Josef Albers

Trees Covered in Snow, 1950s

Black and White Photograph

            Josef Albers was born in Bottrop, Germany on March 19, 1888. He taught design courses in Germany from 1922 to 1933 when he moved to the U.S. At this point he was the head of the painting program at Black Mountain College, before becoming the head of the design program at Yale. Albers used his knowledge of other arts in his photography, which helped to instill photography as an art form.

            This photograph is by no means a masterpiece, but is still pleasing to the eye. There is almost a perfect balance between the white snow and the dark trees, and the viewer’s eyes are drawn into the distance as if they are looking for something hidden among the trees. I personally like the feeling of solitude that comes across from the picture, as the trees block out any possible piece of society.