"The Unmade Bed" (1957), Imogen Cunningham

Hello again,

Today I pondered over why I still somehow manage to feel sleep deprived even when I gain an extra hour of sleep. Has that been your experience too? Well, this photograph shot by Imogen Cunningham (April 12, 1883 – June 24, 1976) entitled, "The Unmade Bed" is literally a testament to how I am feeling as of late. It's like those ruffled sheets and that blanket, probably still warm from the body that once laid beneath it, are my kindred spirits.

I was first introduced to Ms. Cunningham's work during a recent lecture, given by Oakland Museum of California, photography curator, Drew Johnson. Ms. Cunningham's work is included in one of the museum's latest exhibitions, "Fertile Ground: Art and Community in California."

The backstory of "The Unmade Bed" is that the photo was taken in response to an assignment her fellow colleague, Dorothea Lange of the California School of Fine Arts, had given to her students. Lange asked her students to capture a photograph of something that described their environment without anyone in it (source). Cunningham raced home and snapped this iconic photograph. "The Unmade Bed" is thought-provoking, yet simply stated.

Cunningham's body of work includes a collection of highly celebrated botanicals, industrial landscapes, and nude pieces. You can learn more about her life and her work here and here.

I suppose if I was asked to capture a photo of my surroundings today, you'd see a pile of unfolded laundry...lol! And you? Please share a comment or two. I would love to here from you. Until next time, night all.