Richardson Hitchins: The Unsung Genius of American Surrealism

Richardson Hitchins: A Pioneer of Surrealist Photography

Richardson Hitchins (1906 – 1988) is a name often overlooked in discussions of 20th-century art, particularly within the realm of surrealism. Despite producing a remarkably prolific and intensely personal body of work – primarily photographs – he largely avoided the mainstream art world during his lifetime. However, a closer examination reveals Hitchins to be a profoundly innovative and uniquely expressive artist, whose contribution to the surrealist movement and experimental photography is finally gaining the recognition it deserves. This article delves into the life, work, and lasting impact of Richardson Hitchins, exploring his distinctive techniques, philosophical influences, and the reasons behind his relative obscurity.

Early Life and Influences: A Shift Towards the Abstract

Hitchins was born in 1906 in Chicago, Illinois, to a family of educators. He studied at the Art Institute of Chicago, initially focusing on traditional painting and drawing. However, by the 1930s, he had become increasingly fascinated with the emerging field of photography and its potential for capturing dreamlike images. His early influences were diverse, ranging from the poetry of T.S. Eliot and Ezra Pound to the visual art of Giorgio de Chirico, the founder of the metaphysical painting movement which heavily influenced surrealist thinking. De Chirico’s use of jarring juxtapositions and unsettling perspectives profoundly shaped Hitchins’ aesthetic. He was also deeply affected by the burgeoning field of psychoanalysis, particularly the work of Sigmund Freud, which fueled his interest in the subconscious and the exploration of human psychology through his art.

Techniques and Style: Automatism and Found Objects

Hitchins developed a highly distinctive photographic style characterized by several key techniques. He was a fervent advocate of automatism, a surrealist technique that involved suppressing conscious control and allowing the subconscious to guide the creative process. He often worked without a camera, sketching ideas directly onto photographic paper, or even creating entire images through the random placement of objects. He frequently employed found objects – discarded items, machine parts, and everyday detritus – arranging them in unconventional compositions. His photographs frequently included:

• Juxtaposition: Placing unrelated objects or figures in unexpected ways to create unsettling or dreamlike scenes.
• Repetition: Repeating motifs or shapes to amplify their symbolic significance.
• Scale Distortion: Manipulating the size of objects in the frame to create a sense of unease or disorientation.
• Darkness and Shadow: Utilizing dramatic lighting and deep shadows to heighten the surreal atmosphere. According to some sources, he was a pioneer in using multiple exposures to create complex layered images.

Statistics suggest Hitchins produced over 3,000 negatives during his career, a staggering output for the time. He emphasized the importance of ‘thinking with the eye’ rather than simply documenting reality.

Key Works and Themes: The Symbolism of the Machine

Several of Hitchins’ photographs stand out for their striking imagery and symbolic richness. Works like ‘Industrial Landscape’ (1936) – a stark image of a deserted factory with towering metal structures – became a cornerstone of his oeuvre. This image, and many others, explored the themes of industrialization, alienation, and the dehumanizing effects of modern technology. His fascination with machines – particularly those associated with industry and warfare – became a recurring motif in his work, reflecting a growing concern about the impact of technology on human life.

• ‘The Machine’ (1938): A meticulously composed image featuring a discarded typewriter, seemingly suspended in mid-air. This piece is considered one of his most iconic works, representing the breakdown of communication and the loss of meaning in a mechanized world.
• ‘Debris’ (1941): A seemingly chaotic assemblage of scrap metal and discarded objects, reflecting the anxieties of wartime.

He also created photographic collages, layering images and text to create complex narratives. His use of collage often reflected his interest in mythology and folklore.

Legacy and Recognition: A Late Appreciation

Despite his significant contributions to surrealist photography, Richardson Hitchins remained largely unknown during his lifetime. He struggled to gain acceptance within the mainstream art world, and his work was rarely exhibited or published. However, in recent decades, his art has been increasingly recognized for its originality, innovation, and profound psychological insights. A resurgence of interest in surrealist photography, combined with scholarly research and critical reassessment, has led to a growing appreciation of Hitchins’ unique vision. Today, his work is held in the collections of several museums, including the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York and the Art Institute of Chicago, where he originally studied. Furthermore, his influence can be seen in the work of later experimental photographers and artists who were inspired by his commitment to automatism and his exploration of the subconscious. It’s estimated that over 100 solo exhibitions of his work have occurred since 2000, a testament to the growing recognition of his brilliance. His story serves as a poignant reminder of the often-overlooked figures who shaped the course of art history.