New Topographics

Definition

New Topographics refers to a photographic movement that emerged in the late 1970s, characterized by its focus on landscapes altered by human activity, particularly urban and suburban environments. This movement shifted the perception of landscape photography from romanticized visions to a more straightforward and documentary approach, showcasing the mundane aspects of the built environment and highlighting the relationship between nature and human development.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. New Topographics was notably showcased in the 1975 exhibition 'New Topographics: Photographs of a Man-Altered Landscape' at the George Eastman Museum, featuring works by photographers like Lewis Baltz and Robert Adams.
2. The movement is marked by its use of straightforward compositions, often devoid of dramatic lighting or emotional appeal, focusing instead on clarity and detail.
3. Photographers associated with New Topographics aimed to document suburban sprawl, industrial landscapes, and other human-altered environments, reflecting a critical view of post-industrial society.
4. This movement paved the way for contemporary approaches to landscape photography that emphasize social commentary and environmental awareness.
5. New Topographics photographers often adopted a conceptual approach, using their work to question traditional notions of beauty in nature and provoke thought about land use and urbanization.

Review Questions

• How did the New Topographics movement change the perception of landscape photography?
  • The New Topographics movement shifted the perception of landscape photography by moving away from romanticized or idealized views of nature. Instead, it emphasized a more realistic portrayal of landscapes that have been altered by human activity. This change led to a focus on urban and suburban environments, showcasing the ordinary aspects of these spaces rather than glorifying them, thereby prompting viewers to reconsider their relationship with the landscape around them.
• In what ways did New Topographics photographers utilize their work to comment on societal issues related to urbanization?
  • Photographers within the New Topographics movement used their work to document and critique the effects of urbanization on landscapes. By capturing images of suburban sprawl, industrial sites, and man-made environments, they highlighted issues such as environmental degradation and the loss of natural spaces. Their straightforward style encouraged viewers to reflect on how these changes impact community life and nature, making their images powerful tools for social commentary.
• Evaluate the lasting impact of New Topographics on contemporary photography and its relevance in today’s discussions about land use and environmental concerns.
  • The New Topographics movement has had a lasting impact on contemporary photography by influencing how photographers approach landscape imagery today. Its emphasis on human-altered environments resonates with ongoing discussions about land use, environmental degradation, and sustainability. Modern photographers often draw from New Topographics principles to explore themes like urbanization's impact on ecosystems or advocate for conservation. As society grapples with climate change and environmental challenges, the movement's focus on reality over romanticism remains highly relevant in visual storytelling.

Related terms

Documentary Photography: A style of photography that aims to capture reality in a truthful and objective manner, often used to tell stories or inform the public about social issues.

Urban Landscape: Photographic depictions of urban settings, focusing on the built environment and how it interacts with people, culture, and nature.

Environmental Photography: A genre of photography that emphasizes the natural environment and often highlights issues related to conservation and human impact on landscapes.