Family and Environment // Tanja Deman // Jonny Briggs

Tanja Deman (Croatia)and Jonny Briggs (London) are contemporary, cutting edge artists that use photographic techniques as a vehicle to explore the themes of Family and Environment.

They operate and think in different ways…but there are similarities in the way they construct their outcomes, and have their roots in Dadaism, Surrealism and at times Fine Art, Documentary and Narrative photography. They also use archival imagery as an integral part of their practice, and cross reference psychology, psycho-analysis and philosophy too.

We will spend time exploring the background, history and theory of these approaches and creating imagery, film and more that embraces the methods of composite imagery, photo-collage and cut-n-paste.


Jonny Briggs

Jonny Briggs | Artist statement

“In search of lost parts of my childhood I try to think outside the reality I was socialised into and create new ones with my parents and self.

Through these I use photography to explore my relationship with deception, the constructed reality of the family, and question the boundaries between my parents and I, between child/adult, self/other, nature/culture, real/fake in attempt to revive my unconditioned self, beyond the family bubble.

Although easily assumed to be photo-shopped or faked, upon closer inspection the images are often realised to be more real than first expected. Involving staged installations, the cartoon-esque and the performative, I look back to my younger self and attempt to re-capture childhood nature through my assuming adult eyes.”


Tanja Deman

Tanja Deman | Artist statement

Tanja Deman’s art is inspired by her interest in the perception of space, physical and emotional connection to a place and her relationship to nature.

Tanja’s works, incorporating photography, collage, video and public art, are evocative meditations on urban space and landscape.

Observing recently built legacy or natural sites her work investigates the sociology of space and reflects dynamics hidden under the surface of both the built and natural environment.

https://vimeo.com/20713908


You must look at and follow Jonny (link here) and Tanja’s (link here) websites and social media outlets…

Twitter – Facebook – Instagram – Pinterest

LINK TO ARCHISLE FACEBOOK PAGE / JONNY BRIGGS INTERVIEWS

https://www.facebook.com/ArchisleJersey/

You can also use these links to explore the concept and theme of Family and Environment as tackled by previous students…

https://hautlieucreative.co.uk/photo17a2e/

https://hautlieucreative.co.uk/photo17a2/


TASK 1 Intro Blog Post

Create a blog post that reviews your experience of the day at Societe Jersiaise on Tuesday 13th June 2017.

  • what did you see, understand and learn?
  • what were the main talking points?
  • include your images and experiments from the tasks, and outline the process and intentions
  • Karen Biddlecombe / Gareth Syvret (Chief Archivist)Communications Assistant (part-time Mon, Weds, Thurs)Archisle: Jersey Contemporary Photography Programme
    Société Jersiaise
    7 Pier Road
    St Helier
    Jersey
    JE2 4XW

Task 2 Create an extended blog post that shows a detailed description, analysis and interpretation of Jonny Brigg‘s work.

Aim to focus on 1 key example of his work and use FORMAL ANALYSIS techniques as a starting point only.

think about and discuss the content, concept, context, construction, composition,  camera, then compare, contrast and critique

ask yourself ( and Jonny) what ? / why? / how?

You must define the process and include examples of Jonny’s presentation devices eg publications and exhibitions and show clearly how Jonny is influenced and and inspired by at least 2 of these artists…

John Stezaker Tony Oursler Urs Fiscer Greta Alfaro
Cat Roissetter Alma Kaser Gillian Wearing Rene Magriette
Mike Keller Richard Billingham Noemie Goudal Paul Nouge
Gregor Schnieder Julie Cockburn Sarah Jones George Condo
Annette Messager Gabriella Boyd Thomas Demand Gordon Matta Clark
Joana Piotronska Kate Lyddon Henry Darger  
Cindy Sherman Louise Bourgeoise Francis Bacon  

Remember to MAKE YOUR BLOG POST VISUAL

include relevant links, podcasts, videos where possible

Task 3 Create an extended blog post that shows a detailed description, analysis and interpretation of Tanja Deman‘s work.

