This photograph was taken of the 'Flatiron' building also known as the 'Fuller' building. At 175 Fifth Avenue sits on a triangular block formed by Fifth Avenue, Broadway and East 22nd Street. The building was completed in 1902. This photograph was taken as a response to a photograph taken by Steichen's mentor Alfred Stieglitz, who also took a photograph of the building, one year earlier. I have chosen to look into this photograph, because I think that it links in well with my theme of 'Flaws, Perfections, Ideals and Compromises. In particular, this photograph links with the aspect of Perfection and looking at beauty. I think that within this photograph the beauty lies with the setting, the focus and the lighting. This photograph was taken on a dark and wet day, in the evening. The lighting here is all natural but dim and low, with certain areas being highlighted by street lamps. However, having taken the photograph he made three prints applying pigment suspended in gum bichromate over a platinum print. One print was blue, another tan, and the third orange. This means that the lighting in this photograph may not display the colours that were present at the time of the photograph being taken, as the light effect may have been affected by the coloured print. However, I do think that the time of day chosen has been very effective because the dim but slightly blue light has created a silhouette of the tree branch, and outlines the building very well to make it the main focus of the photograph. This also shows a covert element as the building and view is being covered slightly by the branch. The whether conditions captured in the photograph also work well because you can see a reflection has been created in the puddles, reflecting the buildings and the trees. I particularly like how the buildings are set out against the sky as silhouettes because of the contrast in colour, therefore drawing the viewers eye into the photograph. This photograph could be interpreted looking at both new (perfect) buildings, and derelict (flawed) buildings. I could also incorporate techniques such as printing, digital edits, scanography and also manual edits e.g. joiners.
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Hiroshi Sugimoto is a Japanese Photographer born in 1948, currently working in Tokyo, Japan and New York. In 1980, he began work on a series of photographs of 'Seascapes' looking at the sea and the horizon, photographing all over the world. I decided to look into the work of Hiroshi Sugimoto and in particular his photograph of the 'Baltic Sea', as it I think it fits in very well with my theme of flaws and perfection. Elements of perfection can be seen in the symmetry and simplicity of the photograph, and also in the contrast between the light shown in the sky compared to the darkness and shadow of the sea. However, in my opinion perfection would also have been shown had the sea been perfectly still, representing calm and tranquility, however, the ripples and waves created in the sea show it is unsettled, and therefore showing a flaw. I think that this photograph is very effective, as the definitive line created at the horizon draws the viewers eye towards the centre focal point of the photograph. I think that this photograph could be quite easily recreated on a beach scene. I could also photograph a number of different landscapes. However one technique that I would be really interested in looking at is time lapse photography on a scene similar to this. In order to create a time lapse piece, I would set up the camera on a tripod, and photograph every hour.
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Margriet Smulders is a dutch photographer who was born in July 1955, and focuses mainly on Floral Still Lifes. She attended the 'Radboud University, Nijmegen between the years of 1974 and 1983, and then trained at the 'Academy of Arts in Arnhem between 1979 and 1985. This photograph on the left is entitled 'Amor Omnia Vincit' which translated from Latin means 'Love Conquers All'. I chose to study this particular piece of work because of its relation to my theme of Flaws and Perfection. In my opinion the perfection can be sen in the contrast between the colours with the vivid blues shown in the water, compared to the more neutral colours shown in the nature elements in the photograph such as the leaves and the frog. However, I think that the flaws can be seen in the unclear, overlapping shapes and objects, and the hectic and confused atmosphere, but this does give the viewers a more interesting piece to look at, to discover the meaning, if any, trying to be portrayed by the photographer, and how it is being represented.
