In collaboration with the international gallerist Michael Hoppen, The Connolly exhibition features 31 spectacular first edition photogravures by Karl Blossfeldt who practiced as a photographer, sculptor and a design teacher in the 1920’s. Blossfeldt is regarded as one of the defining photographers of the twentieth century and dedicated thirty-five years to documenting botanical subject matter. He developed a series of homemade cameras that allowed him to photograph plant surfaces in magnified detail.
During his career as a teacher, Blossfeldt wished to impart an awareness that the best solutions for design have often already been anticipated in nature. By exploring natural forms and recording their intricate structures, he created teaching aides for his art classes at Kunstgewerbeschule in Berlin. His images have inspired a huge number of designers throughout the twentieth century and his work continues to influence artists, architects and designers today.
Whether you are interested in the beauty of natural structures or simply revel in great design, these astoundingly modern images are a constant source of inspiration and wonder.
The exhibition runs from 14th February until 14th April 2020 at Connolly, 4 Clifford Street, London W1S 2LG.
“If I give someone a horsetail, he will have no difficulty making a photographic enlargement of it - anyone can do that. But to observe it, to notice and discover it’s forms, is something only a few are capable of”
- Karl Blossfeldt, 1929