Erasure

Use of Photography through History

ALL images are a form of visual communication.

When we communicate there always a perspective

or bias attached to that position.

Early film photography was limited to a select few

and editing was limited.

Overall photos were seen as documentation.

Use of Photography through History

Images were taken as the “truth”

But even these images have bias.

How a picture is formatted can

dramatically change how it is
interpreted.

“The Loch Ness Monster” 1934

What has changed?
Many people are viewing images online.

Many images are edited.

How can these images influence us?

Digital tools and programs are making digital
image editing easier and more common.

Take a look at this image...

What’s wrong?
Digital tools and
programs are
making digital
image editing
easier and more
common.
What is erasure art?
The removal or omission of one or more aspects of a
work.

Has the area been truly removed or deleted?

We will use erasure on digital images to remove a

subject.

Goal: Use images not for documenting reality but

representing a concept or idea.
Image: George from Dystopia series 1995, by Anthony Aziz and Sammy Cucher
Erasure Art Examples
Erasure Art Examples
Erasure Art Examples
Erasure Art Before and After Examples
When selecting an
image...
1.) Select images (Personal
or Obtained) that would
have a dramatic change in
concept and/ or
representation with the
removal of a person or
object.
When selecting an image...
- Selecting images with a clear
background and minimum
detail will work best!
- Single blurred color.
When selecting an image...
- If the background of your
image is very detailed the
computer may have issues
depending on what you select.
- Subject(s) outline difficulty.
- Fence and multiple detailed
subjects would require focused
outlining.
Your Assignment...