Fragments
I chose the theme fragments because I was intrigued by the limitless options that fall under the themes umbrella. I like the range of choice because it makes me feel like I am able to experiment without being restricted to a certain style of image by a theme. For me fragments means piece of something that was once whole but it has been distorted into either a rendition of the image which is still recognisable or even something that is totally unrecognisable.
The desk – David Hockney – 1984
In the photograph I see a desk with various objects on it and the overall image is split into fragments. On the table there is a box of large bog biscuits; an open book of art; two art deco vases and a stack of various books. To describe the photograph I would use the words old, because the desk is old fashioned as well as the wood used to make the desk and the floorboards looks weathered. I would use the word fragmented because the image is split into fragments. I would also use the word odd simply because the image is odd, and it plays with ideas of perception and angles.
For some odd reason the photograph reminds me of the film the B.F.G, this could be because of the whacky animations in the film looks similar
to the filer on the image. it could also be because the image looks animated.
In the photograph I see a desk with various objects on it and the overall image is split into fragments. On the table there is a box of large bog biscuits; an open book of art; two art deco vases and a stack of various books. To describe the photograph I would use the words old, because the desk is old fashioned as well as the wood used to make the desk and the floorboards looks weathered. I would use the word fragmented because the image is split into fragments. I would also use the word odd simply because the image is odd, and it plays with ideas of perception and angles.
For some odd reason the photograph reminds me of the film the B.F.G, this could be because of the whacky animations in the film looks similar
to the filer on the image. it could also be because the image looks animated.
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Workshop with Dafna Talmor
On the 19th of october we had a workshop with photographer Dafna Talmor. She came into school to talk to us about her work and how she created it and then ,under her guidance, we were issued with the task to create images based on the method and resources she uses. We were given a vast range of slides (tiny transparent images that when held up to light reveal the full image) and we were told to do with them as we wish. We were given pens, paint, inks, and blades, among other supplies, in order to cut up the slides and create our on Dafna inspired images! Below are three of the images i created.
For the first one i (tediously) cut out a woman and placed her onto the slide of a forest in order to give the illusion that she was floating in the woods. I find this image quite bone chilling and creepy because of the way the colours in the image contrast each other to creat†e a grimey appearence . i also used a small amount of yellow nail polish on a cotton bud and gently swabbed it onto the slide to create a murky effect.
For the first one i (tediously) cut out a woman and placed her onto the slide of a forest in order to give the illusion that she was floating in the woods. I find this image quite bone chilling and creepy because of the way the colours in the image contrast each other to creat†e a grimey appearence . i also used a small amount of yellow nail polish on a cotton bud and gently swabbed it onto the slide to create a murky effect.
For the second image i cut out a cliff and added it to the image of an expanse of water, i then proceeded add messy stripes of green and pink paint to add an air of abstraction to the pieces. This was the first image i created and i at first i was not sure of its worth but i was reassured by fellow students that my work was adequate.
The last image was created by cutting out the image of a grand mansion and placing it on a piece of clear sticky tape. Next i cut out small fragments of transparent cellophane in the colours purple and orange and they turned out lighter than they were in real life. To give it a more interesting look i decided to colour in the black space between the mansion and the fragments in with a yellow pen, in order to make the picture appear older.
Overall I am content with my results and I like the process that went along with making. I feel it really allows one to explore creatively and lets you be able to test various ways of editing images and distorteing them. Using this technique you can create various moods for images, e.g. creepy, cartoonish and mystical. Honestly i find it extremely interesting due to the endless amount of techniques and processes you put these slides through in order to create a new more current image. It could almost be labelled " Recycled Photography".
David Hockney
David Hockney was born on the 9th of july in Bradford, England. He is a painter, printmaker, draughtsman, set designer and photographer. He is famous for being an all round artist. His photography links strongly to my chosen theme of fragments as shown clearly in the small selections of his photography.. All of these images have been distorted by Hockney taking a single image then breaking it up into fragments and then repositioning the fragments into an image that is still recognisable but looks completely different and abstract. I think it is a great way to add a creative and modern touch to a simple photograph. Its adds dimension and by rearranging the order it changes the story that comes along with a picture.
