Jumpology

Posted on | May 25, 2010 | No Comments

According to the late photographer, Philippe Halsman, when people jump, we reveal our true selves. His theory, which he calls Jumpology, holds that when jumping, our attention is focused on the act itself, and any personal mask that we might be wearing, inevitably slips away, providing a glimpse into our authentic selves, if only for a moment.

From the late 1940s through the ’50s, Halsman documented people jumping. Since most of his subjects were famous (actors, politicians, dancers, artists), we can see his theory put to the test, as people that are frequently seen fully embodying their personas, are captured mid-air in an unguarded, life-affirming jump.

The New York Times recently ran a piece entitled The Joys of Jumpology, detailing Halsman’s photo project—which includes images of Salvador Dali, Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe, Martha Graham, Fred Astaire and Richard Nixon, among others—to coincide with the project’s showing at the Laurence Miller Gallery in Manhattan.

If you’re in the area, check it out. If not, well, take a jump, and know that you have just revealed your authentic self.

Category: Art, Culture, Photography
Tags: jump > Jumpology > Laurence Miller Gallery > Philippe Halsman > photography

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