Visual Exploration: March 2012

26 March 2012

WK9: INSTAGRAM

DISCUSSION

Our tutor has begun a discussion board whereby she posts ideas for us to reflect upon. todays was the topic of the new phone app being bought by facebook:

Facebook's recent purchase of the Instagram application for iphone's brought a resurgence of debate about the value it does or does not add to photography. Perhaps even more importantly it questioned the very value/contribution to photography that the application makes through its use. If you use any social networking it is hard to avoid Instagram. James Robinson has written an interesting blog piece about this whole discussion here: http://galleriesandexhibitions.blogspot.co.uk/2012/04/facebook-buys-instagram-and-why-we.html Please read it and share your thoughts!"

MY REPLY:

"Im in two minds sets about this, as I understand that the purpose of the collaborations is to encourage image taking and to share it to the masses. James has mentioned that the polaroid effect is extremely popular and aesthetically pleasing, so we can see the popularity evolve, and I think we are all cleaver enough to realize that using a photo app has no technical skill whatsoever, so why are we worried?

However,

I can see how such advanced and accessible shortcuts are intimidating to aspirating photographers as Sophie outlined it can be overshadowing. Im also frustrated that techniques that could take us hours, even DAYS to perfect can take seconds sitting on a sofa, which I think Jordon also pointed out.

But guys, the world is moving fast especially being a technological and scientific based art form. I think one of the best benefits from digital advancement is the speed it has provided, if you have learned the analogue techniques, I think it’s a godsend that job on location that could take weeks to finish can be completed and sent off on the day.

Sarah made an excellent point in saying if people want to take this app seriously then hopefully they will not be so narrow-minded as to avoid the entire history of the medium. I think we have nothing to worry about, as it can be an excellent starting point for young people with an interest in photography.

By the way.. hipstamatic is better."

19 March 2012

WK8: COPYRIGHT

DISCUSSION

Another forum post has been made, this time addressing the views of modification among existing images:

"There has been a ruling in court that a photographer who partial recreated an image using the same angle and some of the compositional elements has broken copy right law. What do you think? Full story here: http://www.theartnewspaper.com/articles/-Landmark-ruling-to-be-challenged/25891 Looking forward to hearing your views!"

MY RESPONSE:

"This is laughable, especially over a technique that’s so basic and flogged by amateurs. Its hardy a master piece to cry over. I think everyone at some point in his or her lives has applied a similar technique to a landmark, I know for a fact you can get tshirt, canvases, pillows, anything for that matter with a variation of this image that’s being squabbled over.

I agree with sophie (again) that maybe if he had noticed his image before hand he should have referenced it, but then again it’s a “re-cycled” idea! Alex makes a good point in countering credibility, which can escalated to extortionate and time wasting level over virtually pettiness.

I cannot see my paths with photography and English landmarks crossing at anytime soon, and even if they did, what a waste of a degree! I would hope a paid education would have taught me to become more creative and original then this."

12 March 2012

WK7: DIGITAL TAKEOVER

DISCUSSION

The below quote comes from an interview with the photographer Ricky Adam about his forth coming book Destroying Everything. The Analogue V Digital argument is an ongoing one that may never be resolved satisfactorily. The whole interview can be found here: http://digbmx.mpora.com/photo-ops/ricky-adam-destroying-everything/

"What role does post production play?

Is there a difference between working with chemicals and working in a ‘Digital’ darkroom as far as the ‘Legitimacy’ of the final image?So long as the image hasn’t been manipulated in any way a good photo is a good photo, regardless of what sort of camera was used to take it. You have to be a lot more resourceful when shooting film. For one you shoot fewer photos, but in doing so I think you learn a lot more about composition, lighting, etc. I often wonder how many more photos I would have if I could have shot digital when I first started out? Would I even have pursued photography? Possibly not… "

MY RESPONSE:

"I agree with Sarina, in terms of editing being appropriate to an extent. If you have shot an incredible image, there is always room for improvement! Iv also said before that the main benefit (in my opinion) from such technological advancements is the speed it provides.

This is where I get lost with negative scanners, if you gunna shoot film and digitally edit and print it, what was the point?!

However, I think in the art world, film is well suited with the blind eye to minor alterations and tweaks such as dust removable and stitching. Also with art photography the appreciation of methods and quality is always considered, and can be applied to music comparing mp3 to vinyl. In modern day pocket sized and portable society, digital works. I have mates who have graduated in journalism and cannot find work as magazine and news paper are all now online and fading out.

The other side of things that alex has so eloquently put it, you cant polish a turd. (chapman bros being an exception). If you’ve taken a crap shot first time, the among of airbrushing you sling at it wont make It better. Historically, as duncan has spoken about photography was associated with evidence and fact among resources. Over the past say… forty years the medium has become more malleable and distorted to suit opinions and views of the artist. Photoshop hasn’t really helped, but like alex (again) I know my way around digital manipulation way for I stepped foot in a darkroom as it was what was available to me. You can download programs not a darkroom!

Hopfully, my skills with even."

WK7: NYC OVERVIEW

Over the past week i have seen my fair share of exhibitions which was a amazing opportunity that couldn't have arrived at a better time. Im still in shock of seeing the Weegee exhibition at the ICP and the extent they went to showing the layout of his apartment to actual clipping from his work. I also love the whole era! the gangster times of New York, the politics and culture of that society is fascinating!

