" is written in bold, larger font, suggesting it is the name of the article or feature.

Main Text:

• The article is written in a dense, columned format, typical of magazine layouts. It discusses contemporary photographers and their work, focusing on exhibitions and artistic styles.
• The text is divided into paragraphs, with some sections highlighted or emphasized through typographic variations (e.g., bold or italicized words).
• The content references specific photographers and their exhibitions, such as:
  • Ben Shahn, whose widow donated 2,000 photographs to the Fogg Art Museum.
  • Rosamund Purcell, whose work is described as "literal and non-dramatic."
  • Guy Russell, whose photographs are noted for their simplicity and artistic qualities.
  • Carol Giranades, whose work is described as "the only real disappointment" of the show, with critiques of her photographs and accompanying statements.

Visual Elements:

• The page includes a handwritten note in the bottom right corner, dated "5/9/75" and signed "Cummon". This suggests the page may have been part of a personal collection, annotated by someone reviewing or studying the article.
• The text layout is clean and organized, with justified alignment and consistent spacing, typical of professional publishing.

Design and Layout:

• The page has a warm, sepia-toned background, giving it an aged or vintage appearance.
• The text is printed in black ink, with clear typography that is easy to read.
• The overall design suggests the publication is from the mid-to-late 20th century, as indicated by the date on the handwritten note and the style of the article.

Content Focus:

• The article critiques and analyzes the work of contemporary photographers, highlighting their styles, themes, and the impact of their exhibitions.
• It discusses the Fogg Art Museum's exhibition of photographs, mentioning specific artists and their contributions.
• The tone is analytical, offering opinions on the strengths and weaknesses of the photographers' work.

Overall Impression:

The image portrays a page from a photography-focused publication, likely from the 1970s, that critically examines contemporary photographers and their work. The combination of structured text, a handwritten annotation, and a warm, vintage aesthetic suggests it is part of a curated or archival collection, possibly used for study or review purposes. The content is rich in detail, offering insights into the artistic landscape of the time.

The image shows a piece of paper with a newspaper clipping on it, featuring an article about photography.

• The article is titled "Private Fantasies" and discusses the work of contemporary photographers.
  • It mentions that the show displays the recent black and white photographs of four young artists, two men and two women.
  • The style and themes, and to a lesser extent, the success and quality, of these pictures vary from photographer to photographer.
  • Each work in the show is the skillful product of a distinct artistic personality.
  • Guy Russell, a graduate of Boston University who teaches at Boston's Art Institute, takes pictures of the corners and sides of buildings.
  • His photographs, seemingly simple and straightforward, are carefully composed studies of the textures and geometry of a non-made environment in which trees and bushes and the crimped, black shadow left behind by an unseen figure are exotic and often witty.
  • One of his best photographs is a picture of the thick base of a tree, surrounded by the long, slender fronds and serrated edges of various plants.
  • Here Russell's sensitive eye has captured a startling range of tones and textures.
  • Rosamund Purcell, also a graduate of B.U., are mysterious and haunting with background. Purcell works almost exclusively with Polaroid Land materials.
  • She is the most experimental of the four artists exhibited, using superimposed images, double exposures and unusual lighting—a woman clad in leopard and transformed into an unconscious astronaut hurtling through black space.
  • In another photograph we see a woman, dressed in an old-fashioned skirt and blouse, staring off into the right of the composition, beyond our vision.
  • She is standing next to an old stone bird bath, and the ground around her is strewn with dead leaves.
  • This image is superimposed on a broken pane of glass whose pieces form a jagged jigsaw puzzle.
  • The glass is at once a mirror and a window, whether we see photographs are accompanied by long statements in which her subjects discuss their feelings about themselves, their lives, and their relationships with men and other women.
  • Many of them are divorced or gay and struggling to cope with a society which seems to provide only restrictive role models.
  • Though Ginandes's ambition to allow her subjects to supplement her pictures with their own words in order to provide the viewer with a more comprehensive impression of these women is sincere, the quotes are too long, repetitive and humorless.
  • Worse, the photographs too rarely give us any insight into the character of the sitters.
  • Those who, like the pictures of the leopard couple sitting on the steps outside their apartment, their faces cool masks of defiant disdain, make the verbal statements superfluous.
  • Ginandes's photographs are the only weak spot in an otherwise excellent show.
  • In a year in which we may bogage to the achievements of our forefathers, it is also important to recognize the accomplishments of our most talented contemporaries.
  • Right now the Fogg is one of the best places to see what in another 200 years just might rate a black-tie opening.

