The concept of the Mastergram Tumblr is simple: “Remarkable photos made better (or worse) using Instagram.” Yet, just the loaded byline alone sends disgruntled shudders up the spines of photography purists while iPhone enthusiasts get giddy with anticipation. There you have it. Celebrated shots by Cindy Sherman, William Eggleston, Robert Mapplethorpe, and more, fed through smoothing, brightening, tinting Instagram effects — the very same technology that makes your most banal shots all pretty and special.
Photographer Andrew Emond investigates: “If the Instagram effect can make mundane images appear to be works of art, what happens when we apply the same filters to images that have historically been held in high regard? Is the imagery degraded or enhanced as a result? Does the effect add a new layer of meaning to the photo? Perhaps these are questions best left resolved by the viewer.” View the manipulated imagery below and see how Nan Goldin’s faded, blue-less bruise makes you feel.
Image via Mastergram. Nan Goldin – Nan one month after being battered, 1984. View the original.
Image via Mastergram. Harold Edgerton – Bullet Through Apple, 1964. View the original.
Image via Mastergram. Diane Arbus – Child with Toy Hand Grenade in Central Park, New York City, US. View the original.
Image via Mastergram. Larry Clark – Tulsa 19, 1963. View the original
Image via Mastergram. Cindy Sherman – Untitled Film Still, no.92, 1981. View the original.
Image via Mastergram. Robert Frank – Funeral—St. Helena, South Carolina, 1955. View the original.
Image via Mastergram. Edward Burtynksy – Nickel Tailings No. 34, 1996. View the original.
Image via Mastergram. Robert Mapplethorpe – Patti Smith, 1973. View the original.
Image via Mastergram. Weegee – Tenement Penthouse, 1941. View the original.
Image via Mastergram. Philip-Lorca diCorcia – Eddie Anderson; 21 Years Old; Houston, Texas, 1990-92. View the original.
Image via Mastergram. Robert Capa – Loyalist Militiaman at the Moment of Death, Cerro Muriano, September 5, 1936. View the original.
Image via Mastergram. William Eggleston – Tricycle (Memphis), 1971. View the original.
Image via Mastergram. Sandy Skoglund – Revenge of the Goldfish, 1981. View the original.
Image via Mastergram. Alec Soth – Melissa, Flamingo Inn, 2005. View the original.
Image via Mastergram. Hiroshi Sugimoto – Santa Cesarea, Ionian Sea, 1994. View the original.