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.

Glasstire and the "Greyduck Gallery"

Joe Sinness "Sweet Lamé"

The above image caught my eye. Having been a Texan my whole life, I often find myself drawn to "Texan" colors, like the blue turquoise found in both the sky and the jewelry of many Texans; the gold of the sunset, here shown as lamé fabric; the lush greens and pinks of cacti and native flowers (though these are much more tropical). What I didn't notice at first was the scene of the men in the center of the image-which is an act that is outlawed in the state. 

This image is being shown at the Greyduck Gallery in East Austin along with the works of two other artists: Jaelah Kuehmichel and Jerry Granberry. The collection is meant to be an exploration of identity, which I'm sure would be better understood upon viewing the show in its entirety. 

The article itself is interesting because the reviewer seems to criticize Granberry for being too shallow and Kuehmichel for addressing her work comedically. Since I'm not well versed in art critiquing, I find that I usually discuss what I like about a work before I ever say something negative. While Granberry's work might not have been my favorite, I certainly wouldn't have spoken harshly about it. Overall, though, I felt like the show review was thoughtful and provided adequate explanation for her critique. I only wish she would have included an image of the piece that she said she liked the most.

Lenscratch with Rachel Hulin's Flying Henry

Rachel Hulin's Flying Henry

When I went to this week's website, I decided to search for an artist according to genre. One of my favorite genre's of literature is magical realism, and I learned today that it is a genre of photography as well!

I chose this artist because it reminded me of much of the literature that I read. While her photographs are slightly unreal, they still highlight the everyday background, which keeps the photographs from being too surreal. I chose this photograph specifically because of the way that the child seems to be falling down the stairs, and yet, instead of a look of fright, is rather mystified by ceiling as he floats down.

Formally, I drawn to the slight asymmetry, specifically with the lights on the lower right of the photograph and the way in which Henry's body seems to glide at an angle in this picture, as opposed to others in the series where he is parallel to the ground. 

Unfortunately, the article doesn't go into Hulin's work, but instead includes a short artist biography while also mentioning that the images are (were) on sale to benefit a charity. I would have liked more of a description of how Hulin achieved the look of Henry. I have seen other images where the floor is simply manipulated to create an image of a flying child, but not one quite as seamless as Hulin's.

Everyday (Day 14 and 15)

Doing this project taught me a couple of things, including that I have problems with consistency and that I have quite a bit to learn about photography. I do not feel at this point like I have grown much in my ability, but I hope that as the class progresses, I will only get better.

Everyday (Day 13)

Everyday (Day 11 and 12)

Everyday (Day 10)

I was able to enjoy this delicious drink while working on my thesis at the Texan Theater in downtown Greenville. 

Scavenger Hunt Two

It was exciting playing with the new cameras today during class. I enjoyed myself, but I was limited by the lens. I was amused by my color choice ("cognac"), and I hope to warm up with a nice drink after tonight's chilly walk home.

Everyday (Day 9)

While I don't have access to Lightroom from home, I was able to use my Mac's photo editor to adjust a few things. I especially love using the eyedropper tool! 

Everyday (Days 1-8)

These eight images encapsulate my last eight days of the "Everyday" project. All of them are fairly unedited at this point, but I hope to experiment manipulating them in Lightroom next week. 

Flakphoto with Lucas Foglia’s Natural Order

Lucas Foglia's Natural Order

I selected this article because of the first picture in the series, which is shown here. I've been going back to my hometown most weekends and enjoying my parents' cable tv. While home, I began watching a show called, "Alaska's Last Frontier" (admittedly a cheesy 'Discovery' show...I know...). This photograph reminded me of what I would see on the show.

In reading the article, I learned that Foglia's focus is similar to the show! He has been photographing individuals who have been leaving towns to live "off-the-grid" in fear of a looming environmental apocalypse. As a result, his photographs show contemporary people in traditionally rural settings, thus showing the "natural order" of a return to nature, highlighting elders and youth, garbage and nature, and life and death. For this photo, I especially love how the leaves on the bush align with the individual's arm, creating a more natural camouflage than the usual Army-beige gear. I also like the striking color difference between the orange hair and clothing with the vivid greenery. This photograph will be published with others in a book titled Natural Order, and I hope to snag a copy using ILL!

Scavenger Hunt (All Photos)

A compilation of my scavenger hunt images.

Scavenger Hunt (Favorite Photo)

This was my favorite photograph from the scavenger hunt, though it might be because my boyfriend rarely opens his eyes this wide! I kept telling him to open them wider, which resulted in this slightly crazy-looking gaze.