"Inventions, they say, are always made when they are needed." The photogram was the artists' response to new scientific and technological discoveries. "Modern science has denied the duality of matter and spirit". A mistrust arose for the sentimental, the spiritual, and personal interpretation. "Truth" and realism became highly valued and many artists found the photogram to be the truest form of art. Painters were criticized; and Tristan Tzara went as far to say, "Originally this slight quivering was a weakness that called itself sensitivity in order to legitimize itself". Many artists were interested in the "physics of poetry", "mathematical objects", and "automatic happening". They felt it was more scientific, truer to the human eye, therefore holding more value. At the same time, assembling photographs using materials still portrayed an expressive quality and sensitivity. I see a connection between using a Polaroid camera and utilizing the photogram process. When using a polaroid, it is decisive, quick, and there is limited control for the photographer. They seem to make "truer" images. Photograms also grant control to secondary sources such as light. The artist has limited control in both processes.
The process of making a photogram enables an artist to create a "harmonious contradiction" between matter and spirit, often seen as "the most polar extremes imaginable".
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