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Josef Sudek was a Czech photographer born in 1896. In 1915, he was drafted into the war, however, was dismissed due to his arm needing amputation. However, this did not stop him taking up and focusing on photography. He is most well known for his photographs taken in Prague. This Gelatin Silver Print was created in 1945 by Artist Josef Sudek. The photograph shows a young woman who has presumably had her head covered in either paper mache or plaster used for decorating. I think that the main reason that this photograph relates to my 'Flaws and Perfection' theme is obvious. The photograph, Sudek, has taken the model and covered up part of her face, therefore making her 'flawed'. This may also show a covert aspect, as part of her is disguised. However, I think that perfection is also being shown because you can see the detail in the material (newspaper) on her head, and also the contrast between the highlighted areas and the shadows, which has been enhanced by the fact that the photograph was taken in black and white, therefore making the lights and darks more defined. I think that this photograph is really interesting for any viewers to look at, because it is abstract and makes them generate questions they may want to ask the photographer, for example: What was it that made Sudek want to plaster and photograph his model? What was the mood and atmosphere he was trying to portray? and is this shown through the models facial expression? I think that this photograph would be really interesting to interpret. I would definitely capture a series of photographs both in colour and black and white to show a contrast to Sudek's photograph, and I think that it would be intriguing to see how other materials, besides newspaper/paper mache, would change the photograph. One thing that I would like to carry into my work is the use of black and white photography. This is because I think it makes the viewers focus on the content and meaning of the photograph rather than the use of colour. Black and white photography also helps to increase the contrast showing the highlights and shadowed areas of the photograph. I also think that I could enhance this, first of all by using a flash gun when taking the photographs, and by using digital editing by increasing the whites, blacks and contrast.
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Ansel Adams was an American photographer born in 1902. He was very famous for his black and white landscapes, particularly Yosemite National Park. In an interview, Ansel Adams said that the reason he decided to photograph the Sand Dunes was because he had attempted to capture this moment previously, and many photographers struggle to photograph deserts, therefore he was willing to spend days on the desert waiting for the right moment. I chose to look at this photograph in relation to my theme of Flaws and Perfection, because I think it is clear there are a number of visible perfections in this shot. For example, the contrast between the light on one side of the sand dune compared to the shadows on the other. The perfectly defined line across the top of the dune also divides the photograph and gives a central point to focus on. However, i think that the 'ridges' that have been created naturally in the dune could be considered a flaw, because in my opinion they have interrupted the calm, untouched sand. On the other hand though, these ridges could represent an element of perfection in terms of symmetry, and how the ridges also create small shadows and are all the same. I don't think that this photograph would be easy to recreate however, I would definitely use it as inspiration.
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John Pfahl is an American photographer who was born in 1939 in New York City. He grew up in New Jersey and is best-known for his landscape photography particularly his 'Altered Landscapes' series.He now teaches at University of Buffalo, The State University of New York. This photograph was taken by John Pfahl as part of his 'lightning series'. There was a series of photographs taken including on the beach, in forests, and of numerous landscapes. This particular photograph was taken of a beach scene overlooking the water, and I really like this photograph because of the colours that have been captured and how Pfahl has composed the photograph. I think that this photograph must have been taken either in the morning or early evening because of the burnt orange tones that run throughout the photograph. These colours in the sky contrast against the colour of the land. In my opinion this photograph represents perfection because of the untouched and tranquil waters, as they are 'flawless' and not being disturbed by ripples. However, as this photograph was taken in the 'lightning series', you can see the 'bolt of lightning' in the centre of the photograph. This could be considered a flaw because it changes the 'natural' aspect i.e. John Pfahl put the bolt in after taking the photograph, to make the viewers think. I will definitely use this photograph as inspiration.
