The photograph titled “Impatiens glandulifera,” also known as “Indian balsam,” is a work by artist Karl Blossfeldt. The photograph shows a close-up of the plant Impatiens glandulifera, highlighting its structural characteristics. Blossfeldt was known for his detailed photographs of plants and their patterns, which often resemble architectural forms. The photo presents a stark, contrasting image that emphasizes the geometric and organic forms of the plant.
In this black and white photograph, a central stem vertically bisects the image, with pairs of stem-like structures branching symmetrically from the main stem. These branches have distinctive, wavy shapes that curve outwards and then back in towards the stem creating a rhythmical and repeatable pattern. It has a mechanical precision that feels both natural and constructed. The light source illuminates the plant in such a way that its texture and intricate junctions between the stems and branches are accentuated, providing a striking example of Blossfeldt’s focus on patterns and forms found in nature.