What Is It?
Tableau is used to describe a painting or photograph in which characters are arranged for picturesque or dramatic effect and appear absorbed and completely unaware of the existence of the viewer. Tableau paintings were natural and true to life, and had the effect of walling off the observer from the drama taking place, transfixing the viewer like never before.
Famous Tableau Photographers – Jeff Wall
Jeff Wall was born in 1946 in Vancouver, (Canada) where he currently lives and works. He became interested in Vancouver’s experimental art scene and taught himself photography, seeing it as the best tool for expressing his conceptual ideas. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1968, and his Master of Arts degree from the same university in 1970.
During the 1990s, Wall began seeing photography as a medium to connect film and literature to art. To create such a connection, Wall first redesigned his studio, modeling it after ‘cinematic film production-miniaturized’. Next, he began shooting his photographs much like a Hollywood movie; he built and dressed large sets, gathered costumes, and hired models. The resulting photographs were a representation of the natural world. However, Wall had not simply happened upon a scene and clicked a picture. He artificially recreated the natural scene where he controlled the image. Below is a collage of some of my favourite photos from this photographer, I chose those photos because of their eye catching nature and peaceful yet disturbing atmosphere.
