Research task 2.2: Christoph Niemann and Saul Steinberg

Christoph Niemann and Saul Steinberg are both artists and illustrators who contributed to the New Yorker magazine. They have similar techniques on their work such as the use of physical objects and the implied meaning on some of their art.

The aim of this task is to find similarities and differences in the use of objects on their work and I will make an effort not to divert from it.

Similarities

• They both use ordinary or everyday objects on their illustrations;
• Their line work is minimalistic;
• Both were regular contributors for the New Yorker magazine;
• Some of their illustrations are criticisms to some aspects of society in general under their different contexts;   

Differences : Steinberg’s work is more personal, his art reflects his everyday experiences in a peculiar way, also the tone of his work is more serious and manifests criticism through irony on his work. Having experienced difficult times, such as living two World Wars, being a Jewish during the Second World War  and having to escape to the United States heavily influenced his work. Furthermore his linework is thinner and less smooth than Niemann’s.

 © . Images used under educational fair use policy.

http://saulsteinbergfoundation.org/essay/world-war-ii/

Although some of their works have similarities in portraying political satire, Niemann’s work has a light and fun tone to it, perhaps due to the colour he uses or the humor

Christoph Niemann’s “War by Extracurricular means”

                            © . Image used under educational fair use policy.

https://www.christophniemann.com/


      

In the above images, we can see that they both portray aspects of society and human behaviour, however, Niemann’s work has a fun tone shown by the colour vibrancy perhaps which removes the seriousness of the subject regardless of the message and Steinberg has a more serious tone.

 © . Image used under educational fair use policy.

 © . Image used under educational fair use policy.

 © . Image used under educational fair use policy.

© . Image used under educational fair use policy.