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Man Ray also known as Emmanuel Radnitzky, was an American visual artist who was born in 1890. He produced works in a variety of media, including photography however his real passion was in painting. Despite this, his photography was what he was most well-known for, particularly his fashion and portrait photography. The term rayographs was also created by Man Ray in relation to his work with photograms. This photograph on the left is a solarised portrait created in 1929. I particularly like this piece of work because of the fact that it is in black and white. I think that this works really because it really highlights the contrast between the lighter areas and the shadows in the photograph. This can me seen especially in the clothing and hair of the model where it the lighting works from dark (black) through greys to almost white. The lightest areas of this photograph can be found on the models face, and in her hair, which suggests where the light source was coming from. The darkest areas can be seen around the neckline of the shirt, and on her facial features. I think that this photograph represents perfection in the sense of beauty and how it is portrayed in the modern day. Beauty is now perceived as flawless skin with good complexion, strong bone structure, and a well dressed individual. I think that this is shown in his photograph, however, there are also elements of flaws that can be seen here. This is because the detail in the photograph is being lost where the edges of the background have faded creating a 'vignette' effect. There is also a contrast between the levels of detail in certain areas of the photograph. For example, in the facial features e.g. the eyes and the lips, you can see a large amount of detail and thought going into the highlights and shadows, compared to the amount of detail in areas such as the hair or the models shirt. However, the change in detail does draw the viewers eye towards particular points, which may have been Ray's intentions. I think that portraits similar to this one, would be very interesting to interpret and would produce effective photographs. One idea that has sparked from this piece, is to create photographs that represent ideas and stereotypes e.g. collecting words that people would use to describe the stereotypical 'perfect' appearance, photographing an individual to look like this against a white background, printing the photograph out and using these words to write around the edge. This can also be applied to represent flaws.
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Don McCullin is a British photojournalist who was born in 1935 and is working internationally. He is most well-known for his war photography and urban images. I think that this photograph by Don McCullin relates really well to my theme of Flaws and Perfection. Elements of perfection can be seen in the angle, composition and lighting chosen by the photographer. The fact that no faces have been included means that the focal point in the photograph are the hands. This black and white photograph shows a really strong contrast between highlights and shadows, particularly in the creases on the coat and the hands. I would say that based on the light shown in the photograph, the light source is coming in from the right hand side because one hand is well highlighted and the other is dark, and disguised by shadows. There is also a high level of detail the ageing on the hands, which also helps to draw the viewers attention towards the hands. However, this could also be considered a flaw bringing the concept back to beauty. As you grow older, wrinkles appear on the hands, therefore old and are no longer considered 'flawless'.
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Linus Lohoff is a German photographer. The photograph displayed on the left was taken as part of a series called 'Das Gebaute Bild' (The Constructed Picture) which was set as an assignment for a design course at the Dusselorf University of Applied Sciences were Lohoff studied Graphic Design. In an interview based on this collection of photographs, Linus Lohoff said that his inspiration was taken from the work of Austrian Artist Erwin Wurm, and his one minute sculptures. He says that he chose common daily life objects and he thought they would have the most impact when you show them outside of their normal context. The use of a Nikon SB-800 flashgun aided in lighting up the Still Life photographs and drawing out the colours. The flashgun was positioned in front of the object, 45 degrees to the right, so that the light was on the object. He says that "Shooting this series helped me develop an interest in graphic design. Photography is still my passion, but I would love to combine both in my own way and find my own graphic-picture language". I decided to look at this photograph from this series because it fits in well with my theme. Perfection can be seen in how the sugar cubes have been stacked on top of one another to create a tower, and how they are balanced. I also think that the coloured background that has been chosen works really well against the white cubes. However, some would consider this photograph to be flawed because of how the sugar cubes have been stacked, in that they aren't symmetrical and don not line up. Also because of the fact that the sugar cubes are piled up on the spoon, however there is one that remains just laying on the floor. I think that this photograph would be really interesting to interpret because of the modern feel and simplicity in the photograph. There are a number of other photographs that I think would be interesting to look into and interpret that were taken in the same series of photographs. For example, the pinned down shoe, the bottled flower, the hand and pencil, and the stacked pencil, apple and mug. I think that it would be good to recreate these photographs in multiple different ways, through both direct interpretations (copies) but also bringing in my own ideas, to make sure that the photograph is not identical to the original but rather, it has been used as inspiration. If I were to interpret this photograph using a direct interpretation then I would use the same set up with similar if not the same objects as used in this example. However, if I was creating an interpretation, then I would use similar ideas, however, would also bring in some of my own ideas, so that the photographs produced are not identical to the original photograph,
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The areas of Flaws are evident in this photograph. The featured camera is old and battered with a number of cracks and accumulating rust. This can be seen especially on the lens in great detail, with the green and yellow tint disguising the glass, This matches the green and yellow tones hat can be seen in the background on the black wall, showing continuity throughout the photograph. However, I think that the detail that can be seen in the ageing camera particularly on the lens could show perfection. This is because the lens is in the foreground and is the only part of the photograph in focus. I think that concept that Zentjens has used for this photograph is very intriguing and would be interesting for me to recreate as part of one of my photoshoots. I would like to collect a series of broken objects, mainly to represent the element of flaws, e.g. electrical devices such as mobile phones, laptops, or TV's. This could also be used for other objects such as broken crockery and mirrors, or food e.g. smashed eggs, or a dropped bag of flour. Furthermore I would incorporate the use of a technique called scanography which involves placing the objects on a scanner alongside other materials e,g, bubble wrap, tinfoil or textiles e.g. silk.