Aim to focus on 1 key example of her work and use FORMAL ANALYSIS techniques as a starting point only.

think about and discuss the content, concept, context, construction, composition,  camera, then compare, contrast and critique

ask yourself ( and Tanja) what ? / why? / how?

You must define the process and include examples of Tanja’s presentation devices eg publications and exhibitions and show clearly how Tanja is influenced and and inspired by at least 2 of the following artists…

Robert Adams // David GoldBlatt // Thomas Struth // Super Studio // Luigi Ghirri // Richard Misrach // Werner Herzog // Richard Long // Raymond Meeks // Antonioni // Alain Resnais // Katrin Koenning // Andrei Tarkovsky

Remember to MAKE YOUR BLOG POST VISUAL

include relevant links, podcasts, videos

YOU MUST HAVE THE FOLLOWING TASKS READY BY TUESDAY 20TH JUNE

  1. 5 x images of your own (DIGITAL): showing what aesthetics most interest them (all placed in 1 folder named
    ” MY IMAGES”, pictures named 1-5)
  2. 5 x  images from the SJ archive (DIGITAL): in relation to the shooting location on Tuesday, Jersey cliffs, bunkers,
    race tracks (all placed in 1 folder name 2. ARCHIVE IMAGES, pictures named 1-5)
  3. Research on artists references (images placed in 1 folder named 3 ARTISTS REFERENCES, pictures named with the artist’s name)

For an easier work flow in regards to the number of students each student should have a folder on their desktop
called ‘Photo collage workshop 20-27.6.’, with sub-folders inside named:
‘1. MY IMAGES’ (it should contain 5 images)
‘2. ARCHIVE IMAGES’ (it should contain 5 images)
‘3. ARTISTS REFERENCES’ (it should contain 5 images)
‘4. RAW PHOTOS’ (empty)
‘5. NEW WORK’ (empty)

Deadline for Completion

MONDAY 19TH JUNE


Extension Task 1

Research and define the following terms in photography to show an understanding of the influences, concept, history and theory in contemporary photography. Include key examples and try to show how they may have influenced Jonny and Tanja in some way.

Dadaism

Surrealism

Documentary and Narrative photography (visual storytelling)

Fine Art Photography

Extension Task 2

 

Tanja is clearly inspired and informed by her prior studies in architecture, natural forms, structures and sculpture.

During her SJ presentation she referred to

  • Brutalist architecture
  • Modernist architecture

Research, describe and explain what these forms of art are including how they came to prominence, where they can be found and what their legacy / influence is.

Where is there evidence of modernism / brutalism in Jersey?

Remember to include images, hyperlinks, videos etc

Summer Project: FAMILY / ENVIRONMENT

Welcome back after Exams!

In the first A-Level coursework module, Personal Investigation as Yr 13 students you are going to be taught by two contemporary artists, Tanja Deman (Croatia) and Jonny Briggs (London) who are the current Archisle Jersey International Photographer-in-Residence at the Société Jersiaise Photographic Archive.

Over the next 6 weeks a we have arranged a series of lectures, masterclasses and practical workshops that  will offer you a unique opportunity to learn new skills and develop your practice as a student of photography.  Tanja and Jonny will inspire, challenge and make you think differently about the process of image-making and its meaning.

The themes we will be exploring are: FAMILY or ENVIRONMENT

The work that you produce here will be the foundation and starting points for your continued Personal Investigation when you return in September for the new academic year to learn about visual storytelling in contemporary photography.

We will provide support and guidance for this unit…including essay writing skills and a framework to support your understanding. Much of this will develop into a photo-book and you may even create your own book(s) using traditional book binding techniques which has become a strong and unique feature for many contemporary photographers wishing to publish their own work.

This extended project will culminate in a fully curated student exhibition; Constructed Narratives at the Berni Gallery, Jersey Arts Centre 27 Nov – 23 Dec 2017.

