M�canisme de la physionomie humaine

I have recently learned of the Italian born French doctor Guillaume-Benjamin Duchenne. Renowned for his discovery of hereditary muscular dystrophy. By using high voltage electrical currents on live humans from an inductor coil, he was able to study facial expressions. He deduced that genuine display of happiness lie in the contraction of the muscles of the mouth and of the cheeks and eyes. They form crow’s feet, hence the term “Duchenne smile”.

Here photography meets science in the name of research. To demonstrate the effects and prove his theory Duchenne of course used the only 'truthful' medium to do so, the camera. Duchenne published the photographic examples in his book entitled "M�canisme de la physionomie humaine" (1862)
The results simultaneously intriguing and funny!

Torso Of Neil

Edward Weston, 1925

Three Eyed Cat

Weegee,
1940s

4715 Surf Ave

Fran Orans.
4715 Surf Ave.,
Coney Island, Brooklyn.
August 5, 1978

Profil

Robert Mapplethorpe

Ruth

Ruth,
Danville, Virginia, 1968
By Emmet Gowin

The wild hair and the vacant, insouciance of Ruth's stare are what struck me at first in Emmet Gowin's capture. Then the details start to appear. The little, but nonetheless, important details and components that make a photograph what it is. The brush in her hand as she clasps over her other hand, lead the eye nicely over to the large pocket complete with a dotted pattern.
Pointless to go on, as I am just listing all that is visible. More to the heart of the matter, why this photograph speaks to me lies in its mystery, all is not revealed.
It brings to mind an Arbus quote along the lines of
'A photograph is a secret about a secret. The more it tells you the less you know'

Metrostation Le Louvre

Paris, Metrostation Le Louvre
Sigmar Polke

And Radiate

Sigmar Polke
Untitled

Botanical Specimens

Fox Talbot
Botanical Specimens

Next Whiskey Bar

Eric Thake, 1976

Somebody they're gonna remember

'Some day, they'll go down together
They'll bury them side by side
To a few, it'll be grief
To the law, a relief
But it's death for Bonnie and Clyde'

Bonnie Parker

And Fire

Woman firing revlover while two boys watch
William Gedney

Cut

Anna Karina/ Jean Luc Godard

Chez Les Yé-Yé

via youkounkounradio

Kick Out The Jams

1978 USA
California Jam Festival

Master Lee

My Baby

Love Her

Freaks
Tod Browning

Shoot The...

November 2008,
Coney Island
Joanna Pallaris

Cirque

August Sander

FReAks

My initial reason for watching Tod Browning's 'Freaks' was primarily for inspiration and research for a carnival-esque themed project. Plus the fact it is often cited as one of Diane Arbus' favourite films.
I was instantly gripped and curious, as well as moved. Perhaps some argue it is of its time, yet it's universal truth prevails, it has this strange quality to revert the years, you feel like a child being told a fantastical myth. The authenticity of the actors also makes it all the more profound and touching. Plus the typical old black and white look, especially in the wood scene at the start created this magical aura that not only helps make the film magical but casts this mysterious otherworldly glow.

Et en Noir

Frank Horvat, 1959

Jours De France

Nico
By Frank Horvat

Elsa Martinelli

Elsa Martinelli
Rome 1967
By Willy Rizzo

D'Autre Côté

Wingate Paine

Tenero come il ricordo

Tenero come il ricordo...,
Wingate Paine
1964-65

Ron Rico Rum

Gerard Malanga/ Nico

Gerard Malanga Nico(Photomation Portrait),1966

Robe Courrèges

Robe Courrèges, Paris 1966
Willy Rizzo

En Noir

William Claxton

Flash Back

Peggy Moffit
Par William Claxton

Yard of 'Blonde' Girls

Guy Bourdin

Toujours au fond des cafés

Bardot

Qui vont tres bien ensemble

Michelle Phillips

La Chair de l'Orchidee

Charlotte Rampling

Ohm

I Am Curious Yellow