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Henry Hargreaves is a Brooklyn based photographer.I think that all of the work created by Henry Hargreaves is very interesting to look at and all of it contains elements of Flaws and Perfection. This photograph was taken in a series of photographs reenacting the action of an egg being dropped and smashing. However, what makes this photograph different is that, rather than the egg being cracked and the contents (e.g. the yolk) being splattered everywhere, he has replaced this with paint, so as the egg is smashed, green, pink and purple paint is being splattered everywhere. This could suggest a flaw as the paint is creating a mess and ruining the background. The fact that this photograph would have had to have been taken on a longer shutter speed to capture the movement of the paint, means that it is slightly blurred. However, perfection is shown in the combination of the coloured paint, and the clarity of the egg shells, surrounded by the burred movement of the paint. This photograph would be very interesting to interpret looking at using different substances to fill the egg shells. Other works by Henry Hargreaves that I would like to look at and interpret include: 'Aizone'. 'Deep Fried Gadgets', 'Food of the Rainbow'.
Cornelia Parker is an English sculptor and artist born in 1956. Throughout her career, she studied at the Gloucestershire College of Art and Design, she was shortlisted for the Turner prize and has had her work displayed at a number of exhibitions including: Ikon Gallery, Birmingham (2007), the Galeria Civica de Arte Moderne in Turin (2001), and Whitworth Art Gallery, Manchester, UK, 2015. I have chosen to look at this photograph in reference to my theme of flaws and perfection because I think that it shows both of these aspects really well. I think that flaws are represented in the main focus of the photograph. This composition was set up with broken pieces of materials such as wood, and metal pipes attached to pieces of string hanging from the ceiling. These broken pieces of material are flawed, as they have been taken from supposedly broken objects or falling down buildings e.g. the wood is splintered and the pipes are incomplete. However, in my opinion, I think that this photograph also shows areas of perfection, particularly in the clever use of light, with the source at the back travelling towards the lens through the composition, the shadows displayed on the walls creating the silhouettes of the objects in the centre of the piece, and finally the strong contrast between the highlights of the light, and the blacks in the shadows. I think that this would be a very interesting piece to interpret however, because of the complexity, this would be particularly difficult. This photograph was taken by Rita Bernstein and I think it works really well with my theme and the ideas I have come up with in my mind maps. When creating my pinterest account, linked on the home page, I had a list of artists whose work I was going to give examples of, and Rita Bernstein was one of them. As I carried out the research and collected examples of her work, this photograph in particular caught my eye. I really like the contrast between the blacks and whites in the photograph, especially the black background, and the pale white face of the doll. What I think makes this photograph 'flawed' is the crack or break in the dolls face that has been created. This represents flaws because the dolls face is now incomplete. However, I also think that there is an element of perfection in this photograph because the broken face contrasts with the stereotypically perfect facial features including the large eyes, long eyelashes and small pursed lips. I also think that the use of light can be considered perfection as the bright white light is focused on the centre of the dolls face and on the dress. The strong contrast between this and the black background also works really well and is enhanced by the black and white effect. I think that this photograph would be very interesting to interpret and a photographers interpretation using this photograph by Rita Bernstein would be very beneficial to my project, in developing my ideas. I could either create a direct interpretation e.g. copying the photograph, or an interpretation which would be using the ideas that Bernstein is portraying whilst also incorporating my own ideas. An example of a potential photoshoot would be to find a doll similar to the one used in this photograph, and use words relating to the photograph that can be written on the face or dress of the doll. I could also use these words, and write them on a piece of tape that covers the dolls lips. Examples of words that can be used are broken, incomplete or flawed. I could also take one piece of the dolls broken face, remove this piece from the face and having the piece that was removed and placing it next to the doll in the photograph. Irving Penn was an American photographer born in 1917. He is most well known for his work studying Still Life, portraits, and fashion photography. He attended the Philadelphia Museum School of Industrial Art between 1934 and 1938, where he studied drawing, painting, graphics, and industrial arts. Having graduated, Penn worked for two years as a designer and taking his first photographs, before taking