CONTEXTUAL PRACTISE REVIEW

“There is a beauty to the simplicity of the camera. It’s a box between yourself and the subject you want to capture” written by, fashion photographer, Tim Walker expressing how magical the camera can be through the way it acts as a mode transport from reality into the world of an artist’s mind. I’d like to practise the photography and moving image pathway as like Tim Walker says, I am in awe of the ‘simplicity’ to the craft, the way I am able to capture the intricate parts of the world and use experimentation and visualisation

The White Space project was a strong project for me as it was the chance for me to delve into lens-based processes. I was proud of my video, revolved around projecting shapes on the wall extracted from everyday objects around me, as I was able to create spontaneous and abstract imagery whilst just letting the camera roll. Inspired by the sound design workshop, I combined the video with a track I made through GarageBand which added an ambient mood to the video. Moreover, I enjoyed editing the video using Premiere Pro as I was able to experiment with colour and style to match the atmospheric tone. My inspiration came from film-maker, Joost Rekveld, who explores the sensory experiences with the attempt to “reach an intimate understanding” of technology. Rekveld was my core inspiration in wanting to create a video that felt intricate and pure, which he does successfully through combining simple sounds and shapes using analogue and digital machinery. My research expanded on to Bauhaus and constructivism; Wassily Kadinksy’s piece ‘Jealousy’ led me to do a photoshoot focusing on creating geometric-like movements with the model which I then replicated onto paper in the simplest form layered with collaging. My decision to collage was prompted after discovering Anton Reva, collagist and photographer. I was intrigued by how he creates a bridge between the past and future through both traditional and modern photography and print processes. Even though there were many challenges with this shoot due to wet weather conditions, it has helped me realise a style I’d like to pursue combining Bauhaus references with current photography and film editing techniques to make it feel personal to me and today’s generation of art-making.

Francesca Woodman is a pinnacle photographer for me and was significant guidance in the styling workshop. My three looks were self-portraits, like Woodman’s approach, where I applied the relevant settings on the camera, put on a timer, then posed in front of the camera. The urgency of self-portraits meant that I was making experimental decisions without having the time for doubt, allowing me to play with the project. My black and white look with the duvet, inspired by Maison Margiela’s A/W99 collection, was the strongest out of the three as it immediately emits feelings of eeriness and ghostliness through the gormless expressions on my face and my frantic movements causing a blur in the images evoking anonymity and mystery. These images take inspiration from Woodman's series Space² (1975-78) where she distorts her body to become unrecognisable and unhinged to the camera with the intention to ‘show you what you do not see – the body’s inner force’. Woodman’s dark and sombre life is reflected through her haunting work yet what is so engaging about it is it ’s endless and open narratives.

The photography and moving image pathway would be an insightful route which would aid me in progressing with my goals. Being an actor, I have begun to explore the production element and have become really passionate about directing. I have delved into creating music videos for singers and it is something I would love to pursue as a career. Photography has always been a passion of mine, taking inspiration from photographers such as Corrine Day and David Sims, I want to practise further on experimenting with different genres of photography, as well as processes such as wet-plate photography, darkroom and using older cameras. After my foundation, my aim is to study fine art or begin assisting photographers and directors.

The artists I have mentioned in this essay inspire me to pursue photography and moving image because they succeed in using this “box”, quoted from Tim Walker, that we call a camera to push boundaries within art and stimulate our minds whilst touching our hearts through imagery that emits intimacy, flaws, complexity and excitement.

Bibliography:

Walker .T, 2019, Tim Walker: Wonderful Things (Exhibition), London, ‘The Dream Department - 3’
Rekveld. J, http://www.joostrekveld.net/?page_id=2, ‘Joost’
Cady, C, 2016, https://www.bagtazocollection.com/blog/2016/1/25/design-design-designstudy-wassily-kandinsky, ‘DESIGN STUDY: WASILLY KANDINSKY & MINIMIZING SUBJECT MATTER’
Coeval, 2016, https://www.coeval-magazine.com/coeval/anton-reva, ‘Anton Reva’
Tate, https://www.tate.org.uk/art/artworks/woodman-space-providence-rhode-island-ar00350, ‘Space², Providence, Rhode Island’
Jui-Ch’i. L, ‘Francesca Woodman’s Self-Images: Transforming Bodies in the Space of Femininity’, Woman’s Art Journal, vol.25, no.1, Spring–Summer 2004, pp.26–31.
Singer. O, 2015, https://www.anothermag.com/fashion-beauty/7592/duvet-day-the-best-of-feather-filled-fashion, ‘Duvet Day: The Best of Feather Filled Fashion’

PART ONE

PART ONE

CONTEXTUAL PRACTISE

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