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AO2 Explore Ideas, Component 1 Personal Investigation, Uncategorized, Unit 2 Portrait

Identity Introduction

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Identity is defined as “the characteristics determining who or what a person or thing is”. This can be influenced by various factors including geographical or cultural influences. There have been arguments relating to the importance of nature vs. nurture and which has a larger impact on ones identity.

Different Types of Identity in Photography

Gender Identity:  This is the idea of using gender to define ones identity. This is an idea often explored by various photographers/ artists such as Lorna Simpson. This work varies from more abstract pieces exploring the idea of gender identity crossing over to loss of identity to ides of empowerment in her work.

Image result for Lorna simpsonImage result for lorna simpson

Cultural Identity: This is the idea of exploring culture and how it affects a persons identity. this can range from exploring how various cultures are portrayed/ stereotyped as well as being used to give a better insight into the reality of their culture. This has been explored by artists such as Paul Sepuya.

Image result for Paul Sepuya photography

Social Identity: Social identity relates to the idea that a person can be the surrounding community, this is the same idea as the ‘nurture’ aspect of nature vs. nurture. This also relates to the idea that social pressure can change someones identity on a fundamental level through peer pressure etc. This has been explored by photographers such as Robert Frank, his work explores the influence of the ideals of their community on ones identity including ideas such as nationalism. However this piece also relates to the idea of Geographical/ political identity.

Image result for robert frank

Loss of/ Lack of identity: This is an idea that someones identity can be stripped from them either by some form of disaster or by social out casting. This is often explored in conjunction with other forms of identity such as some of Lorna Simpsons work. This is an idea also commonly explored using a surrealist approach.

Image result for francesca woodman

 

AO1 Develop Ideas, AO2 Explore Ideas, Component 1 Personal Investigation, Unit 2 Portrait

Richard Koenig case study — identity and place*

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Born in 1960, Richard Koenig received his BFA from Pratt Institute. In 1998 he received his MFA from Indiana University and began teaching art and photography courses at Kalamazoo College, Michigan.  Koenig has done lots of work but the portfolio of his that I am focusing on is called “Inserts/Koans”. In this he takes old prints and of images showing a frame with something or someone in then in the same framing he removes the main subject and then takes another picture with the first photo with the main subject in suspended in front of the new framing with the area lined up and the main markings lined up.

The effect of these images is that the viewer sees the image before it has undergone change or before something has been removed. And i have chosen this for identity and place because I can depict something that has lost its identity and is missing the identity that it had before when the main subject was there.

AO2 Explore Ideas, AO3 Record Ideas, Unit 2 Portrait

Portraits using Natural Lighting

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In order to experiment with natural lighting during the portrait project, I used an open window to produce the lighting for a photo-shoot. The following images show examples of subjects faces being illuminated with the use of just natural lighting from a window.

The above 2 images simply use natural lighting, and nothing else. the use of natural lighting in this instance allows for a soft illumination of the subjects face, allowing shadows to be cast across the face, but without them being too sharp or dark. This produces a more natural image, and allows the subject to be portrayed as they naturally are in reality.

For the above 2 images, I experimented with changing the background color of the image. This was done using a large black piece of card. I feel like this draws more attention to the face of the subject, and defined the shapes of the subject, separating them more from the background. I feel like the addition of a black background allows for the photograph to be given more dimensions, and feel more 3D.

Overall, the use of natural lighting in photography was a success, as I was able to create images that show the drastic contrasts between natural and studio lighting. Although natural lighting creates a more natural, soft light that portrays the subject in an (often) more flattering way, the lack of control that comes with using natural lighting can cause lighting issues (e.g the above 3 images are slightly darker, as they were taken when the sky was more overcast, thus the light was blocked.)

AO2 Explore Ideas, Unit 2 Portrait

Identity: Introduction

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Aspects of Identity:

Photography is a medium that can be used to explore and play with identity, where the different aspects of a photographers cultural, social, geographical identity can be portrayed, and their views and opinions can be displayed for the viewer to understand and analyse.

