Spirit into Matter – The Photographs of Edmund Teske

This book presents a comprehensive look at the influential photographer Edmund Teske and his innovative contributions to American photography. Spirit into Matter captures his artistic legacy.

Published to coincide with a major retrospective at the Getty Museum, Spirit into Matter – The Photographs of Edmund Teske offers an in-depth exploration of the influential American photographer's work. Edmund Teske, who lived from 1911 to 1996, is celebrated for his innovative techniques and emotional depth in photography. Over a remarkable sixty-year career, he pushed the boundaries of the medium, experimenting with methods like solarization and composite printing. His unique approach not only inspired a new generation of photographers but also expanded the possibilities of photographic expression.

The book features a biocritical essay by Julian Cox, who traces Teske's artistic journey from his early days in Chicago during the 1930s to his later life in Los Angeles after 1943. Cox highlights Teske's connections with prominent figures such as Frank Lloyd Wright and Paul Strand, as well as his interactions with cultural icons like filmmaker Kenneth Anger and musicians Ramblin' Jack Elliott and the Doors. This rich narrative context enhances the understanding of Teske's work and his impact on the art world.

Spirit into Matter not only showcases Teske's diverse body of work, which includes abstract and homoerotic themes, but also emphasizes his lyrical and poetic vision. This comprehensive retrospective invites readers to appreciate the emotional and expressive potentials that Teske explored throughout his career, reflecting his status as one of the alchemists of twentieth-century American photography.