For my photo-montage I decided to link thematically to John Heartfield. While he had strong anti-Nazi messages in his works, I chose to link to my polish heritage and explore the communist era of Poland. I decided I wanted to show the negative impact that socialism had on Poland, it’s economy and it’s people. For the style of editing I used, I decided to make a piece similar to those by Martha Rosler. I used a multiply layer of a piece of crinkled paper as well as various filter in order to age the background and give it the appearance of a communist propaganda poster.
Photo montages are images created by manipulating pictures in a way where images may be overlapping or rearranged. If done by hand it will probably involve cutting and sticking, however photo montages can also be done through certain computer soft wares,like Photoshop.
History of photo montages
Historically, photo montages were used as a way to express people’s views on politics. Photo montages were used in 1915 in protests against World War 1, then it became a popular technique for surrealist artists who are artists who make art that shows the thoughts of the unconscious mind. Their work is usually very imaginative and creative. For this reason, photo montages became popular within them as it allows them to create pieces that are based on their imagination.
WHO – this is a recreation of Arnis Balčus’ work, using my own model in order to take form of the little boy
WHAT – the main objective of this photo shoot is to recreate and understand how Balčus creates his work and the symbolism which he chooses to include and adapting the environment and resources I have in order to recreate the photo in a similar way.
WHEN – the image was taken during mid day as I figured this would be a similar time of day judging by the original image and the direct sunlight in it
WHERE -the image was taken in an old communal garage space which resembles the location a lot in the image I am trying to recreate.
WHY – to understand the most suitable ways in which to photograph people, organize photo-shoots and comprehend the symbolism which has been used by the original artist
HOW – I used my regular DSLR camera for this photo shoot, all natural lighting.
FINAL IMAGE –
IMAGE I WAS RECREATINGRECREATED IMAGE
VISUAL ANALYSIS OF IMAGES –
VISUAL –
The image overall has a very gloomy and depressing mood around it. The depiction of a small child (recreated by a model which is also quite child like), looking at the empty beer bottle is synonymous with the prevailing alcohol abuse problem in Eastern Europe. The environment, which is worn and old, also suggests poverty and shortage of necessities for the child, almost using the beer bottles as toys. The child portrays sadness and loneliness. To put a modern twist on my own imagery, the glass bottle has been replaced with a speaker, as this is representative of the technology reliant youth of today. The weathered and old garages in the back of the image nicely contrast the main subject in the foreground by disturbing the repeating pattern. In order to have some similarities with the original image, the model is wearing a bright blue jacket, which immediately draws in the viewers eye to the center of the image. Both images can be split up with the rule of thirds, where the subject is situated in the middle of the image. The upwards facing power play between the camera and the model makes her seem a lot taller than reality, giving some power to the subject. The neutral expression of the model also creates a theme of confusion and mystery in the image as the viewer is not clear on what the subject is feeling. The direction in which the subject is looking at, leads also the viewers eyes down to the ground where the speaker is (situated in the bottom left third of the image). The overall color scheme of the image is dull and neutral, being mostly made up of subtle blues and grays.
TECHNICAL –
This photo was taken during late morning, on a cloudy overcast day. I especially chose this day due to the fact that this is what resembled most in the photo I was trying to recreate. I set the white balance of my camera to the “cloudy” setting in order to achieve well balanced images. As it was a cloudy, yet still bright day, I turned down the ISO of my camera down to 200 to avoid the image being overexposed. As this was a very staged image, and the subject was standing still, I chose to use a tripod to make sure the image is crisp without any motion blur, due to this I kept my aperture mid way at 1/125 as I wasn’t concerned with the camera moving. I had a very clear idea of the positioning of the model and the prop therefore I first angled my camera and refereed to the original image for guidance. After a couple of shots, I was confident in the final image therefore contact sheets for this photo shoot weren’t necessary.
CONCEPTUAL –
The main objective of this photo shoot was to make sure that what I was recreating conveyed similar visual elements as the original image, using a model of a small stature and an environment which is very similar as the original. Of course as I am not the original photographer, not in the same environment, I have had to adapt and make do with the resources I have resulting in the differences seen in the image. I wanted to convey a different social issue which affects us here in Jersey, relating to our environment and society, with the presence of the speaker on the ground. Representing how technology dependent the youth is, looking to it for guidance, happiness and companionship. This effecting social skills and the way in which children grow up and interact with one another.
