Places and Spaces
Yr 11 examination papers
Out of the 7 themes on the exam paper, I have decided to choose the 'Places and Spaces' theme. I have chosen this theme because it ties really closely with nature and the realistic imagery of existing objects like buildings, equipment, etc. with a boundless perception of the subjects found in the forefront of the images, it displays a mutual connection between the intended focus of the image and the surrounding environment. Something I've noticed with this theme that makes it so unique is the plethora of different appearances, such as a blurry foreground being blended with a high focal point on something different in a separate region of the image. It's simple but yet intricately technical; which is what caught my attention initially. Most of the examples are very subliminally abstract, with unconscious shapes being visible.
Theme mind-map
Artist research
Sebastian Weiss, a german photographer, was born in 1971. Residing in Hamburg, he became a columnist photographer in 2013 for Architectural Digest Germany. Weiss has a protrusive passion for 'concrete aesthetics' and is deeply connected with urban landscapes, which is evident in his images. He believes that the season strongly influences his choice of location, therefore he prefers to take his photography skills to the North during the summer period. He also researches his shooting locations beforehand so he can understand the best time to visit during the day and to utilise the most optimal lighting condition for his images.
From the collection of photos of Sebastian Weiss' work, this image stood out to me. I really like the symmetrical appearance of the building, it makes the image more pleasing to the eye. The basic colour palette of white and hints of blue really helps make the image more settling and relaxed, rather than using more vibrant colours (like the others images contain) to build an energised atmosphere. I also appreciate the composition of the photograph having made sure the rough-edged corner of the building is directly in the middle of the image.
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Sebastian Weiss Response
With the collection of photographs I have, I have found it relatively rough at attempting to make good quality photos. I was critically thinking about what subjects I should use, how I could manipulate the natural lighting to make the picture pop, and how the fore/background could have an impact on the viewer. With the theme of buildings and shapes in mind, I have tried to bottom-centralise the focus of the subject; roofs and signage. I really like the colours and the lighting shown in the images, the hue of orange blending with the sky blue sensually relieves the viewer from stress. Peace and silence can be felt in the environment.
Olivia parker research
Olivia Parker is a still-life photographer born in 1941. Parker is interested in the collaboration between science and art. Having been a photographer for over 51 years, she has been selected to present her photographs at many exhibitions around the world. Eventually, she was inducted in the International Photography Hall of Fame. She has explored many different photography genres, including Still Life, Sea Change, Bugs, Instant Anomalies, etc. Her process involves arranging objects together that are visually similar.
2nd photoshoot refinement
For this series of photographs I decided to pursue a more varied collection of content for the viewer to observe. For example, I decided to compose an image inside of a bus with a grainy filter to add to the atmosphere. The cascading appearance of the brake light of the vehicle ahead adds to the colour palette of dark, peculiar shades. The composition of the photographs has managed to show a perplexity of the natural environmental as well as the artificial structures situated in between. I'm quite pleased with how the result has turned out to be.
Experimentation plan
I have decided to name this experimentation, Changing Landscapes. For this experimentation I plan on printing out a subset of my photos, afterwards I will start to cut out the sky/building/environment present in the image, once this is done (and using the sky that has been cut out) I will begin to decide which skybox best match each environment and proceed to partner them together, once I have completed this I will have gathered a collection of blended landscapes. Penultimately, my collaged images will then be scanned in for me to use digitally. Finally, I will then use video-editing software 'Premiere Pro' to arrange my collaged images into a sequence with an applied transition effect to produce a perceivable changing landscape.
Experimentation 1 - film
Experimentation progress
Herbert bayer research
Herbert Bayer, born April 5th 1900 in Germany, was a key figure in the Bauhaus movement. Bayer was an established graphic designer, painter and sculptor in his early years. His honourable work in mural painting, minimalist photography, and geometric symmetry imaging paved the way for his work to be so recognisable for many years to come.
This portrait-oriented photograph showcases the power of hand figures, as a shadow is casted amongst the backdrop of the image. The black & white filter washes out all the colours, giving it a singular colour palette. The composition comprises of 2 small hand figures placed beside a larger figure, providing a sense of scale in comparison to the artist's real hand, as seen at the bottom of the image. Another thing to point out is the background image is related to travel, as it shows a map with plotted roads; hands can be symbolised as guidance and support. As such, I think Bayer is trying to use hands to portray the many alternatives of how people can seek directions, guidance and support.
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Herbert bayer response
When completing this task, I wanted to make the 'Hands' theme unique to me. Therefore, instead of taking pictures of random people's hands, I decided to incorporate my own hands into the context of the image. I had to think critically as to where I would position my hand, what gesture would I do, and how much of the image my hand obstructs.
Continuing experimentation 1 - film
Experimentation progress
Experientation 1 (film) outcome - changing Landscapes
Film - experimentation 1 evaluation
After completing a simple experimentation of 'Changing Landscapes', I have found myself to really enjoy the making-process of this experimentation.
Here is how I did it:
I printed out some pictures from my 1st response and used a pair of scissors to cut around the edges of the buildings, then I would use the left-over of the image (usually the sky background) and shuffle them with other buildings from other cut-out images creating a changing landscape.