Workshops

Day 1 Tuesday 13 June   Societe Jersiaise – all day
Inspirations and starting point from the Photographic Archive and introduction to Tanja Deman’s and Jonny Briggs practice.

Day 2 Tuesday 20 June 
Hautlieu School / location – all day
Workshop with Tanja on location in Jersey

Day 3 Tuesday 4 July  Hautlieu School – normal lesson time
Workshop with Jonny in the Photographic Studio – bring personal objects/items>

Day 4 Tuesday 11 July  Hautlieu School – normal lesson time
Workshop with Tanja developing photo-montage skills from on-location shoot.

Day
5 Tuesday 18 July  Hautlieu School  – normal lesson time
Workshop with Jonny developing photo-montage skills from studio shoot

Read here for a full details of the workshop programme IPR Workshop 2017

Use TRACKING-SHEET-SUMMER TERM_2017 for a full overview of what you are required to do in the next 6 weeks. You are required to self-monitor your progress and will be asked to upload Tracking-Sheet with an update on a weekly basis to your blog.

This unit requires you to produce an appropriate number of blog posts which charts you project from start to finish including research, planning, analysis, recording, experimentation, evaluation, and presentation of creative outcomes.

 

Independent Study: PUBLIC/PRIVATE ARCHIVES

What Are Archives?

In the course of daily life, individuals and organizations create and keep information about their personal and business activities. Archivists identify and preserve these documents of lasting value.

These records — and the places they are kept — are called “archives.” Archival records take many forms, including correspondence, diaries, financial and legal documents, photographs, and moving image and sound recordings. All state governments as well as many local governments, schools, businesses, libraries, and historical societies, maintain archives.

archives-016

Using the Photographic Archive as a Resource for Research and Ideas

For your Personal Investigation you have to engage with a notion of an archive. Archives can  be a rich source for finding starting points on your creative journey. This will strengthen your research and lead towards discoveries about the past that will inform the way you interpret the present and anticipate the future.

Public archives in Jersey

Jersey Archives:  Since 1993 Jersey Archive has collected over 300,000 archival records and it is the island’s national repository holding archival material from public institutions as well as private businesses and individuals. To visit click here

Jersey Archive can offer guidance, information and documents that relate to all aspects of the Island’s History. It also holds the collections of the Channel Islands Family History Society.

Societe Jersiaise: Photographic archive of 80,000 images dating from the mid-1840s to the present day. 35,000 historical images in the Photographic Archive are searchable online here.

Societe Jersiaise also have an extensive library with access to may publications and records relating to the island’s history, identity and geography. Click here

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Archisle: The Jersey Contemporary Photography Programme, hosted by the Société Jersiaise aims to promote contemporary photography through an ongoing programme of exhibitions, education and commissions.

The Archisle project connects photographic archives, contemporary practice and experiences of island cultures and geographies through the development of a space for creative discourse between Jersey and international practitioners.

Link: http://www.archisle.org.je/

Private archives: Family photo-albums, objects, letters, birth-certificates, legal documents etc.

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Digital images stored on mobile phones, uploaded on social media etc.

Pictures appear on the smartphone photo sharing application Instagram on April 10, 2012 in Paris, one day after Facebook announced a billion-dollar-deal to buy the startup behind Instagram. The free mini-program lets people give classic looks to square photos using "filters" and then share them at Twitter, Facebook or other social networks. AFP PHOTO THOMAS COEX (Photo credit should read THOMAS COEX/AFP/GettyImages)

Tasks for Summer Term

1. Introduction to the Société Jersiaise Photographic Archive Tue 13 June.

2. Research at least two photographers from the list below in the photo-archive and choose one photograph that illustrates the themes of Family or Environment from each.