CONTEXTUAL –
At the end of the 1980s all the countries of eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union enjoyed relatively high levels of human development and social welfare. Extensive social investments during the period of communist rule meant that literacy was almost universal, and well above other countries with comparable levels of per capita income, and life expectancy averaged 68 years. Unemployment was unheard of and – at least officially –poverty did not exist. Few commentators could have foreseen that the process of transition towards market economies and democratic governments would have been so tumultuous and accompanied by such high costs in terms of individual well-being, particularly among the countries of the new Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). The collapse of economic output in many of these countries following independence, along with hyperinflation that wiped out individual savings, resulted in a dramatic drop in living standards for the majority of people and the emergence of poverty as a major issue within the region. Increasing poverty leading people to alcoholism and the use of it in daily life.
Nearly all the top 15 biggest drinking nations are in Central or Eastern Europe. Poverty and the harsh climate, particularly in Russia, play a part, as does the tradition of drinking. “Where it’s extremely cold it’s not uncommon for people to drink all day long,” said Val Smith, president of International Wine and Spirits, which provided the data on per-capita alcohol consumption.
And particularly in agrarian regions; farmers often produce their own home brews from anything ranging from potatoes to sugar beets, making alcohol very accessible and very cheap, said Smith. This also makes per capita consumption hard to measure, with official figures sometimes well below actual consumption rates.
To produce tableau vivant images, the studio was used in order retain full control over things such as lighting and the background. The images that we decided to replicate were the following:
“Last Supper” – David Lachapelle“Liberty leading the people” – Delacroix
All of the above images were chosen for their story telling visuals, as each image portrays a still frame from what would usually be depicted as a fast moving scene.
The products of the photo-shoot we conducted in the studio can be seen in the contact sheets below:
Key:
Red F: Out of focus, Red P: Subject in the wrong position, Green F: slightly out of focus, Green P: subject in slightly incorrect position, Red box: discarded image, Green box: selected for possible to final image
The above images were taken by a range of other students within the photography class, and the lighting and prop management was coordinated by a range of photography students as well. After analyzing the end results for the tableaux photo-shoots, I have decided on the following 2 final images:
The unedited final image (1)The edited final image (1)
Above is the final edited image from the photo-shoot in which we attempted to recreate “Liberty Leading the People”, a painting created by Delacroix. This image required props in order to create a flag, and the studio was used in order to draw maximum attention to the subjects in the foreground. The lighting in this image is focused on the subject representing Liberty, and the rest of the image is relatively shaded. This is done to mimic the atmosphere of a war setting, and the saturation as been turned up slightly to mimic the slightly orange tone of the original image. The image has also been edited to remove the white floor and curtains in the background, allowing or the image seem slightly more realistic
The unedited final image (2)The edited final image (2)
The image above is the final edited image from our attempt to mimic the photograph taken by Lachapelle, “Last Supper”. For this image we used a table as a prop, and pointed the lighting towards the subject in the middle of the table, accentuating the fact that this subject is supposed to represent Jesus. Editing has resulted in the darkening of the background, which allows for the scene to draw maximum attention to the subjects and the foreground.
My idea is to replicate abstract portrait paintings. These paintings all reflect someones individual identity and how they think they are perceived in the world. For example, Frida Kahlo’s work is all about her empowerment because when creating her work, women were seen as the weaker gender in society. Kahlo’s paintings often feature root imagery with roots growing out of her body to tie her to the ground, reflecting in a positive sense the theme of personal growth; in a negative sense of being trapped in a particular place, time and situation; and finally in an ambiguous sense of how memories of the past influence the present for either good and/or ill. In ‘My Grandparents and I’, Kahlo painted herself as a ten-year holding a ribbon that grows from an ancient tree that bears the portraits of her grandparents and other ancestors while her left foot is a tree trunk growing out of the ground, reflecting Kahlo’s view of humanity’s unity with the earth and her own sense of unity with Mexico.
These portraits were all a key turning point within the world or artistic culture: with Picasso who covered a range of topics from isolation to family. These artists opened the worlds eyes to abstract art which is understandable. They portrayed ideas in such augmented realities that they made sense.