The following is a mind-map including all examples of aspects that can be considered when taking photographs that experiment with identity:

Environmental factors such as the upbringing of the photographer, the lifestyle that they choose to lead, and the experiences they have had throughout their life that have shaped their thoughts and opinions all effect how a photographer will interpret the definition of identity.

Examples of Identity in Photography:

Photographers such as Shirin Neshat create images that more obviously involve the topic of cultural identity, and include bold, eye drawing subjects to allow the viewer to realize the initial concept of the image, while also adding less obvious, more metaphorical meanings that can create a discussion on cultural differences and tensions after further analysis of her images, the following is an example of her work:

(The eye catching subject of the image is the Arabic writing on the soles of the feet, which immediately indicates that the image is of cultural relevance. However, the use of the tag on the foot is more subjective, as it could indicate that the feet belong to that of a corpse, therefore opening a discussion about the violence and tension surrounding cultural minorities.)

Other photographers who choose to experiment with identity in their work. Photographer Tish Murtha experimented with social identity, taking into account and documenting the different aspects of society, and the differences between the social groups that make it up.  Her style allows for the life of the people in her images to be documented in a candid, natural fashion, while at the same time her images can be compared to show the differences between social groups at the time she was actively photographing, and the different struggles and issues that each social group faced. The below image is an example of her work:

This image can be said to be a candid image displaying children growing up in England in the 1970’s, however it also displays the importance of the developing bonds, connections and friendships between the children, and displays them as their own social group, independent fro adults, showing the complexities of the lives and relationships that children have.

Lack of Identity in Photography:

On top of photographers using photography to blatantly explore identity, some use it to distort or hide identity, allowing for the subject of the image to become less an individual. Hiding the identity of the subject of an image to create a sense of mystery and disassociation has been a popular tactic in art for years, a famous example being that of the painting “The Son of Man”,  by Rene Magritte (1946), where the subject of her image lacks identity due to the covering of his face with an apple:

“The Son of Man”,  by Rene Magritte (1946)

An example of a modern photographer who experiments with using a lack of identity in her images, is Polish photographer Michalina Wozniak in her Identity series, which makes use of blank masks in her photographs to hide the identity of her subject, opening up a dialogue for questions such as who the subject really, what their intentions are, and what they represent. An example of her work can be seen blow:

Michalina Wozniak; Identity series
AO1 Develop Ideas, AO2 Explore Ideas, Unit 2 Portrait

Lack/Loss of Identity – Shoot Ideas

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Mirror Illusions

When exploring different ideas for for this shoot (or multiple potential shoots) I came across the use of mirrors obscuring different parts of the body, and though this would be a great way to not only show the loss of identity in a person, but also have a further metaphorical meaning of how so many people ‘reflect’ onto other people when talking, not relieving how they really feel. Similar to the picture below (left), i wanted the mirror to cover the face of the subject, to show how people take ideas from around them, similar to how a mirror reflects. However, the pictures to the right show that using Photoshop to erase the inside of the mirror to show what is behind the subject (by taking one picture with a subject in frame and one without) makes the image look, in my opinion, a lot cleaner and even more professional.

Image result for mirror illusion photographymirror illusion photographyImage result for mirror illusion portraits

Multiple Exposures and Slow Shutter

While using mirrors is at the top of my priority list, I also wanted to focus on using double or multiple exposures, as well as long exposure times to create blurred and distorted images of peoples faces and features, further showing the nature of uncertainty of the subject’s identity. Using similar techniques as the pictures below, i want to create my own interpretation of them. As i have experimented with long exposures in the past for landscape photography in my own time, i understand the basics, however I have never really used a slow shutter speed when taking portraits unless it was absolutely necessary to bring up the exposure, but still using a tripod.