The idea of Perspectives as well really worked for me, showing culture adaption. i love social documentary photography so i was able to appreciate the ability the photographers went through to capture such stunning images, especially Chein-Chi Chang, however i prefer his black and white images as they have more compassionate and gritty feel.

Another reason (not that i really needed any) that swayed me to traveling 9hours on a plane was the oppotuinty to see Cindy Sherman, who was one of the first photographers i had ever heard about. it was truley incredible! The Musuem of Modern Art is the most incredible space i think iv ever been to, however i did not rate Sanja Ivekovic much.

The place that demonstrated the most variety was The Armoury Show which gave me a chance to see old and new works from the beginning to the recent. The most disappointing however was the Chelsea Galleries however i did get a few names from exhibitions that were fairly interesting such as Paul Meleschnig. I think however, the Aperture talk was the most useful in what to do after i finish university also what i can do during in terms of experience and career paths. Overall, a place i defiantly would like to end up in the future.

9 March 2012

WK6: THE ARMOURY SHOW

EXHIBITION

on the other end of the city by the docks was the ARMOURY SHOW which was a gigantic collection art all around the world from sculptures to performances. Galleries from around the globe have come to displays representative works from modern to contemporary art, and i even recognised some of the art work! the scale was incredible, it was a maze of art of all kinds, like the clothes show live of art! one piece that stood out fo rme in particular was these chalkboards, which we sat next beside to rest our legs. next thing we knew, a man from the audience has taken the boards and placed them on a table that he has stood upon, and filming the text with his phone. All of a sudden, the man beings to sing and dance, forming a giant crowd that dont know what is quite happening! Apparently it was Theaster Gates, the man who i think made the show happen. i think he was even on the cover of the many pamphlets i had in my bag which was now bulging from randoms handing them to me. below is some more art that really stood out for me.

Barbara Kruger
iphone

Cindy Sherman
iphone

unknow
iphone

Levi Van Velum
iphone

iphone

Aaron Siskind
iphone

Robert Maplethorpe
iphone

William Klein
iphone

Matthew Brandt
iphone

iphone

Ai Weiwei
iphone

Theaster Gates
iphone

iphone

WK6: INTERNATIONAL CENTRE OF PHOTOGRAPHY

EXHIBITION

I have never heard of the ICP before researching for this project, this i think convinced me to go to New York as there is an exhibition of WEEGEE entire works on the basement level! Also other artists such as CHIEN CHI CHANG, GREG GIRAD and ANA SHTEYNSHLEYGER who have their work under the title of "PERSPECTIVES" focused on sharpening the awareness subjects from communities entering a new and unfamiliar realm of living else where. Chang's black and white trajectory series was created in the nineties where by photographing families that had migrated from China to America in order to earn a living. Girad's collection shows the US military's strange setting of residential areas around the world that are incredible eerie and indistinguishable from suburbs in America. The work of Shteynshleyger illustrates her life among the Orthodox Jewish community through portraits and landscapes over four years.

Chien-Chi Chang
hyperallergic.com

Chien-Chi Chang
icp.com

Chien-Chi Chang
universes-in-universe.org

Greg Girard
greggirard.com

Anna Shteynshleyger
Shteynshleyger.com

It was amazing going to see the entire works of Weegee: Murder is my Business, who focuses on gang murders, horrific crashes and fires through his freelance photojournalism career in the 1930s of low culture. He worked at night using flash photography cause black and white gritty contrasted images contributing to his graphic forensic content, which coincided with the end of the depression, prohibition and the governmental crack down on organised crime.

iphone

Weegee
blogspot.com

Also in the International Center of Photography was the display of MAGNUM CONTACT SHEETS holding work of Trent Parke, Robert Capa and Rene Burri. The final room was exhibiting the work of Greg Villet showing families of african descent.

8 March 2012

WK6: MUSEUM OF MODERN ART

EXHIBITION

I have been so excited to go to this gallery! today was the trip to the incredible MUSEUM OF MODERN ART! i am a HUGE fan of one of the artists exhibiting there works, however this is special as it is her entire lifeworks in one place, CINDY SHERMAN is THE spark of my inspiration of such a young age. I first found out about her though a teacher at school, i was doing an art project on portraiture and using the idea of transformation of ones face to represent certain school stereotypes, one i looked through her work i instantly related and fell in love. However we were not allowed to take photographs in the gallery. sad times.

Untitled Film Stills
1977-1980

Rear Screen Projections
1980

Fairy Tales and Disasters
1985-1989

History Portraits
1990

Sex Pictures 1992

Hollywood & Hampton Types
2000

Clowns
2003-2004

Society Portraits
2008

Another artist that was featured at the gallery was a woman names SANJA IVEKOVIC who i had never heard of in my life. Her exhibition was called SWEET VIOLENCE which was her first retrospect in the US. Her work collaborated well with the work of Sherman has her themes revolved around feminism and activism, however expressed herself through video and performance art. Yugoslavian scene in the late sixties was an inspiration platform where artists were breaking free into the New Art Practise, her work shows us the transformation of politics and women's rights and addresses the status quo through conceptual montages, video, audio, sculpture, drawings, patterns and acting.

film stills
artinamericamag.com

e-flux.com

frieze.com

thelmagazine.com

theimagist.com

only-apartments.com