My plan
My photo shoot plan fro Tableau photography is to replicate these paintings on peoples faces so that I can reflect the physicality and emotions behind these abstract portraits.
Frida Kahlo is going to be my main influence due to her views are so strong in her time in society. I would recreate scenes from the biopic movie ‘Frida’ give a sense of what her life was outside of her controversial paintings.
‘Wicked tells the incredible untold story of an unlikely but profound friendship between two young women who first meet as sorcery students at Shiz University: the blonde and very popular Glinda and a misunderstood green girl named Elphaba. Following an encounter with The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, their friendship reaches a crossroads and their lives take very different paths. Glinda’s unflinching desire for popularity sees her seduced by power while Elphaba’s determination to remain true to herself, and to those around her, will have unexpected and shocking consequences for her future. Their extraordinary adventures in Oz will ultimately see them fulfil their destinies as Glinda The Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.’
https://www.wickedthemusical.co.uk/london/about
Mood Board
Defying Gravity
Taken from Google
In the defying gravity seen we see Glinda and Elphaba caught in a room, needing to make a plan and fast. When the protagonist Elphaba casts a spell to make a broom stick fly she decides she will escape using that. She then invites her good friend Glinda to join and escape together but Glinda declines as it is not in her nature to rebel. The Guards break into the room and take Glinda Elphaba is seen traveling down the stage saying “It’s not her she has nothing to do with it I’m the one you want” The guards let go of the blonde girl and stare at Elphaba in awe as she takes to the sky.
Popular
Taken From Google
Popular is the scene where we know the two girls are attempting to get on, but of course on Glinda’s terms. This scene is Glinda giving her new friend Elphaba a make over to make her more popular and appealing to other students at the university. Of course she “Glindafies” her making her seem like a duplicate. We see Elphaba go through the different stages, from taking her hair down to tossing her hair. Eventually, a pink flower is placed in the green witches hair, creating an emotional reaction with the audience. Elphaba is then seen running of the stage in tears.
No Good Deed
Taken From Google
In no good deed we are faced with Elphaba rising onto the stage with her spell book screaming Fieryo, the name of the boy she loves. This man has been taken by the guards to be killed. The green witch is then seen casting a spell to try and keep her loved one alive, but then backtracks and reminds herself on the damage she has caused to her loved ones. She then comes to the conclusion that she is Wicked.
Contact Sheets
Edits With Story Telling
This is my photograph showing the Defying Gravity scene. The protagonist Elphaba is seen in the centre of the image with wind blowing through her hair, presenting the idea that she is in the sky. She is holding her broom high into the air, showing she is proud and is looking towards the broom. The fact that she is not looking at the lens presents the idea that she should not look back and that she is determined to succeed in what she does now. The story behind this shows how she does not need to do as people say and that others should not determine the life that she lives. It portrays her empowering character as a role model to others, it is used to present the views of feminists and how men do not rule to world. This message can be used in any context, for example it could show that A Levels do not define who we are and won’t stop us reaching our hopes and dreams if we fail them. The purpose of this photograph is to inspire others. When editing this image I decided to make the image darker allowing her different tones of green to be presented and allows Elphaba to stand out from the background. To achieve this I just levelled and and adjusted the curves.
In my no good deed Tableaux we are presented with the green witch in the centre of the frame. She has her spell book open and is casting a spell, shown by her hand movements. The neutral facial expression and direct eye contact with the lens implies the worries and concerns the character has. To story trying to be told is that magic can not fix up our lives. Obviously, we can not cast spells in real life so when transferring this message into the real world it is essentially saying think before we do something as we do not know how it is going to affect others around us. This is a sensitive image as multiple emotions can be interpreted by my models face. Unfortunately, the face of the model is not the main focus point is is sort of out of focus, this loose some of the overall effect and may lead to misinterpretations of the photography. To edit this photograph I just levelled and and adjusted the curves in order to make the image seem naturally darker.
Within this photograph we have the two witches staring at each other, which was inspired by the ‘What is this feeling’ scene. We see Glinda staring at Elphaba with neutral facial expression and sort of squinting her eyes which informs us that she despises the green witch. On the other hand, Elphaba has a smile on her face which informs viewers that she finds it funny that Glinda loathes her. To edit this photograph I just levelled and and adjusted the curves in order to make the image seem naturally darker.