the position of art director at Saks Fifth Avenue, an upmarket department store, in 1940. However, after only one year he left to complete a year painting and taking photographs in Mexico and across the US. When Penn returned to New York, he was offered a position as an associate in the Art Department of Vogue magazine. Initially he started out working on the layout of the magazine before he was asked to try photography. Penn worked at the magazine throughout his career, expanding his knowledge as well as his portfolio, photographing Still Life, magazine covers, and fashion photography. I think it is evident that elements of perfection can be seen in this photograph. There is a high level of detail seen in the petals of the flower, and incredible detail seen in the water droplets that are sat on the petals. The difference in the colour of petals is also very effective as the petals I the centre of the flower are a very deep pink with some areas of black, whereas the petals fade into a lighter shade of pink as you move out towards the outer petals. However, some would say that the water droplets that sit on the petals are making the photograph flawed as they are covering up parts of the flower and also some detail is lost through them. I think that this photograph is simple but very effective and has been created with much thought and careful composition. I think that this would be a very good piece for me to observe and interpret as part of my artists interpretation assignment. This is because it links in well with my theme and would be a good piece to make a direct interpretation of. As well as this, I could also create an interpretation incorporating my own ideas. I would like to make a list of ways in which I could make this flower flawed in relation to my theme, applying these flaws to the flower and then photographing the object. Examples f how I could make this flower flawed include burning the flower, pulling the flower apart and dropping the petals (slow shutter speed photography), or photographing the flower showing ageing. This could be done by photographing the flower at its prime, and then leaving the flower to age by itself and showing this process, or by ageing the flower manually e.g. the use of heat - a hairdryer, which would speed up the process however, I feel that this would be less effective. Martin Parr is a British documentary photographer born in 1952, Epsom Surrey. He is known for his photographic projects that take an intimate look at modern life and in particular the wealth of the western world, and he also likes to focus on close up photography work. He wanted to become a documentary photographer from the age of 14. Some of his well known projects include: rural communities (1975–82), The Last Resort (1983–85), The Cost of Living (1987–89), Small World (1987–94) and Common Sense (1995–99). Martin Parr claims that the main influence in his life, that led him to a life in photography, was his grandfather George Parr who was an amateur photographer and fellow of the Royal Photographic Society. The photograph on the left was taken by Martin Parr and is the photograph I have chosen to analyse and potentially interpret. I think that there are aspects of this photograph that link in well with my theme of Flaws and Perfection. This photograph carries the feel of modern life really well, as it represents an typical everyday situation. In my opinion, flaws are shown in how the sign is covering the woman's face making it covert, and could be portrayed as the sign is there to hide the 'flaws' in the photograph. If this was the intention of the photographer, this would be a very powerful message. The fact that the foreground of the photograph is in focus and the background of the photograph is out of focus, could be interpreted as a flaw or a perfection depending on the viewers opinion and whether this was intentional or not. I think that one element of perfection shown in this photograph is in the sign in the foreground. This gives a centre focal point to draw the viewers eye in. It also stands out because it creates a contrast against the dark night sky background. I think that this photograph would be really good to interpret as it represents both flaws and perfection. I could apply this technique where the photographer has covered the face, to some of my own ideas. For example, the photographs that I took in relation to individuals and personality could work really well e.g. if I use different materials to cover up different parts of the face. I could also relate this to the meaning behind this photoshoot, and the description words used. An example of this would be pinning netting to the models face, and having the words written on paper and weaved through the holes in the netting. I could also take photographs like this and apply my digital and manual techniques, incorporating my own ideas. For example, taking a photograph similar to this, and tearing the photograph up, or writing words relating to the photograph around the focus. I could also apply digital blur effects that match the blur that has been created at the back of this photograph manually. When creating my pinterest account to give examples of photographers work, Elliott Erwitt's work definitely stood out to me. This is because of his detailed black and white photography showing effective