For this project, I wanted to take pictures of a timber pile near my house. I think this will fit with the idea of binary opposites as the pile is in a field and contains man made objects, such as wooden grates, plastic covers, pipes and chairs. Furthermore, I think it will fit with the theme of ISLANDNESS as it mirrors the idea of natural vs. man-made or nature vs urban, which is important for Jersey’s residents.
Contact Sheet
Editing Process
From the contact sheet, I narrowed my image selection down to around 20 images
I also gave the images a star rating to further narrow down the selection
Best Images
From this photoshoot, I have ended up with these images which I consider the best from this photoshoot. I like these images because each of them have elements from both a natural and man made subject matter, as well as that they look visually pleasing.
Evaluation
I’m happy with this small project as I think the images, as I have said prior, match with my initial idea of using the binary opposite of nature and man-made subject from within the same image. I think the effect this creates is effective and could link well to my personal study, I could revisit this site for that project with a different theme/topic at a later date for my personal study. I took these images at a later time in the day, so the colours in the natural parts of the images such as the grass, trees and leaves, are vibrant and contrast greatly with the darker, less colourful man-made objects.
The flags of (from the left) the Isle of Man, Guernsey and Jersey
A Crown Dependency is defined as being not a part of the UK, but are owned by the British Crown as self-governing islands. The crown dependencies include Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man. Being self-governing, each island has its own laws, parliament and currencies, giving them an independence while being connected to the British crown.
A map of where the crown dependencies are.
Jersey as a Crown Dependency
In 1066, Duke William of Normandy had become King William I following his conquest of England, meaning the Channel Islands became a part of the Duchy of Normandy. In 1205, following the Battle of Rouen involving English King John and French King Philippe-Auguste, Normandy was lost to England, as well as the Duchy of Normandy.
A portrait of King John
As a result, Jersey was persuaded to align themselves with English rule, as opposed to the French whom had been ruling them for over 100 years. The English King granted them the right to be self-governed, making their own laws and having their own court. Since, a governor, or warden, was appointed by the Kings/Queens to represent them in Jersey.
Stamps of each Jersey parish
The royal court would consult with the Constables (Connétables) of each parish to connect with the people living in Jersey, as well as the church. This led to the States of Jersey being formalised due to the connection with the people, church and courts of Jersey. Eventually, Deputies and Senators were introduced to the states in favour of Jurats and rectors.
Response to Crown Dependencies: Binary Opposites
In response to the idea of crown dependencies, that seem to oppose (or be opposite to) some things from the mainland, we were tasked with the prompt of taking pictures to do with Binary Opposites. A binary opposite is are terms/things that are a direct opposite to each other. To get some ideas for the themes I could take pictures of, I will list some binary opposites below:
Good vs. Evil
Nature vs. Culture
Rural vs. Urban
Inside vs. Outside
Day vs. Night
Cold vs. Warm
Public vs. Personal
Up vs. Down
New/Young vs. Old
Male vs. Female
Body vs. Mind
e.t.c…
Here are some photographs I have found that I can use to give me ideas for the idea of binary opposites. I looked for images that are opposite in colour and tone, as well as themes such as urban vs. rural and day vs. night. I think these are the types of images I want to take for this photoshoot, as they are simple opposites to understand, while allowing for creativity in the photos themselves. In particular, I think an urban vs rural theme would fit into the idea of ‘Islandness’ and Jersey as a Crown dependency and its relationship with the UK.
Rut Blees Luxemburg (born 1967) is a German-born British photographer. Her technique is to take photographs at night, mostly exploring the urban landscape. She is a Tutor at the Royal College of Art. In 2020, Luxemburg was awarded an Honorary Fellowship of the Royal Photographic Society, Bristol.
Luxemburg studied photography at London College of Communication and gained her last formal education at the University of Westminster. She employs long exposures to allows her to use the light emanating from the street only, for instance from office blocks or street lights in her photos.