The image presents a scanned or photographed copy of a newspaper or magazine clipping, mounted on a beige-colored cardstock with three holes punched along the right edge. The clipping is titled "Private Fantasies" and features a review of a photography exhibition at the Fogg Art Museum.

• Title and Exhibition Information
  • The title "Private Fantasies" is prominently displayed in large font at the top of the clipping.
  • The exhibition is identified as "Contemporary Photographs V" at the Fogg Art Museum, with a closing date of May 18.
• Review Content
  • The review discusses the work of four photographers: Alex Webb, Cindy Ginandes, Guy Russell, and Rosamund Purcell.
  • The reviewer, Susan Sontag, provides an in-depth analysis of each photographer's style and technique.
  • The review highlights the unique qualities of each photographer's work, including their use of color, composition, and subject matter.
• Cardstock and Holes
  • The clipping is mounted on a beige-colored cardstock, which has three holes punched along the right edge.
  • The cardstock appears to be of a standard size, possibly 8.5 x 11 inches.
• Date and Signature
  • A handwritten date, "5/9/75," is visible at the bottom of the clipping, along with a signature that is difficult to decipher.
  • The date suggests that the review was written in May 1975.

In summary, the image presents a well-preserved clipping from a newspaper or magazine, featuring a review of a photography exhibition at the Fogg Art Museum. The review provides a detailed analysis of the work of four photographers, and the clipping is mounted on a beige-colored cardstock with three holes punched along the right edge.

The image presents a photocopy of an article, titled "Private Fantasies," which appears to be a review or description of an art exhibition. The article is printed on white paper and features black text.

Article Details:

• Title: "Private Fantasies"
• Content: The article discusses the work of several photographers, including Alex Webb, Guy Russell, and Carol Ginandes, who are part of an exhibition at the Fogg Art Museum.
• Photographers' Works:
  • Alex Webb: 74 makes photographs that reflect private fantasies triggered by the external world.
  • Guy Russell: A graduate of Boston's Art Institute, takes pictures of the corners and sides of buildings.
  • Carol Ginandes: Her photographs are accompanied by long statements in which her subjects discuss their lives, about themselves, their loves, and their relationships with men and other women.

Additional Information:

• Exhibition Details: The exhibition is titled "Contemporary Photographs V" and is being held at the Fogg Art Museum through May 18.
• Newspaper Clipping: The article appears to be a newspaper clipping, with a hole punch on the right side and handwritten notes at the bottom.
• Handwritten Note: A handwritten note at the bottom of the page reads "Common 5/9/75".

Background:

• Color: The background of the image is a light brown color, resembling aged paper.
• Texture: The background has a smooth texture, suggesting that it may be a digital representation of a physical surface.

Overall, the image provides a glimpse into an art exhibition featuring the work of several photographers, along with a review or description of their work.

The image depicts a newspaper clipping featuring an article titled "Private Fantasies" about a photography exhibition at the Fogg Art Museum. The clipping is placed on a piece of brown paper, which appears to be a folder or envelope, and has two holes punched in it.

Key Features:

• Article Title: "Private Fantasies"
• Exhibition Location: Fogg Art Museum
• Clipping Placement: On a piece of brown paper with two holes punched in it
• Paper Appearance: Folder or envelope

Conclusion:

The image presents a newspaper clipping about a photography exhibition at the Fogg Art Museum, placed on a piece of brown paper that resembles a folder or envelope.