Dafna Talmor
Dafna Talmor is an israeli artist/photographer. Her practice includes photography, video, curation and collaborations. Her photographs are showcased in multiple public and private shows around the world including: Deutsche Bank and Hiscox. She graduated from Goldsmiths in 2001 and then graduated again from Royal College of Art in 2004. She is also an associate lecturer at Southampton Solent University. Her photographs include a lot of edited slides. As you can see from one of the posts above that we had the privilege of doing a workshop with her as our guide into creating images the same way she does and she helped us to unleash our creativity using various methods. I really like her work because she is able to alter the mood in a picture and she can bring new meanings and interpretations to the image.
Brno Del Zou
Brno Del Zou is a french artist born in the 1960's. A lot of his photographs are fragmented portraits of people. First he takes multiple images of the person from different angles. Then he takes each image and deconstructs it so that it is left in fragments. After this he reconstructs the image by using pieces from each images at different angles. When they are put together the finished result is a distorted image of the person. However they are still recognisable because he makes sure to keep all the facial features in or near there proper regions.
This could be to show the multiple sides to the human countenance and/ or psyche. This could also be to show how the worlds beauty standards are constantly changing and that humans do not find it easy to keep conforming to these ideas. A lot of his photos are also in black and white this could be because be wants to draw your focus to the persons facial expression and what they are trying to convey because if the images were in colours our eyes would naturally be drawn to the colours but with no colours to distract the eyes, it allows us to see a deeper more meaningful version of the image. Also the level of fragmentation could reflect the emotional state of the subject and be used as a cover up in order to bury there emotional issues.
This could be to show the multiple sides to the human countenance and/ or psyche. This could also be to show how the worlds beauty standards are constantly changing and that humans do not find it easy to keep conforming to these ideas. A lot of his photos are also in black and white this could be because be wants to draw your focus to the persons facial expression and what they are trying to convey because if the images were in colours our eyes would naturally be drawn to the colours but with no colours to distract the eyes, it allows us to see a deeper more meaningful version of the image. Also the level of fragmentation could reflect the emotional state of the subject and be used as a cover up in order to bury there emotional issues.
Hannah Hoch
Hannah Hoch was a German Dada artist. she is well known for her work during the Weimar period, where she was on of the original creators of photomontage. Hoch's work was heavily influenced by the changing social situation. She wanted to play with the idea of the " New Woman' this was the idea of a strong, professional and androgynous woman. This was popiular amongst creators and innovators at the time including Coco Chanel who revoloutionised womans fashion during this time periods, finally setting women free from the confines of the corset and bringing liberation, a nice change from the steryotypical womans asethetic created by male designers. Hoch wanted women to take their place as mans equal. This is displayed in her work because there are recogniseable aspects of a female in her imags but then parts of the image are covered distorting the females image and creating a more bold and androgynous apperance.
Howevert some images could be described as disturbing due to the nature of the expression on the subjects face. This links to the theme of fragments because specific parts of the image are covered by parts of a different image. I feel that Hoch created work that was very ahead of her time as the photographs have a futuristic feel. She brought her own ideas and visions to the artistic movement which set her apart from others because she did not conform to rules and played and experimented with her work as she wished.
Howevert some images could be described as disturbing due to the nature of the expression on the subjects face. This links to the theme of fragments because specific parts of the image are covered by parts of a different image. I feel that Hoch created work that was very ahead of her time as the photographs have a futuristic feel. She brought her own ideas and visions to the artistic movement which set her apart from others because she did not conform to rules and played and experimented with her work as she wished.
Dark Room Experimentation
Glitter Photoshoot
Experimentation
First final outcome
This is my first final outcome. At first i wanted to create a a tower of images cut into different sized fragments, however after thinking about it I decided against it because a new idea had emerged in my head. I had found a pack of slides of a woman who appeared to be doing a photo shoot. I took the slides into the dark room and arranged them onto a piece of photographic paper, once the image had developed I was happy with it because the overlapping of the slides created different shapes. This sparked an idea in my mind. I used a knife to cut out the same shapes out of each A3 image and once i had done that I taped pieces of silver card to the back of one of the sheets in order to cover up the holes. Then for the other sheet I taped pieces of blue and red cellophane to the back in order to left light through but at the same time still be covered.
