Woldemar Zimmer, Ghost-Animal (Koboldmaki), 1932/38
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The photograph of this Koboldmaki has both artistic and scientific value. It demonstrates many conventions of what is typically regarded as a well-composed photograph.
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2020-11-21T18:22:39-08:00
The photograph of this Koboldmaki has both artistic and scientific value. It demonstrates many conventions of what is typically regarded as a well-composed photograph. In the center of the photo, in crisp focus, is the Koboldmaki itself, staring into the lens of the camera and therefore into the eyes of the viewer. The open space and foliage behind the animal is extremely blurred. The juxtaposition of focus between these two elements highlights the Koboldmaki and effectively separates it from its environment.
Typically, Koboldmakis are only active at night, which makes capturing them with a camera during the day truly exceptional. It is also atypical for the animal to be in such a wide open space. Being perched on this branch makes this small creature appear more vulnerable. The fact that the Koboldmaki breaks these two characteristics of its nature enhances the value of this photo. The vulnerability and sense of connection gives this photograph its emotional and artistic effect.
A majority of these animals live in Southeast Asia, and therefore they would remain unknown to many without such photographic documentation. Although some documentation of the Koboldmaki occurred before photography, an image like this still lends itself to the study of zoology. Scientists can use information from the photograph, as well as the observations the photographer made while taking it, to expand upon their knowledge of the Koboldmaki and therefore on the animal kingdom. In this way, the photo serves as a piece of data.
