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: Paperback / softback
Length: 144 pages
Publication date: 01 June 2022
Publisher: University of California Press

Eadweard Muybridge's groundbreaking motion studies, captured in 1878 through photographs of horses in full gallop, revealed that 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, renowned as one of the most influential photographers of his era, played a significant role in shaping the motion-picture industry, which emerged just a decade later.

Coauthored by cultural geographer Tim Cresswell and art historian John Ott, this book offers a fresh perspective on Muybridge's motion studies by examining them as historical manifestations 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 delve into how mobility is contextualized within these historical transformations and how it engenders new understandings and experiences.

In their complementary essays, Cresswell and Ott examine Muybridge's works as interventions in knowledge and experience, as well as platforms for investigating broader social implications and possibilities. They highlight how Muybridge's photographs challenged prevailing notions of motion and perception, expanding our understanding of the body and its movements. By reexamining Muybridge's motion studies through the lenses of mobility and race, the authors shed light on the enduring significance of his work and its relevance to contemporary discussions about identity, representation, and social justice.

This book is a valuable addition to the fields of cultural geography, art history, and social studies, offering a nuanced and interdisciplinary exploration of Muybridge's legacy. It encourages readers to reconsider the historical significance of specific forms of motion and their impact on society, while also providing insights into the possibilities for social movement and transformation.

Weight: 216g
Dimension: 153 x 203 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780520382435