Category Archives: Ruckenfigur – Rear View

Literally ‘back figure’, the term rückenfigur is usually associated with German romantic painters to describe a viewpoint that includes another person seen from behind – rear view – viewing a scene spread out before the viewer. It is both view and viewer. Rear view, the side that does not prepare itself for the camera, the revealing side we forget In Japan bakku-shan is a woman who looks attractive from the rear but not from the front. What about the reverse?

Margate 1

Posted on July 30, 2012 by Brian

I passed this woman as I strolled along the promenade at Margate.  She was there, still staring across the beach to the sea, when I walked back later.  Was she waiting for someone?  Was she dreaming of being somewhere else? … Continue reading →

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Sculpture

Posted on June 8, 2012 by Brian

Photo: Fisher Square, Cambridge, June 2012

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Unguarded

Posted on June 7, 2012 by Brian

The rear view of couples often reveals a degree on intimacy that you would not see from another angle.  Undistracted and unaware of others they touch or embrace unselfconsciously. Photo: Norwich, June 2012

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Dress

Posted on June 2, 2012 by Brian

9.00 am in London.  Someone heads for the office; someone has a more leisurely lifestyle. Photo: Euston Road, London, May 2012

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Back black

Posted on May 16, 2012 by Brian

Innocent sight seers no doubt.  But black clothes add just a touch intimidation. Photo: The Embankment, London, May 2012

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Steps

Posted on May 11, 2012 by Brian

In-line footsteps suggest a model’s training.  What does  the choice of tights suggest?  The revealing yet unrevealing rear view. Photo: Green Street, Cambridge, May 2012

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Sony World

Posted on May 3, 2012 by Brian

Dropped into the Sony World Photography Awards Exhibition at Somerset House yesterday.  Some excellent work and all never less than interesting.  Mitch Dobrowner’s large and immaculate classic black and white storm chaser pictures were the wholly justified overall winners.  I … Continue reading →

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Tights

Posted on April 27, 2012 by Brian

Who are bold patterned tights designed for?  Do they come with a health warnuing?  “Do not wear these unless you …..” Photo: Ipswich, April 2012

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Hastings

Posted on March 3, 2012 by Brian

Street photographer Stan Raucher describing what he’s unimpressed by says, ‘Likewise, photographs taken from behind featuring peoples’ backs are generally unappealing to me’ (LensWork, No.97, Nov-Dec 2011).  Possibly true, but in the ruckenfigur it is not the back that’s being featured. Photo: … Continue reading →

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Arlington

Posted on January 5, 2012 by Brian

Arlington National Cemetery on the outskirts of Washington has no comparable focus in this country for honouring the military.  Both the scale of the Cemetery and the large number of visitors, young and old, reflect the higher status accorded the … Continue reading →

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Great Portland

Posted on January 4, 2012 by Brian

When out jogging it may be advisable to think twice about doing stretching exercises at pedestrial crossings. Photo: Great Portland Street, London, 2011

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Venice – Pietas

Posted on November 29, 2011 by Brian

‘Pietas, Jan Fabre –cerebral and very beautiful white sculptures on a gold ground in a great unfinished hall of mellow, patinated walls; with fussy attendants making sure we put on slippers’  Diary note 12th October 2011 Photo: Scoula Grande Misericordia, … Continue reading →

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Cycling

Posted on November 19, 2011 by Brian

I’m not sure that photographing and cycling at the same time is necessarily a good thing, but quite pleased I made the effort for this rear view.  Might have been safer to wait for  a red traffic light, but the … Continue reading →

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Bath Spa

Posted on October 3, 2011 by Brian

Friday afternoon and an Indian summer weekend in prospect.  The Weymouth train is due.  Photo: Bath Spa, 30th September 2011

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Waiting

Posted on September 7, 2011 by Brian

They might be waiting for an event, a passing Royal or a gawpable celebrity.  No.  Just waiting for the green man to appear. Photo: Victoria Street, London 7th September 2011

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