I positioned the original image in the middle of the two variations. I done this because I wanted the viewer to be able to see what had been done to the image and at the same time I wanted each variation to have their own moment. I think if I had put the original one the top and the two below it would draw focus away from the images and the piece would become more busy and too distracting. A way I could've improved the finished products is by making sure the blue and red pieces fit the gaps perfects because when held to the light you are able too see where it overlaps the paper, The same goes for the tape I used to secure the silver card or I could have used a clear tape instead of black tape.However it is not meant to be displayed with lighting shinning through as it would look un professional to see the tape. Apart from these points I am happy with my first final outcome.
I find this image to be the more conceptual of the two. This image explores the theme of fragments in a more abstract was playing with fragments of memory from the vintage slides. I found these to be a goldmine of ideas, I was able to create multiple photograms to perfect the look. I cut out fragments of the images and replaced them with different textures and surfaces, this made the images appear more abstract. Compared to the second final outcome which takes a more direct approach to the theme of fragments.
I positioned the original image in the middle of the two variations. I done this because I wanted the viewer to be able to see what had been done to the image and at the same time I wanted each variation to have their own moment. I think if I had put the original one the top and the two below it would draw focus away from the images and the piece would become more busy and too distracting. A way I could've improved the finished products is by making sure the blue and red pieces fit the gaps perfects because when held to the light you are able too see where it overlaps the paper, The same goes for the tape I used to secure the silver card or I could have used a clear tape instead of black tape.However it is not meant to be displayed with lighting shinning through as it would look un professional to see the tape. Apart from these points I am happy with my first final outcome.
I find this image to be the more conceptual of the two. This image explores the theme of fragments in a more abstract was playing with fragments of memory from the vintage slides. I found these to be a goldmine of ideas, I was able to create multiple photograms to perfect the look. I cut out fragments of the images and replaced them with different textures and surfaces, this made the images appear more abstract. Compared to the second final outcome which takes a more direct approach to the theme of fragments.
Second Final Outcome
This is my second final outcome. I went about making this image by hosting a photoshoot, where each model had one of the palms of their hands covered in gold glitter as well as top of their cheekbones. I then proceeded to print and cut out each image before slicing each rectangular image into two triangles. Then I randomly placed each triangle onto the scanner and once all the space was filled up i closed the lid and scanned it into the computer. I repeated this three times in order to makes a selection of images where I could chose my favourite, I also thought of putting them together in photoshop to create a new image out of the three. However I decided to use the program Dmesh. Its a program that turns images into conceptual, triangular masterpieces. I used the program to create the triangles in the centre of the image to relate it to the theme of fragments, it's a quite literal translation of the theme, however I am happy with the response and find it true to who I am as a photographer. I decided to be as conceptual with this outcome because I liked the look of the way the glitter reflects in the original images, I explored the theme of fragments when I cut the images into triangles, shattering them like glass; producing fragments. I then took it further but digitally altering the images in Dmesh showing exploration and development of the theme: Fragments. As well as using different mediums to create the final piece.
Unit one Evaluation
For Unit one we have been given numerous personal projects which explore different themes, techniques and process'. Throughout the course of unit one i have done research on many photographers like David Hockney, Zoe Strauss, Brno Del Zou amongst others. From investigating what these photographers produce and how they produce has opened my mind up into how many possibilities there are and how much you can achieve in photography. Each artist I had looked at was different, they had their own ideas and styles of photography, Although some do photograph the same theme each artist is set apart by their own philosophy. A photographer that really inspired me was Brno Del Zou, I like his work because it plays with perception and is mesmerising to look at because at every glance you notice something new, his work, for me, is exiting because I feel that when an image is convoluted it gives the eye more to look at and it allows for more deep thoughts to be generated as well as exercising your brain due to having to focus on piecing the image back together to created something recognisable. Another artist I like is David Hockney because although his ideas are similar to those of Brno Del Zou, he uses the same techniques to distort images of just about anything from desks to barns. He takes an image shatters it into fragments then he fits the image back together like a puzzle but not in the way you'd think. I've taken inspiration from both of these artists in order to create my final pieces. I found these artist by looking through Internet boards, Tumblr blogs and the Internet, simply by typing in "fragmented photography".