Dunham, Percy
Smith, Albert
Guiton, Emile F
Foot, Francis
William Collie
Laurens, Phillip Morel
Ouless, Clarence P
De Faye, Francis George
Dale, Edwin
Baudoux, Ernest
Martin Wyness
Charles Hugo
Claude Cahun
Martin Parr (Liberation)
Michelle Sank (Insula)
Yury Toroptsov (Fairyland)
Tom Pope ( I am not Tom Pope, You are all Tom Pope)
Martin Toft (Atlantus, Masterplan)

3. Analyse each image in detail using this method.

Read through this Powerpoint how to analyse a photograph + photographic theory for more help and guidance. Or use Photo Literacy as a method of analysis

4. Write a 1000 word essay and answer this question: Whose Archive is it Anyway?

To answer this question you need to reflect on Photo-Archive’ talk, read the text by theorist David Bate: Archives, Networks and Narratives and watch the Youtube clip below and consider the following sub-questions:

How do archives function?
What are their purpose?
How do archives act as repositories of cultural memories of the past?
In what way does photography perform a double role within archives?
Reference some of the artists and photographers mentioned in the David Bate’s text and use as examples.
Imagine how you will look in your archive of adulthood and what type/style of pictures you want them to be?
How will looking at archival material enrich your personal study?
In what way has looking at archives been a resourceful exercise?
What have you learned?

archives-networks-and-narratives_low-res

Read the text, make notes and reference it by incorporating quotes to widen different perspectives. Comment on quotes used to construct an argument that either support or disapprove your own point of view.

Extra research/ reading:
Dr Gil Pasternak, Senior Research Fellow in the Photographic History Research Centre (De Montfort University, Leicester), will be part of a BBC documentary film exploring what family photographs say about Britain’s post-war social history.

Watch this Youtube clip where Dr Kelly Wilder, Director of Photographic History Research Centre, De Montfort University, Leicester delivers an academic paper,  ‘The View from Everywhere: Objectivity and the Photographic Archive’ at a symposium on Photographic Archives at the Getty Centre in Los Angeles where she talks about the notion of objectivity when it comes to the use of photographic images. Here is a  Review of symposium on Photo_Archives and Objectivity

Here is an essay example from previous A2 student, Rosanna Armstrong

Deadline: Publish blog posts by Mon 3 July

EXTENSION TASKS – SUMMER BREAK
Choose at least one option

5. Explore your own family/ personal archives over the Summer and make a blog post with some of the material and describe how it will inform and develop your Personal Investigation.  Ask parents, grand-parents and other family members to look through photo-albums, letters, boxes etc.

6. Plan at least one photo-shoot and make a set of images that respond to your research above and/ or Personal Investigation.

Finals: Juxtaposition

In direct response to my reference to Luke Fowler, I followed up with a production of a juxtaposition as I’d like to portray two sides to nature as we typically only see a beautiful or aesthetically pleasing representation of the environment. I really enjoyed producing this visual bathos as the colours contrast one another.

Evaluation

Following the completion of my whole ‘structure’ project, I can say with confidence that I am really pleased with the content of my efforts. I have explored a whole range of digital forms of creation from graphic design to photography to moving image and have widened my breadth of knowledge regarding all areas at the same time as showing my understanding of what a structure can be; most importantly, I have linked thus all to structure, with the running theme of my studies being to showcase structure in its most simple of form in that different colours, line, shape, textures, patterns etc. can provide the make-up for a structure. This is evident from my primary experimentation of graphics carried out on Adobe Photoshop.

Basing my project around structure was quite a fear at first because I immediately thought that it would be difficult for me to become creative with exploring the term because I instantly thought that structure would be to just photograph buildings and I saw this as boring. However, since I put some thought into where I could go with the project, I realised that photographing and researching the physical man made aspect of structure would be the most interesting for me. I had to think through what I wanted to do thoroughly because time management would be key to achieving a good quality final piece which I was aware of from taking Photography GCSE, however I feel I have managed my time wisely by planning shoots and knowing what order I wanted to complete specific tasks.

I felt like my first port of call, once aware of my aims, would be to realise what route I wanted to go down so I could maintain a sustained study throughout the project. Although I realised I wanted to focus on buildings and manmade structures, I needed to understand how exactly I was going to do this. I discovered the French artist Ill-Studio on an art publication website ‘It’s Nice That’, I love this website and it is great for discovering new talent etc. I came across their film ‘Mirrored’ and was instantly drawn to it because of its need for creativity and it would allow me to explore different forms of presentation. I knew my ability to try approach new challenges with a good mind set would be beneficial to me so this is exactly what I did.

