Modern Photographs 1909-49 Collection@MoMA

The MoMA has been a major showcase for phography as a strong mainstay in the artworld.  Perhaps, Amer. photographers have been given the lion's share of exhibitions @ the MoMA.  This exhibit, "Modern Photographs from the Thomas Walther Collection, 1909-1949," is fascinating for the experimentation that was being made with photography & the plethora of photos by artists from Central Europe, Hungary, Germany, Russia & Japan.  Still a relatively new artform at the time, it is with dawning insights & glee many of the artists were brandishing their cameras in groundbreaking methods with astounding results.  I suspect the results delighted the artists as well as the public.  The special-effects in some of the works are beguiling, even today.  The artists also experimented with lighting & composition.  German photojournalist, Willi Ruge took photography to new heights by skydiving with his camera strapped on with startling & daring results.  I was drawn to the dreamlike aesthetic photos, in particular, those by French surrealist Tabard, and architectural images that appear abstract.  I recommend taking a fresh look at this collection.  Despite works from the early 20th C, there is a timeless & prescient sensibility.