Throughout unit one we explored different themes my favourites being street photography, abstraction and fragments. When we were given the opportunity to choose our own theme I jumped in straight for fragments because I feel that the work " fragments " can be interpreted in hundreds of ways. It could be used to describe a broken glass on the floor, a relationship going no where or even ones own mental state. At first when I thought about fragments I envisioned a sharp, triangular piece of glass, freshly dropped onto the floor, and I think that most people would think of a similar scenario. However after researching and exploring the web for more images to give me ideas and a deeper understanding I now know that be definition a fragment is " A small part of something broken off or separated from it" This is an extremely broad description and I now know that a fragment could be a circle, a square or even the wall of a house because that is a fragment, a fragment of the house. I think it takes full research into something to identify what it truly means and to reach an understanding of something you must come in with no misconceptions ready to alter what you think of it.
Out of the ten threshold concepts I have tackled number seven. Threshold concept no. 5 states " Photographs are not fixed in meaning; context is everything". This is a quote I found very intriguing because in a way I find this true but in a way I do not. I find this true because anyone can take any inference from a photo, a photograph does not have a set meaning this means that if you see a photo and think of it one way and someone else thinks of it in another does not mean one of the beholders is wrong it simply means that you see the image differently and it produces different thought. However someone could not not find this statement true because if you are shown the image of a chair in a plain room, I it means that the image is of that chair and there is nothing else to it. The image could perhaps signify the isolation of a person and represent how alone the person feels. By looking at both sides of the argument I still believe that a photograph has no fixed meaning unless it is stated by the artist themselves and if not one is free to process the image how they please.
I feel I created highly personal and meaningful outcomes. I think each outcome reflects a part of me as an artist. The very direct and literal side, that creates work closely tied to the given theme. But also the part that can think more conceptually; more " outside the box". I find it is good to be able to show versatility within your work, as it shows off the range of skills you as a photographer should have, however it is also a skill to be concise in your work and always demonstrate the best of your abilities. When people look at the first outcome I want them to think about the story behind the images. Who is this woman? What did she mean to others? I want the effect to be mysterious but not in a sinister way. I want them to see the silver card and realise how i cut out the shapes of the woman and various over lapping slides.
Throughout unit one we explored different themes my favourites being street photography, abstraction and fragments. When we were given the opportunity to choose our own theme I jumped in straight for fragments because I feel that the work " fragments " can be interpreted in hundreds of ways. It could be used to describe a broken glass on the floor, a relationship going no where or even ones own mental state. At first when I thought about fragments I envisioned a sharp, triangular piece of glass, freshly dropped onto the floor, and I think that most people would think of a similar scenario. However after researching and exploring the web for more images to give me ideas and a deeper understanding I now know that be definition a fragment is " A small part of something broken off or separated from it" This is an extremely broad description and I now know that a fragment could be a circle, a square or even the wall of a house because that is a fragment, a fragment of the house. I think it takes full research into something to identify what it truly means and to reach an understanding of something you must come in with no misconceptions ready to alter what you think of it.
Out of the ten threshold concepts I have tackled number seven. Threshold concept no. 5 states " Photographs are not fixed in meaning; context is everything". This is a quote I found very intriguing because in a way I find this true but in a way I do not. I find this true because anyone can take any inference from a photo, a photograph does not have a set meaning this means that if you see a photo and think of it one way and someone else thinks of it in another does not mean one of the beholders is wrong it simply means that you see the image differently and it produces different thought. However someone could not not find this statement true because if you are shown the image of a chair in a plain room, I it means that the image is of that chair and there is nothing else to it. The image could perhaps signify the isolation of a person and represent how alone the person feels. By looking at both sides of the argument I still believe that a photograph has no fixed meaning unless it is stated by the artist themselves and if not one is free to process the image how they please.
I feel I created highly personal and meaningful outcomes. I think each outcome reflects a part of me as an artist. The very direct and literal side, that creates work closely tied to the given theme. But also the part that can think more conceptually; more " outside the box". I find it is good to be able to show versatility within your work, as it shows off the range of skills you as a photographer should have, however it is also a skill to be concise in your work and always demonstrate the best of your abilities. When people look at the first outcome I want them to think about the story behind the images. Who is this woman? What did she mean to others? I want the effect to be mysterious but not in a sinister way. I want them to see the silver card and realise how i cut out the shapes of the woman and various over lapping slides.