Kale Halved

Without reading the titles of this photograph, you might be puzzled about what, exactly, you are seeing. It takes a moment of very close looking to understand that it depicts a head of kale.

Edward Weston is considered one of the most innovative photographers of the 20th century. His photographs of mundane objects—lettuce, rocks, onions, and the much maligned (or beloved) kale—elevate their shapes and patterns to create a sense of mystery and beauty. As he explained, “This then: to photograph a rock, have it look like a rock, but be more than a rock.”