Brendan writing on Min’s work
It is a panoramic shot of Calgary from a tall buildingWith imperial star destroyers from the original star wars movies.I was immediately drawn to this image because Star Wars is my favorite movie, and the integration of star wars into the Calgary skyline is a great concept.It reminds me of the movie District nine. Touching on the theme of something from the unknown (outer space) being integrated into the known (urban city area)
-9 images stitched together in a panoramic style
-Images of imperial star destroyers where found on the Internet
It is a panoramic shot looking taken from the top of a building looking to the west of the city. 5 high-rise buildings and be seen spaced out between the frame. It was taken on a cloudy day just when the sun was setting over the horizon. One large imperial star destroyer from the original star wars movies can be seen situated just above the horizon slightly to the right of the center of the frame. Two other star destroyers can be seen in the far distance behind the clouds.
Formal the fact that it is 9 images stitched together to create one panoramic image is great craftsmanship. And the integration of the ships into the image is also very well crafted. The use of artificial lighting on the ships and use of natural lens flares helps to give the shot a very realistic quality. The only formal complaint I have if that the scale of the closest ship is a little off, and seems to be smaller than actual size. This could be because it is situated just below the horizon, so it gives it the appearance of being closer than it actually is.
What drew Min to the original photograph was not any of the formal qualities about the photo, but more so the emotional theme he took out of it.
The theme of how when faced with impending doom or destruction, most people wouldn’t run, instead they would stand and watch.
Some people just want to watch the world burn
Min did extensive research on the state of mental health of people in urban areas of large cities, and because of the tightly confined areas that they live in and find security in, most people hope for freedom from their lifestyle.
The theme or watching destruction also ties into the sense of feeling like a bystander in a busy area when something bad is happening, something that happens with crime in urban areas.
This photo also ties into the theme of escaping from routine life. Most people feel constraint from looking at the same things everyday that they want some change in their life, some kind of intervention. So they look for someone or something outside of the urban setting that would change their mental state. Hence the use of imperial star destroyers, a theme from something outside from day to day life, integrated into the scene of a city skyline, something that most people see everyday.
When the earth stood still
“But it’s only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our movement. Don’t take it from us, we are close to an answer.”
Jenny Wyma:
ReplyDeleteJenny’s image reveals soft pastel colors giving the viewer a feeling of contentment along with a want to inquire and find a hidden meaning in the image. The photograph feels surreal as the color of the models skin is de-saturated, and the lighting seems to be coming from the skin rather than an off camera source. The models expression plays off of the light pink and green gradient background, as well as the situation revealed. It is a captured moment of balance with two eggs stacked on the top of the models head, illuminating a sense of play and uncertainty. In its impressionable atmosphere, the image also creates depth and maturity through the way the figure is portrayed- a young woman holding on to a sentiment of liveliness and realizing the importance in that awareness. The decisions made by the artist in the composition are very carefully considered. The placement of props directs an unease and tension as if the eggs were seconds from falling out of the picture frame; the twisted line of the figures shoulders and neck create an ‘S’ curve which reveals a feminine and classical take on structure, at the same time, this also builds on the moment of tension and movement. The balance in the composition is following the rule of thirds; the focus of the photograph is off center and allows your attention to move from detail to detail with ease. The production of the photograph shows an obvious skill and technique, which exemplifies the quality and appreciation for the work. The color palette Jenny used is very soft and simple which allows for more attention to be drawn towards the figure and situation in the photograph.
The artist’ style, in reference to this image, represents an interest in a quirkiness and refreshing originality, these are obvious traits in the work. Fashion photography also holds a place in the artists’ creative disposition, and the production of this image has embodied fashion and a new style to the world of beauty and fashion. Jenny’s attachment to the photograph titled ‘Glove Hat’ by Wilkosz and Way was used as a reference to re-interpret the style and idea behind their portrait. The likeness of the model in that original image is incredibly similar to the artist herself; the decision to photograph a self-portrait shows a closeness and interest in the work of Wilkosz and Way while also showing a confidence and the representation of a contemporary self. The production of her photograph embodies the style, technique, talent, and surreal qualities in the artists own way. The image is very successful in that it reveals a curiosity, and an everlasting impression on the viewer. It serves as a beauty and fashion narrative while also reminding us that holding on to our vitality is an important thing, as we are constantly surrounded with a violent, and degrading society. This image also successfully serves as a critique on advertisement as being realistic or manipulative in a way of playing with the consumer’s perceptions on what is reality and what is believed to be a reality. Jenny has captured a moment that reminds us of our love for life, and to allow for personal growth and metamorphosis into a refreshing outlook on authenticity.