Larry Sultan RIP ... basic photography

John Kelly , Dec 16, 2009; 05:18 p.m.

Since we're allegedly focused on "photo philosophy" here, it's good to remember the role of Larry Sultan, who just passed. A minimalist (closer to the bone than Shore, for example).

Maybe somebody here knew Sultan? I barely did. (It's pronounced sul-tan).

The Internet is full of sites referencing Larry Sultan and Mike Mandel (collaborators). Browsing, including some youtubes, may be rewarding....

I'll risk saying that Sultan wasn't in the beautiful photo or mystical insight business. Something almost political seemed his game (Aaron Siskind had also been political, but in a more conventional, if intellectual, way).

Sultan did what he did. I don't think I can add to the press. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/14/arts/14sultan.html?emc=eta1

Responses

John Kelly , Dec 16, 2009; 05:45 p.m.

I hope this works: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/14/arts/14sultan.html

John Kelly , Dec 17, 2009; 02:03 p.m.

Here's a more attractive memorial : http://www.artdaily.org/index.asp?int_sec=2&int_new=35020

...and some examples from "Evidence": http://images.google.com/images?q=larry%20sultan%20evidence&rls=com.microsoft:*&rlz=1I7ADRA_en&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&hl=en&tab=wi

Steve Gubin , Dec 17, 2009; 04:09 p.m.

Maybe it's too early yet, but I'm surprised there have not been more responses to this.

I was not previously aware of Larry Sultan (a common refrain for me...it seems that lately I'm being exposed to a number photographers I was unfamiliar with) but found the article on him, and a link to "Evidence" fascinating and stimulating. So much so that I had to create a separate thread to discuss "Evidence" and "found" photography in relation to "appropriated" photography.

I am going to see if I can get my hands on a copy of "Evidence". I have only seen portions of it on the web and it would be nice to see it in its entirety. Wish I could contribute more than this to the discussion but like you post on White's thoughts on Equivalence, it takes some thought and digesting on my part.

By that time, I'm usually 20 posts behind.

John Kelly , Dec 18, 2009; 12:34 p.m.

I posted this Topic simply to note the passing of someone who engaged photography philosophically (and in other ways)...I don't fully appreciate the approach, but it seemed a benchmark.
For philosophic discussion I suggest Larry Gubin's adjoining thread (we're not in agreement, but I like the potential for heat).

Jon Kobeck , Dec 24, 2009; 04:03 p.m.

Larry Sultan's work Pictures from Home touched me deeply!
Does anyone know what camera-lens he used for this?

Notify me of Responses