landscapes and skylines, and close ups focusing on faces and particular expressions. The photograph on the left is the one that stood out to me most, and is the one I have chosen to analyse. I especially like this photograph because of the strong contrast between the highlights and the shadows, the effective use of the lights on the Eiffel tower to give a source of light and centre focal point for the viewer to look at. The light that is being projected at the top diagonally, also divides the sky, and is a good use of lines. Because of where the photographer has taken the photograph from, and where the source of light (Eiffel Tower) is positioned, the people that are stood in front of the tower are all silhouettes. I think that this works really well because they are in the foreground and stand out well against the light background. I also like how the tower has created a reflection on the ground in the water, where it has rained. I think that this is very effective as the reflection is distorted and contrasts with the detailed building above it. I think that this photograph represents flaws as the reflection is distorted and unclear, and detail is lost in the people as they are silhouettes, however, these could be considered perfection as they help enhance the contrast mentioned earlier. However, I think that perfection is also really well represented as the high level of detail and use of light makes the photograph more aesthetically pleasing and interesting to look at. I think that I could interpret this photograph, however, it would be pretty much impossible to make a direct interpretation of this photograph (copying) because of the location of the landmark, Paris. However, I could produce my own set of photographs that are similar to this one, and follow the same concept, however, whilst also incorporating my own ideas. For example, if I travelled into London, I would be able to photograph well known buildings including Big Ben, Tower Bridge, The Houses of Parliament, The Gherkin, and the London Eye. I think it would also be interesting to create and edit using this collection of photographs, similar to the work I created as part of my coursework based on Corinne Vionnet. This involves overlapping each photograph over another, and changing the opacity, so that each photograph can be seen individually, and all of the photographs are included in one edit. If I were to create an interpretation of this photograph then I can definitely see the photographs produced being used in my possible ideas or final piece work. Cornelia Parker is an English sculptor and instillation artist. On this page, I previously looked at another piece of her work showing the pieces that remain from the destruction of a building, hanging from the ceiling centred around a light source. I think that this photograph on the left, follows a very similar concept to this previous example. This photograph has been created using a number of different rocks, which have been suspended from the ceiling and show a graduation in the size of the rocks; as the rocks get smaller, they are raised higher and higher off the ground. I think that this photograph works particularly well because of the neutral background that the rocks are set against that make them stand out. Also, the shadows that have been created on the floor by the rocks, as the light source is directed into the centre of this sculpture. I think that this photograph represents perfection because of how well the piece has been composed, and how the rocks are showing a graduation in size, with the rocks closer to the camera in most detail and focus, and the rocks furthest away from the camera with less detail in less focus. However, this could also be considered a flaw as detail is being lost, and also all of the rocks are of different sizes. This would be a very difficult piece for me to re create because of its complexity and how time consuming it would be, but it would be simpler to create a smaller interpretation. This piece could also be used as inspiration for a final piece idea. Aaron Siskind was an American photographer born in 1903, considered to be involved with, or part of the Abstract Expressionist Movement. In his work he focused on the detail in nature and architecture. It is said that he " presents them as flat surfaces to create a new image out of them, which, he claimed, stands independent of the original subject." His work has been described as crossing the line between photography and painting. I have decided to research and analyse the work of Aaron Siskind, in particular the photograph displayed on the left. Because of the close up shot, this photograph is quite abstract and it is unclear what the photograph has actually been taken of, however, in my opinion it reminds me of either a cracked marble effect floor, a broken tile, or a dried up desert floor. However, I think that this is what is good about this photograph, as like it has me, it makes the viewer think about what the concept or meaning of the photograph could be or what the photographers intentions were. I chose to look at this photograph because I think that it represents both flaws and perfection. I think that perfection can be seen in the incredible detail in both the small and larger cracks, and also the contrast between the white 'floor' and the black lines created