The Crown Dependencies are not part of the UK but are self-governing dependencies of the Crown. This means they have their own directly elected government and legal systems and their own courts of law. The Crown Dependencies are not represented in the UK Parliament. There are three crown dependencies the Bailiwick of Guernsey, the Bailiwick of Jersey and the Isle of Man, tis means they are not member states of the Commonwealth of Nations but they do have a relationship with the Commonwealth, different international organisations and are members of the British-Irish Council.
The Channel Islands is comprised of two Crown Dependencies the Bailiwicks of Jersey and Guernsey. The Bailiwick of Guernsey is comprised of the Islands of Guernsey, Alderney, Sark and Herm. They have wide powers of self-government, although primary legislation passed by the assemblies requires approval by The Queen in Council (Privy Council). The United Kingdom Government is responsible for the defence and international relations of the Islands and the Crown is ultimately responsible for good governance.
Jersey is a British Crown Dependency and is defended and internationally represented by the UK government. Today, the Lieutenant-Governor of Jersey is the personal representative of His Majesty the King here in the Island. “The Crown” is defined differently in each Crown Dependency. In Jersey, statements in the 21st century of the constitutional position by the Law Officers of the Crown define it as the “Crown in right of Jersey”, with all Crown land in the Bailiwick of Jersey belonging to the Crown in right of Jersey and not to the Crown Estate of the United Kingdom.
Why is Jersey a Crown Dependency?
Jersey is classified as a Crown Dependency, since the Island’s relationship stems from the sovereignty of the British Crown, as opposed to the UK Parliament or HM Government. In practice, this gives the Island constitutional rights of self government and judicial independence.
Jersey is not part of the UK and is not represented in the UK Parliament. The UK Parliament does not legislate for the Island without consent, however, the UK Government, on behalf of the Crown, does retain formal responsibility for the Island’s defence and, to some extent, its foreign affairs.
In May 2007, Jersey’s Chief Minister signed the International Identity Framework Document with the UK Secretary of State for Constitutional Affairs. The framework is intended to clarify the constitutional relationship between the UK and Jersey. The framework recognises that Jersey has an international identity which is distinct from that of the UK and outlines the UK’s support for the development of Jersey’s international identity.
How did Jersey become a Crown Dependency?
The Channel Islands were part of the Duchy of Normandy when Duke William, following his conquest of England in 1066, became William I. In 1106, William’s youngest son Henry I seized the Duchy of Normandy from his brother Robert; since that time, the English and subsequently British Sovereign has held the title Duke of Normandy.
By 1205, England had lost most of its French lands, including Normandy. However, the Channel Islands, part of the lost Duchy, remained a self-governing possession of the English Crown. While the islands today retain autonomy in government, they owe allegiance to The Queen in her role as Duke of Normandy.
The Crown Dependencies are not part of the UK but are self-governing dependencies of the Crown. This means they have their own directly elected legislative assemblies, administrative, fiscal and legal systems and courts of law. The Crown Dependencies are not represented in the UK Parliament. Crown Dependencies have the international status of “territories for which the United Kingdom is responsible” rather than sovereign states. The relationship between the Crown Dependencies and the UK is “one of mutual respect and support, i.e. a partnership”. There is a significant gap between the official and operational relationship between the UK and the islands.
Crown Dependancies in the British Isles: Jersey, Guernsey, The Isle of Man, Alderney, and Sark.
Crown Dependancies have not been colonies of the UK, and they aren’t Oversees Territories like Gibraltar. (these have a different relationship with the UK). The Constitutional relationship of the islands is maintained through the crown, but not in a formal constitutional document. HM UK government is responsible for the defence and international relations of the Islands. The Crown, acting through a council, is ultimately responsible for ensuring their good government.