Image result for multiple exposure portraitsImage result for multiple exposure portraitsImage result for long exposure portraits

Other Ideas:

While the two techniques above are what interest me most, I will also try to explore different such as: burning printed images, using objects to obscure parts of the image, damaging the image(scratching, ripping, taring, etc.), digitally erasing parts of the image,  and selecting specific coloured areas.

Uncategorized

MOCK- IDENTIFYING IDENTITY

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Identity and place

The definition of identity is being who or what a person is. Identity can be influenced by many factors all of which effect peoples identity differently. One of the main factors effecting identity is the place at which people live in, for example. A person brought up in a religious environment means they could have been taught to believe in certain things. This means that their identity has been influenced by someone else and they therefore never had the opportunity to find their own beliefs and become there own person.

Types of identity

  • Social Identity – the portion of an individual’s self-concept derived from perceived membership in a relevant social group.
  • Cultural Identity – the feeling of belonging to a group, and culture is all the aspects that make up the way a person lives.
  • Geographical Identity – an individual’s sense of attachment to the region in which they live or the key characteristics in which a particular region/country associates with.
  • Lack/Loss of Identity – personal psychological conflict that involves confusion about one’s role in society or the sense of loss in a community.
  • Gender Identity – a person’s perception of their own or other people’s roles based on their gender.

Identity and place mood board 

Exploring different types of identity

Gender identity– A photographer called Simpson explored gender identity in photographs.

Cultural and national identity/ gender identity- A photographer named Paul Sepuya explored these identity in his photography.

Geographical, political and social identity- Rineke Dijksra explored these identities through her photography.

Gender identity- Sarah Maple was well known for her gender identity images.

Identity and belonging- This was shown through Francesca Woodman’s work.

Personal identity- Larry Sultan

Social/ community identity- Was explored in John Bulmer’s work

Social and class identity– Was shown in Robert Frank’s work

 

My thoughts on identity and place are very mixed. I am very drawn to the topic of ‘loss of identity’ due to it being a very relatable topic for many people. I am going to therefore be using this topic to express clear points about loss which will be done through the adobe Photoshop app.

Loss of identity-

Thoughts and ideas of loss of identity..

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AO1 Develop Ideas, AO2 Explore Ideas, AO3 Record Ideas, AO4 Present Ideas, Unit 2 Portrait

Photo montage case study- Peter Kennard

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Peter Kennard

Peter Kennard is an artist who was born and is based in London, who create photo montages. He is especially known for being involved in the Anti-Vietnam war movement and for being in favor of Nuclear Disarmament. Most of his photo montages are based on his political views and also on problems in society.

Mood board

Not my images.

Analysing

Image by Peter Kennard

Context

This photo montage was first seen in the Guardian on the 13th November, 1989.

Visual

In this image, we can see two hands shaking through a wall. Where but the hands are joined. The wall appears to be breaking.

Technical

This montages was created by placing prints and ink on card.

Conceptual

This is one of my favorite montages by Kennard as it conveys a very happy feeling. This image was published 4 days after the Berlin Wall began falling. Both the hands shaking from each side is symbolic in showing how West and East Germany were finally going to be united again. I believe that this shows that Kennard feels that’s it was a good thing that they were no longer going to be separated as he portrays their connection with a handshake, which is a peaceful and positive connection between two people.

 

Analysing

Soviet gag by Peter Kennard

Context

This montage was published in the socialist challenge on the 31st December 1977.

Visual

In this photo, we can see a close up image of a man who’s mouth is being covered with  piece of fabric what has the soviet Russian flag on it. The fabric gag is being held by 2 hands, but the body or face of the person isn’t seen.

Technical

This montages was printed onto card

Conceptual

During the time this montage was made, Russia and the entire USSR was under the rule of a communist government. During this time a lot of people’s thoughts and feelings were suppressed due to heavy government restrictions on freedom of speech. This is shown through the montage very literally, and the gag with the soviet flag on it is seen as stopping the man from talking.

