Alvin Langdon Coburn (1882-1966) was a pioneering American photographer and a key figure in the transition from Pictorialism to modern photography. A founding member of the prestigious Photo-Secession group, he was an early master of expressive portraits and evocative cityscapes. Coburn is celebrated for his innovative use of elevated viewpoints, which led to iconic, abstract compositions like “The Octopus” (1912). His relentless experimentation with photographic form culminated in his creation of the “Vortographs” in 1917, which are considered to be among the first completely abstract photographs ever made. Coburn’s legacy as a radical innovator continues to influence contemporary photographers who seek to push the boundaries of the medium.
Alvin Langdon Coburn (1882-1966)
Isle of Marken