Presented by Atanas BosakovFor Photography 120, Online Class at Napa Valley College

John Pfahl

BORN February 17, 1939; New York, New York

Raised in Wanaque, New Jersey.

EDUCATION BFA. Syracuse University, School of Art, 1961

MA. Syracuse University, School of Communications, 1968

TEACHING EXPERIENCE

1968 – 85 School of Photographic Arts and Sciences, Rochester Institute of

Technology. Resigned as full Professor to pursue photographic

career.

1983-4 Visiting Professor, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque.

1986 – Present Adjunct Professor, University of Buffalo, Buffalo, NY.

Biography

John Pfahl is an American photographer mostly known for his Landscape work. His style is directly related to nature and the environment. Pfahl’s work is an unique combination of classical landscapes (reveling the beauty of the nature) and discreet remainder of the human intervention in nature. His unique style masterly provokes.

“I want to make photographs whose very ambiguity provokes thought, rather than cuts it off prematurely. I want to make pictures that work on a more mysterious level, that approach the truth by a more circuitous route.” John Pfahl

John Pfahl’s Work and Style

John Pfahl’s work grabbed my attention because of the beauty of the environmental message that it carries. I find his photographs very influential. One of my favorite series of photographs are Power Places (1981-84), Missile /Glyphs (1984-85), and The Very Rich Hours of a Compost Pile (1992-93). Although the photographs differ in style, they are fascinating because of the passion and the concern for the harmony of culture and nature.

This landscape image from the Power Places series is a great example of the photography style of John Pfahl. The author of the image doesn’t emphasizes directly on the power place. Instead, he places the chimneys using the rule of third to achieve his message of indirect alert. The result is a provocative combination of pure nature and human intervention. Great choice of cloudy condition and defuse, soft light for the image.

Power Places

This photograph, named Fat Man Atomic Bomb(that was the name of the bomb detonated over Nagasaki), is from the Missile/Glyphs series. The image is absolutely outstanding and it speaks in a such a deep way. The photograph is designed on the diptych technique. I really like how John Pfahl masterly uses color, light, and shadows to create this composition. The image is very urgent and loaded with tension, and reminds us about the danger of the nuclear weapons. The bomb placed above the images of humans is a great way to express the destructive power . The motives of culture, technology, and environment are present in this masterpiece of photography.

Missile /Glyphs,

The Watermelon Ruts is an beautiful directorial, still life image. Complementary Color Contrast (green and red) and unique combination of texture is what catches my attention. I admire the idea of using remains in a way that shows some beauty. The layout of the elements is very dynamic. I get the idea of transparency and hidden meaning of ongoing purpose. The decaying organic matter will eventually be completely “dead”, but it will provide nutrients for the soil. The image conveys the purpose of harmony and balance.

The Very Rich Hours of a Compost Pile (Watermelon Ruts)

John Pfahl’s photographs are very influential for not only photographers, but for environmental activists and political agendas as well. I learned from Mr. Pfahl’s work that photography is more than simply taking pictures. It’s a way of expression, it’s passion, it’s a tool for sending a message. I also learned that beauty appears in different forms. His indirect way of conveying a meaning is what I like the most about his photographs.

John Pfahl’s Influence

http://www.janetbordeninc.com/biographies/Pfahl.pdfhttp://

www.mocp.org/collections/permanent/pfahl_john.php ( The Museum of Contemporary Photography Website)

http://www.environmentalartblog.com/2009/04/john-pfahl-early-work.html (The Environmental Art Blog)

http://johnpfahl.com ( Mr. John Pfahl’s Website)Altered Landscapes, book by John Pfahl, June 1, 1981Picture Windows, book by John Pfahl, October 1,

1987

Annotated Bibliography