AO1 Develop Ideas, AO2 Explore Ideas, Unit 2 Portrait

Identity and Place – Mood Board

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Definition:

Identity is the fact of being who or what a person or thing is. identity is a very personal subject as every person has a different identity, and can be influenced by a person’s situation, living environment, lifestyle, etc. For example, people brought up in a religious household, will be more likely to have religious views and beliefs, and these beliefs therefor become a part of their identity. However, identities are always changing, and that means that their views on different subjects and feelings towards different things will change as well. There are several different types of identity, including:

Gender identity – The self-perception of their own and other people’s roles based on their gender
Cultural identity – Belonging to a group of people and a culture, such as a religion or community, which influence a person’s life.
Social identity – how people identify and view others around them in society.

Geographical identity /political identity –  a sense of attachment to a place or political agenda that a person can relate and identify with.

Lack/Loss of identity –  The psychological view that a person has no role in society and lacks a sense of community, often brought on by the confusion of not knowing the kind of person you are and what role you play in society.

Mood Board:

I wanted to explore the ideas of the lack/loss of identity, as i feel there is a lot of room for exploring different techniques. Below are some ideas for the type of ideas that could influence my final piece of work for this unit.

mirror illusion photographyBurned photographs by Lucas SimoesVasilisa Forbes photographyscanography artists examplescan objects in photographycamera filters effectspuddle reflection photographyexperimental digital manipulation photography by Stephanie JungA Level Photography examples and ideascolour select technique used in photographycamera zoom photography techniqueblurred photographs by Mirjam Appelhof

AO2 Explore Ideas, AO3 Record Ideas, AO4 Present Ideas, Unit 2 Portrait

Photo Montage: Antonio Mora

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To cut the subject from the background I used the quick selection tool
To make the selection softer I used the refine edge option and drew around the edges using the brush
I applied the layer mask to remove the background
I applied a white background
I added the mountain image
I selected layer 0 (subject) and changed the blending mode to lighten
The subject is faded into the background
To cut out the rest of the mountain image, I applied the same mask on layer 2
I unlinked the two images in layer 2 and selected the mountain image and pressed ctrl T so I could move the image to a suitable area
To remove the fade, I selected layer 0 and made a copy of it
I then changed the blending mode of this layer from lighten to normal
I selected the layer mask and made sure that the foreground colour was black. I then pressed Alt + backspace to hide everything on the normal blend mode layer
I selected the brush tool and made sure the hardness was 0% to have a soft brush. I painted with white to bring the normal image back
I created a new adjustment layer and selected curves. This created contrast
Original
Photo Montage
Evaluation

To replicate Antonio Mora’s photo manipulation, I blended the subject and an image of nature to create a surreal artwork on Photoshop. I have merged two images together using various tools such as the blending mode, applying masks on layers, image adjustments and levels. I wanted to use the same technique of blending two images seamlessly to create an illusion for the viewer. This process has resulted in a portrait that consists of the natural and unnatural world. Antonio works with images he finds through the internet and fuses them together with his photo manipulation techniques. I captured images of my subject using my camera and found a landscape image of a mountain online. I got this image from a photographer called Jonathan Bean. Before capturing images of the subject I told her to wear a shirt that exposed her shoulders so it would be easier to select the subject with the quick selection tool on Photoshop. The person in the image was born in Gran Canaria, an island that has a variety of landscapes in a small space of rugged rock formations in the interior. In the North there is a fertile coastal landscape, in the South there are gentle dunes and a rocky coastline in the West. I decided to contrast the subject with a different environment by using an image of a snowy mountain range instead of sand dunes. This creates a sense of lost cultural identity. Since most of his double exposures are in black and white, I have applied the black and white adjustment onto my own so the two images blend better together since they are both tonal. I have also adjusted the contrast so the highlights and shadows can be bold. Although most of Antonio’s double exposures hide most of the subject’s face, I decided to only cover the hair to create a sharp outline of her head through the peaks of the mountain range.