Fragments and traces: an ecocritical analysis of the Neue Sachlichkeit photography (Albert Renger-Patzsch, Bernd and Hilla Becher, and Beate Gütschow).

Abstract

The present work builds on an ecocritical analysis of the Neue Sachlichkeit photography, characterised by clarity of the subject, strict image composition and absolute sharpness, which far to be confined to the period in which it developed, namely that of the Weimar Republic, also contributed to inspire documentary photographers of the second half of the 20th century and still resonate in more contemporary experiences. In this regard I will consider the work of the German photographers Albert Renger-Patzsch, Bernd and Hilla Becher and finally of Andreas Gefeller. Doing so, not only the features and developments of this style will be taken into account, but using the theoretical framework of ecocriticism, which assumes “a more probing and pointedly ethical integration of visual analysis, cultural interpretation, and environmental history” (Braddock & Ater, 2014: 5), issues of environmental interconnects will be stressed. Reading selected works in connection with the current debate on the Anthropocene, this thesis aims thus to be a contribution towards an ecocritical history of photography.