Additionally, because this is unique, I believe it has some value in being a good starting point in producing more work. One thing I like about the outcome is the seamless transitions making the sky almost appear to change naturally, invoking a feeling of time not existing in its natural form.
I plan on producing an extended version of this with more related environments and then make a collage to turn into a sculpture.
Here is how I did it:
I printed out some pictures from my 1st response and used a pair of scissors to cut around the edges of the buildings, then I would use the left-over of the image (usually the sky background) and shuffle them with other buildings from other cut-out images creating a changing landscape.
Additionally, because this is unique, I believe it has some value in being a good starting point in producing more work. One thing I like about the outcome is the seamless transitions making the sky almost appear to change naturally, invoking a feeling of time not existing in its natural form.
I plan on producing an extended version of this with more related environments and then make a collage to turn into a sculpture.
Experimentation 2 - extended film
Experimentation progress
Experimentation 2 (Extended film) outcome - Changing Landscapes
Extended film - experimentation 2 evaluation
I really enjoyed making an extended version of my 1st experimentation - Changing Landscapes. I think the unique environments shown in this outcome have amplified the potential this experiment holds for any future additions.
Here's how I did it:
I reused some buildings and sky backgrounds from experimentation 1 whilst also using new images, I cut around the edges of the buildings and then used the left-over of the image (which I like to call 'environments') to shuffle with other buildings.
It is quite stunning how I had unintentionally made the buildings appear to shift as if time existed within the picture; although I feel as though there are some pictures I could've scanned more neatly to avoid unnecessary movement. Overall, the sharp colours from the sky and the collective buildings has made this experimentation a success, I am satisfied with the outcome. After this experimentation, I would like to use the existing environments to create a compact collage.
Here's how I did it:
I reused some buildings and sky backgrounds from experimentation 1 whilst also using new images, I cut around the edges of the buildings and then used the left-over of the image (which I like to call 'environments') to shuffle with other buildings.
It is quite stunning how I had unintentionally made the buildings appear to shift as if time existed within the picture; although I feel as though there are some pictures I could've scanned more neatly to avoid unnecessary movement. Overall, the sharp colours from the sky and the collective buildings has made this experimentation a success, I am satisfied with the outcome. After this experimentation, I would like to use the existing environments to create a compact collage.
Experimentation 3 - Digital collage
Experimentation progress
Experimentation 3 (Digital collage) outcome
Digital collage - Experimentation 3 evaluation
This experimentation wasn't exactly on par with my standards - as I am not a fan of Photoshop, but at least I am please with this outcome. I really like the compact feeling of this collage, it helps to show the vast variations of skies and buildings in London. If I were to make another attempt at collages, I would try to fill in all of the blank spaces to fill the canvas completely, however I would also think carefully as to where I could compose my images to fit naturally into the collage. Overall, I think this collage reflects the work I have meticulously crafted in conjunction to my previous experimentations.
Experimentation 4 - Slides
Experimentation progress
Experimentation refinement
Experimentation 4 (Slides) outcome - Changing Landscapes
Slides - Experimentation 4 evaluation
This experiment made me step out of my comfort zone, I didn't know how to use the projector. On my 1st attempt my pictures appeared upside down, I got frustrated but I restarted the process of inserting the images - this time with the images oriented the right way. I wasn't particularly happy that some slides were slightly misaligned or was cutting the frame, this proved to be difficult. In the future, I will make sure to print out the images to be bigger than usual to be able to cut off any excess and ensure that no light from the projector will bleed through the edges of the slide.
experimentation 5 - Slide manipulation
Initial images
These images would look really good on the slides as there is a lot of colour that can pop through the light, the central focus of these photographs are really prominent as they are all based around a general theme of structures and skylines. These images will look good through the projector as the varying details and colour will show a very pleasing appearance.
Experimentation progress
Experimentation progress
experimentation 5 outcome - slide manipulation
Yr 11 examination plan
Examination aim:
For the Yr 11 exam I plan on making a sculpture with projected slides over the top as a layered element. I plan on using my pre-existing slide manipulations (Experimentation 5) to print them on to a mount board at different sizes to create a sculpture, then (using the outcome from Experimentation 5) I plan to project these slides over the sculpture.
Equipment I will need:
Preparations for examination:
Day one:
Day two:
For the Yr 11 exam I plan on making a sculpture with projected slides over the top as a layered element. I plan on using my pre-existing slide manipulations (Experimentation 5) to print them on to a mount board at different sizes to create a sculpture, then (using the outcome from Experimentation 5) I plan to project these slides over the sculpture.
Equipment I will need:
- Projector
- Scalpel
- Mount board
- Blocks.
Preparations for examination:
- Print out already existing slide photos (shown in Experimentation 5)
- Require blocks for sculpture
- Require media room for optimal lighting for projecting slides over sculpture
- Find transparent, colour sheets for decorating slides.
Day one:
- Collect all printed materials
- Frame mount board to fit images
- Mount images onto board.
Day two:
- Layer mount boards together
- Add blocks to connect sculpture
- Use studio to project slides over sculpture.