as the cracks. However, flaws can also be seen, maybe most obviously in the cracks, as the floor or tile is now incomplete. The two larger cracks along the centre of the photograph may give a focal point to draw the viewers eye, but could also be considered as flawed as they are asymmetrical and make the tile/floor broken or incomplete. This photograph would be easy to interpret, however, it would be more difficult to create a direct interpretation or copy. This interpretation photoshoot could be carried out around the house, simply finding objects that have been broken or are falling apart. I could also take a patterned tile, and create a crack along the middle, similar to the ones in this photograph. This effect could also be applied to a photograph digitally. Stephen Gill is a British conceptual photographer and artist born in 1971. Gill's father, a keen photographer, taught him to develop and print his own pictures in the darkroom in their attic. In 1985, whilst Gill was still at school, he got a job at a local Bristol based photography company, where he was in charge of restoring old photographs. . He then went to work at the Magnum Photos agency in London, first as an intern and then full-time. When researching the work of the photographers associated with my theme, Stephen Gill's work stood out to me because of how abstract it is, and because of how it was different to the other photographers I has looked at. Even after a lot of in-depth research, I am still unsure as to how Stephen Gill was able to produce these photographs, similar to the one on the left. However, if I were to take a guess, it looks to me as if he has used a technique known as scenography. This involves taking objects or photographs, layering them up on a scanner and processing them from here. The photograph on the left is a good example of this technique, By the looks of it, Gill has used some type of plant and layed this along the bottom of the scanner and in the top left hand corner, I think he has used a glass, which is very effective as it created a very definitive line and shape. I think that Stephen Gills work represents perfection because of his use of colour and shape, and also how he incorporates photographs to combine with objects in order to create his composition. However, his work could also be considered flawed as parts of the photographs are being covered up, therefore making them abstract, and also the use of broken materials such as glass, and also the content of the photographs being used e.g. derelict buildings. Scanography is a technique I have used before, and is one I would consider using again, and applying to my current work because of the successful results produced. I chose to use the work of Elliott Erwitt because of his successful black and white pieces, as mentioned earlier, and the photograph displayed on the left is another example of his work. I think that this photograph represents flaws because of the fact that you cannot see the identity of the individual stood next to the dog. However, like in the photograph I analysed earlier by Martin Parr, this could be because the photographer is keeping the 'flaws' out of shot. However, I like that he has incorporated the idea of movement with the dog on the right. The position of the dog and that the dog is in mid-air, shows that this photograph was taken mid-jump. Because of this I would say that there is an element of perfection shown in this photograph, categorised under 'perfect timing'. Even though this photograph was taken mid movement it is impressive that the photograph is still clear and in focus, suggesting a fast shutter speed and low lighting was used. I also think that this photograph works well because it makes the viewers who are looking at the photograph, think about what the story or meaning is behind it, and what the photographers intentions were when taking the photograph, and why they took it e.g. what is the purpose of the dog, and why is it jumping? I also think that the angle and perspective from which this photograph was taken is really effective because it is at eye level and focuses on the dog, and makes this photograph simple but powerful. Having researched the work by Irving Penn, I have learnt that he produces interesting and intriguing fashion photographs. I have previously looked at another photograph taken by Irving Penn where he focused on a pink rose covered in water droplets. I liked this photograph particularly because of his use of colour, and this is the same reason for why I have chosen to look at this photograph on the left. The correct choice and use of colour is very effective in drawing the viewers in to look at your work as it stands out to them. This photograph in particular makes the use of colour, because of the pale white background to which it is set on. Penn has chosen a model with either naturally pale skin, or has made his models skin close to white. This makes the colours stand out more, and then you see the face afterwards. He has used bright coloured lipsticks and drawn the lipstick onto the mouth of the model however, if it has been applied correctly then it would not make as much of an impact. However because it has been drawn on and around the lips, it is more effective. I think that this photograph represents perfection in the use of colour, close up perspective