Mid-Way Review

The theme for this final project has been "things out of place," or, more frequently, "awkwardness." I have a few more shoots to do, and then I should be ready to post my next five images. Time to get printing!

Booooooom with Osamu Yokonami's Portraits of Children with Fruit on their Shoulders

Osamu Yokonami's Booooooom Post

It was hard to choose a specific post to feature this week on my blog because there were so many photographs that caught my eye! I eventually settled on this series by Osamu Yokonami.

For my final project, I was hoping to photograph things that are "out of place". I felt that Yokonami's photographs showed this through the simple placement of fruit onto the shoulders of young Japanese children. As a result, the children contorted their bodies into strange positions in order to balance the fruit on their shoulder. While (as far as I know!) Japanese culture does not require children to carry fruit on their shoulders, it does have other requirements which dictate the actions of these young members of society. I felt that these photographs showed how children may change themselves in order to fit within the confines of society.

Additionally, these photographs showcased a sort of whimsy and childishness as the bright fruit contrasted against the stark, white background. Overall, I felt that the series was fun and interesting, as well as full of adorable children.

Triangle Triangle with Benoit Paillé's "LSD"

Benoit Paillé's "LSD"

The contrast of colors and the beautiful stars surrounded by the trees led me to this photographer. Unfortunately, his website is in development, so I was unable to find information about him. However, this image (and others) were created after Paillé took LSD and began to photograph. My favorite part of his post is where he divulges, "i try to show you the magic,sacred metaphysical quality of the nature and new age bullshiting you" [sic]. His honesty reminded me of Mariah Robertson who both wanted to create something philosophical with her work, but also explained her own vulnerabilities in doing so. 

Other images by Paillé show a square of light being present in an otherwise dark and empty field. This idea that the world has all been discovered so that man-made light permeates even the most remote areas came to mind. Overall, I found that juxtaposed humor and beauty in really intriguing ways, and I thoroughly enjoyed his Flickr feed.

"Read, watch, be curious." Urbanautica with Vincent Delbrouck

From the series "Some Windy Trees - #1" -Text from Urbanautica

I was drawn to this blog post because of the dino-looking tree. I enjoyed this photograph because the whimsical shape of the tree set against the majestic background of the mountains reminds me that we should never take ourselves too seriously (Worth noting-the mountains in the background are the famous Himalayans). 

I appreciate the posts on Urbanautica because, like this post, they are longer and contain quite a bit of original content compared to some of the other websites I have viewed for this class. This article, specifically, is an interview with photographer Vincent Delbrouck, and covers his photographic style, his camera preference, and the fact that he has other jobs to support his photographic passion (among other things).

Delbrouck's interview combined quite a bit of philosophy, pragmatic suggestions, and personal reasonings in his responses, which made it an insightful read. So often, our lives are more than just a single facet for which we are known, but are a deeply intertwined collaboration of everything we have and ever will be a part of. I felt that Delbrouck's interview exemplified this idea, for his answers often contained more information than was asked for by the interviewer. One of the best parts of the interview is the end where Delbrouck lists some of his favorite photographers. I plan to look over them to continue my exposure to photography.

Long Exposure and Multiple Me's

Aperture with Gordon Park's "Back to Fort Scott"

Gordon Park's "Back to Fort Scott"

The story of this new gallery opening begins with a LIFE magazine story that never ran (for "reasons unknown). After realizing that these photographs depicting life for African-American families in the early 1950s had never been shown, Karen Haas began to compile them for a showing at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. Unfortunately, the blog post on Aperture only includes this singular image, but a quick Google search reveals other captivating images that will be displayed in the collection. Many of the images, as Haas points out, mimic the "American Gothic" as individuals stand stoic in front of their homes or businesses. As a result, the images do not depict the hopelessness of segregation (as LIFE magazine had asked for), but instead, produce images of strength in the face of a broken system.

Unfortunately, I won't be able to see the exhibit in its entirety, but I am excited that these works are being shown, rather than being forgotten in archives.

Time's Art & Design with "Gee's Bend Quilts"

The Gee's Bend Tradition

I was initially drawn to this article because of my appreciation for needlecraft. While I have yet to learn quilting, it is something I hope to learn in the future. Upon reading the article I learned that this form of quilting began near Selma by women who were the descendants of slaves. The quilting style "came into being alongside gospel, blues and jazz" which resulted in distinct patterns that differ significantly from the more structured style of European/American quilts. My boyfriend, who is highly interested in African American music, saw the connection immediately, and values the design of these quilts over the more traditional ones that I have shown him. While I can appreciate both styles, I think that these quilts are more unique and highlight the style of the community.

I also appreciate that both the article and the installation highlighted the history of the community alongside the art, which provides a comprehensive look at the quilts and the way in which they have evolved due to circumstances (first sharecropping, the Jim Crow, now internet). 

Unfortunately, the article ends on a disheartening note, lamenting that fewer individuals are turning to quilting in general, and that many potential future quilters are leaving the community in search of better ones. However, I hope that the attention brought to the quilts will inspire others to continue this tradition so that it is not lost.