The new topography relates to an exhibition by William Jenkins of stripped back landscape photos relating to the urban expansion of the 70s
Stephan Shore is a urban photographer known for his vivid, bright and colourful photography. His book, Uncommon Places documents his journey around America and gives energy to the most mundane objects such as gas stations and signs. This almost technicolour style is what I want to emulate in my own work.
KEYWORDS
Retro, Old Hollywood, American, Desert, Warm, Grime
FORM
This photo is of a large sign in Amarillo, Texas. It appears to have been left in disarray and is a reminder of the Golden Age with the retro 50s font and light pastel colours that are once again popular. It seems like the sign is for a shop or attraction, evident by the wording, ‘OPEN FRI SAT SUN’. The vintage qualities of this image are further emphasised through the warm yellows of the landscape which instantly age it, connoting photos and other objects yellowed with age.
CONTENT
The photo was taken in the aftermath of the Watergate crisis, just 2 months after the resignation of president Richard Nixon. The dated and worn sign could be used as a metaphor for aging political practises and opinions. just like how old Hollywood and the golden era for film was ending. It was also taken at the time of the Chipko movement, peacefully protesting for conservation of trees. It could be argued that the contrast between the grimy sign in a desert wasteland contrasted with the minimal amount of greenery is reflective of this.
PROCESS
The photo book this image is from was taken on a road trip around america showcasing a variety of landscapes. Because of this a small portable camera with limited photography equipment was probably used to take it. Due to the brightness of the sun it is easy to hazard a guess that the photo was taken with an aperture of around f/22 with an ISO around 100-200