Muybridge and Mobility

Tim Cresswell and John Ott's book reexamines Muybridges motion studies as historical forms of "mobility," exploring how mobility is contextualized within the transformations of movement in the nineteenth century and how it represents the possibilities of social movement for African Americans.

Format: Hardback
Length: 144 pages
Publication date: 15 March 2022
Publisher: University of California Press

Eadweard Muybridge's groundbreaking motion studies, captured in 1878 through photographs of horses in full gallop, revealed a fascinating phenomenon: all four hooves leave the ground simultaneously for a brief moment. This marked the beginning of Muybridge's extensive exploration into instantaneous photography, culminating in his masterpiece, Animal Locomotion. Muybridge's innovative technique paved the way for the development of the motion-picture industry, which emerged just a decade later.

In a new book, coauthored by cultural geographer Tim Cresswell and art historian John Ott, the motion studies are reinterpreted as historical forms of "mobility." The authors explore how mobility is intertwined with the transformative movements of the nineteenth century and how it represents opportunities for social movement for African Americans. Through a lively and interdisciplinary exchange, the authors examine how mobility is contextualized within these historical transformations and how it opens up possibilities for understanding and experiencing the world.

This book offers a fresh perspective on Muybridge's works by viewing them as interventions in knowledge and experience. It encourages readers to consider the broader social ramifications and possibilities that arise from his investigations. By examining the motion studies through the lenses of mobility and race, the authors shed light on the complex interplay between movement, identity, and society.

In conclusion, this book provides a valuable contribution to the study of photography, history, and culture. It offers a fresh interpretation of Muybridge's famous motion studies and highlights the significance of mobility and race in shaping our understanding of the past and the present. Through interdisciplinary analysis and lively discussion, it provides readers with a deeper appreciation for the power of visual representation and the potential for social change.

Dimension: 203 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780520382428