In my final image I wanted to capture the personality of Glinda and the moment when the two girls finally bond. We can see Glinda playing with the hair of Glinda with a big smile on her face, this informs viewers that Glinda is a girly girl and enjoys giving others makeovers and playing with peoples hair. In contrast Elphaba does not seem that fazed by it showing her tomboy side. The contrast shows that for the two witches to be neutral the green witch has to compromise and try and begin to like what Glinda wants. This presents the idea that girls are only concerned with hair, makeup and their phones, but clearly they are not which is demonstrated by Elphaba. Due to the harsh lighting, it allows the two witches to stand out from the background allowing the message to come across better. To edit this photograph I just levelled and adjusted the curves in order to make the image seem naturally darker.
Comparison
When comparing my work to The Entombment of Christ (Deposizione) (1601-3) there are some similarities and differences. The main difference is that my tableaux covers issues that teenagers face today, whereas the artist research shows a major event which took place in 1601. A similarity is the of plain backgrounds which allows the story to be the main focus point allowing the storyline to be outlined clearly within the photograph. Another difference is that my tableaux is a photograph which allowed me to experiment more with lighting, shutter speed and depth of field, compared to the painting made in 1603. Moreover, a lot of thought has been put into my tableaux as I considered costumes, lighting, props, background and facial expressions of my models. Doing this allows a full story to be told, I learnt this from when I researched The Entombment of Christ (Deposizione). In my Defying Gravity image I took inspiration from the painting to use the chiaroscuro effect which has allowed parts of the models body and face to be lit up and gradually get darker, which has allowed a more dramatic effect and tone to be added to my final image.
Evaluation
To evaluate I believe that my tableaux was successful, due to the techniques and skills I have acquired from doing a class tableaux. I was successfully able to create a story within a picture, which is clear for viewers to understand. I have also been able to put in multiple elements to create a successful Tableaux. If I was to do another tableaux I would aim to look at a more religious approach, as I believe the final images would be able to produce a more meaningful representation of a story to viewers, as everyone would understand. I would also at potentially looking at a different editing strategy in order to make the images more dramatic. Although I enjoyed looking at this style of portraiture I do not think that I will continue this idea.
A tableau vivant (often shortened to tableau, plural:tableaux vivants), French for ‘living picture’, is a static scene containing one or more actors or models. They are stationary and silent, usually in costume, carefully posed, with props and/or scenery, and may be theatrically lit.
Ryan Schude, of a family camping in a WinnebagoCaravaggio – The Entombment of Christ
In the studio, I initially took about 300 photos. I narrowed them down to about 9 and edited each of them so I would have a bigger choice of photos to choose from for my finals.
using double exposure, I created the effect of two people being present.
Here, I used a pink filter of the one point light.
For the next three photos I increased the haze so that they would look somewhat surreal, almost dreamy.
Tableaux 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.
The term was first used in the eighteenth century by French philosopher Denis Diderot to describe paintings with this type of composition. 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.
It can be used to create surreal landscapes and visions, expressing or pursuing existing ideas, thoughts and situations,
Tableaux photography is staged, and the final outcome was made purposefully with an idea in mind.
Within this photograph we have the two witches staring at each other, which was inspired by the ‘What is this feeling’ scene. We see Glinda staring at Elphaba with neutral facial expression and sort of squinting her eyes which informs us that she despises the green witch. On the other hand, Elphaba has a smile on her face which informs viewers that she finds it funny that Glinda loathes her. To edit this photograph I just levelled and and adjusted the curves in order to make the image seem naturally darker.
In my final image I wanted to capture the personality of Glinda and the moment when the two girls finally bond. We can see Glinda playing with the hair of Glinda with a big smile on her face, this informs viewers that Glinda is a girly girl and enjoys giving others makeovers and playing with peoples hair. In contrast Elphaba does not seem that fazed by it showing her tomboy side. The contrast shows that for the two witches to be neutral the green witch has to compromise and try and begin to like what Glinda wants. This presents the idea that girls are only concerned with hair, makeup and their phones, but clearly they are not which is demonstrated by Elphaba. Due to the harsh lighting, it allows the two witches to stand out from the background allowing the message to come across better. To edit this photograph I just levelled and adjusted the curves in order to make the image seem naturally darker.