and contrast between whites and colour. However, this photograph could obviously be considered flawed because of the make up applied to the models face. The lipstick has been smeared and the colours have merged into one another. I think that this photograph would be very interesting and simple to interpret. For my artists interpretation assignment, I would really like to interpret the work of Irving Penn, and in particular this photograph. I hope to create a direct interpretation by copying this photograph exactly to make it as identical to this original as possible, but I would also like to create an interpretation incorporating my own ideas e.g. I could carry out are smudged mascara and eyeliner, and no make up faces compared to made up faces. The photograph displayed on the left was taken by Ansel Adams and was taken of a crashed or abandoned car. I think that this photograph works really well because of the use of black and white photography and how well the content fits in with my theme of flaws and perfection. In the photograph we can see the old, retro car, crashed into a hedge in the middle of a field, with a building in the background that resembles a church. I really like that the photograph is in black and white because the car really stands out as it is dark and shadowed compared to the lighter grey sky and fields. I have chosen to look at this photograph because it really reminds me of a photograph that I took as part of my own photoshoot. Whilst in London looking at derelict buildings, I came across an old abandoned Rolls Royce, that had been picked up my a motor company, who were planning to refurbish it. The car that I found was in a very similar condition to the one here that has been photographed by Ansel Adams, in terms of the missing car parts, and how you can see the effects that age has had on the car. I asked permission from the people who were planning to do the car up, explaining the project that I am doing, and they were more than happy for me to photograph the car, and said once the car was done up I could re-photograph it too. I had not thought about this before, however, I think that they have given me a really good idea, as I can take a new set of photographs once the car has been refurbished, and use these as my reshoot of the original set of photographs. I can also make a direct comparison between the derelict car, and the new refurbished car. In order to find the derelict buildings that I photographed in London, I found a website that listed most of the derelict buildings that are still standing in London, and that are accessible to the public. This was really beneficial to me, as it meant that I did not need to spend hours driving around London, attempting to find derelict buildings with the risk that we would not find any. On this website, they also showed two sites that were derelict, that involved abandoned cars. For example, there are two iconic retro minis abandoned in Clapham, and a store filled with old Volkswagon beetles. I also think that it would be really beneficial for me to travel back into London, and carry out a reshoot where I can photograph these cars, compare them to the original set of photographs, and use these photographs to create some new digital and manual edits. Richard Avedon was well known for his stand out fashion photography. His work is unique, and makes the best use of black and white photography. The photograph on the left is just one example of a piece of work produced by Richard Avedon. This photograph shows a woman leaving an event in a black and white full length polka dot dress, getting into a taxi, and blowing a kiss to the man that has closely followed behind her. I think that thisphotograph is really effective and also fits in with my theme of Flaws and Perfection really well. The first element that displays the idea of flaws is the fact that the man has been blurred, as I presume he was mid-movement when the photograph was taken. He is merely a silhouette which stands out against the rest of the photograph that is clear and detailed. This brings me to the perfection element of the photograph. I think that the fact that the rest of the photograph is so detailed is classed as perfection. Also the contrast between the the black and white tones within the photograph is really strong. However, these are the visual flaws in the photograph that the viewer would see at first, but I think that there is one element that stands out to me that is portraying perfection. The stereotype of beauty in modern society follows the ideal body image that is portrayed in the media e.g. the size 6 models that are used in advertisments and on the covers of magazines. The model that has been used in this photograph has a very slim body structure and fits in with this ideal stereotype. I think that I could interpret this photograph as part of my artists interpretation assignment, however, I think that it would be very difficult to create a direct interpretation i.e. copy the photograph to make my own version that is as similar if not identical to the original. This is because the photograph has been taken at such good timing and is very well set up, and unique. Despite this, I would like to create an interpretation where I can recreate this photograph whilst incorporating my own ideas as well as using some of Avedons ideas. |