Firstly, however, I felt the need to carry out a brief case study but thorough for the purpose. I love graphic design and creating my own designs so saw this as a great way to start off my project before going into the film. I came across a designer called Clay Hickson’s work which focused on creating graphic works using objects and many colours and patterns – which was perfect for me to show the basis of what all man-made structures are. I then researched his work and what he does then quickly got into producing my own ideas with his as a foundation. I created a few works and you can see that my confidence with using Photoshop grew as I progressed. I was overall very pleased with the outcomes and felt like it was a success.

I felt the exam deadline approaching rapidly so moved swiftly onto the idea of using reflections to create deceiving imagery. I carried out a primary photoshoot using a full length mirror after doing my research on Ill-Studio. I put a personal touch on the photoshoot, edited the images and presented them raw and as an incorporation into some more graphic work. This shoot was to show where I was at the start and then to compare to my final piece of the film – my aim was to show my progression of ability and skill.

I then began filming for the short film. I carried out two shoots and in both shoots, explored about 5-6 locations using the mirror and mu model. This was my favourite part of the project as a whole because it built up the satisfaction of moving closer to completing what I thought had the potential to be very good final piece. However, it was also very stressful because I would get annoyed easily if certain shots that I thought would look good, did not work and these would have to get scrapped. As a whole, I felt the two shoots went well and I got a decent range of shots to include in my film. I always had Ill-Studios work in the back of my mind bit as well, I wanted to put a personal touch on it, which I felt was achieved in the post-production. I also created two drafts using only a select few shots from the shoots to show what I had achieved form them and how I can build my Adobe Premiere skills up to the final piece. As well, I created a ‘how to do’ video of certain video editing software tools such as mirror and replication – which is what I would be experimenting with in the final.

In the middle of my preparation for the exam final piece, I explored the technique of half frame photography because I felt like understanding the history of certain presentation techniques would help me in my final piece – which it did because I presented certain shots as duplications of each other and this pairs more than one image together to show a similarity of difference and tell a story – which is what I leant when carrying out experimental photoshoots using the app ‘Andigraf’ to help me produce half-frame-esque works. I looked at the work of Luke Fowler and Sergei Eisenstein when doing this. I really enjoyed this quick insight into the history of presentation because it made me eager to purchase a half-frame camera.

If I was to look at my short film ‘Mirrors’ and that only, I would judge it as a very successful attempt and I am really proud because creating something like this is something I have never done before and although it was a challenge, I enjoyed it and saw it as a way to further my skills using a camera. You can look at my other posts e.g. ‘Talking About the Shots’ to know more on my thoughts of it. I haver achieved what I set out to do and that is a determiner of success.

PLAN OF PRESENTATION

Panoramic Structure

Using a panoramic dimension, I have gathered three images (influenced by Van Damme) in attempt to recollect David Hockney’s technique of ‘joiners’. By merging all three image within close proximity, I believe the result of this presentation informs the viewer of a chain of scenery that both resemble the same composure. Presented on foam board, these images all support each other in the order their in, therefore suggesting formation and structure towards my presentation, linking with the leading light that progressively dims the viewer from one image to another.

Shadow Montage

Joining Architect

Also inspired by David Hockney’s joiners, my plan of presentation towards the set of images above signify the importance of leading lines with photography. Joining the leading lines of shadow and shape, I enrolled a technique of contrasting various images of different colour in a way that allowed both to correspond with a sense of flow and intimacy alongside from each other.

RBC Structure

Presenting both images onto black card enabled the level of exposure to contrast greatly, aiding its ability to demonstrate a high-key presentation of the building. This also supported the concept of both images, making them overhand the dull and secluded background helped to portray the message of success and hierarchy within the exterior of office blocks.