A video about British crown dependancies
Jersey’s history as a Crown Dependency
The Channel Islands were part of the Duchy of Normandy when Duke William, following his conquest of England in 1066, became William I. In 1106, William’s youngest son Henry I seized the Duchy of Normandy from his brother Robert. Since that time, the English, and subsequently British Sovereign has held the title Duke of Normandy. By 1205, England had lost most of its French lands, including Normandy. However, the Channel Islands which were part of the lost Duchy remained a self-governing possession of the English Crown. While the Islands today retain autonomy in government, they owe allegiance to the Crown in their role as Duke of Normandy.
Normandy, France.
Each island has total control over its laws – including setting its own public holidays, which meant that even though King Charles III approved the day of his mother’s funeral as a bank holiday in the United Kingdom, both Jersey and Guernsey’s governments had to give their approval before the change came into effect there. The 1973 report of the Royal Commission on the Constitution – which examined the structures of the constitution of the United Kingdom and the British Islands – referred to the constitutional position of the Crown Dependencies as ‘unique’. It stated: “In some respects, they are like miniature states with wide powers of self-government, while their method of functioning through committees is much more akin to that of United Kingdom local authorities.” A 2010 Justice Committee report highlighted the “essential independence” between the Crown Dependencies and the UK and “their independence from each other”. The same report emphasised that the Crown Dependencies’ relationship is with the Crown rather than the UK.
Jersey’s Government as a Crown Dependency
Because Jersey is a dependency of the British Crown, King Charles III reigns in Jersey. “The Crown” is defined by the Law Officers of the Crown as the “Crown in right of Jersey”. The King’s representative and adviser on the island are the Lieutenant Governor of Jersey – Vice-Admiral Jerry Kyd since 8 October 2022. He is a point of contact between Jersey ministers and the UK Government and carries out some functions in relation to immigration control, deportation, naturalisation and the issue of passports. In 1973, the Royal Commission on the Constitution set out the duties of the Crown as including ultimate responsibility for the good government of the Crown Dependencies; international representation, subject to consultation with the island authorities before concluding any agreement which would apply to them; ensuring the islands meet their international obligations, and defence.
The States Building in St Helier
Jersey’s unicameral (one assembly of voting) legislature is the States Assembly. It includes 49 elected members: 8 senators (elected on an island-wide basis), 12 Connétables (often called ‘constables’, heads of parishes) and 29 deputies (representing constituencies), all elected for four-year terms as of the October 2011 elections. There are also five non-voting members appointed by the Crown: the Bailiff, the Lieutenant Governor of Jersey, the Dean of Jersey, the Attorney General and the Solicitor General. The Bailiff is the President (presiding officer) of the States Assembly, head of the judiciary and as civic head of the island carries out various ceremonial roles. The Council of Ministers, consisting of a Chief Minister and nine ministers, makes up the leading body of the Government of Jersey. Each minister may appoint up to two assistant ministers. A Chief Executive is the head of the civil service. Some governmental functions are carried out in the island’s parishes.
The Crown Dependencies are not part of the UK but are self-governing dependencies of the Crown. This means they have their own directly elected legislative assemblies, administrative, fiscal and legal systems and their own courts of law. The Crown Dependencies are not represented in the UK Parliament.
The British Islands that are involved in this system of the dependency are the Bailiwick of Guernsey, the Bailiwick of Jersey, and the Isle of Man. They are not part of the United Kingdom nor are they British Overseas Territories.
Why is Jersey a Crown Dependency?
The Channel Islands is comprised of two Crown Dependencies the Bailiwicks of Jersey and Guernsey. The Bailiwick of Guernsey is comprised of the Islands of Guernsey, Alderney, Sark and Herm.
In each Bailiwick, the Queen’s personal representative is the Lieutenant Governor, who since the mid-eighteenth century has acted as the channel of communication between the Sovereign and the Channel Islands’ government. The United Kingdom Government is responsible for the defence and international relations of the Islands and the Crown is ultimately responsible for good governance.
Jersey flag
Isle of man flag
Guernsey flag
In fulfilling its responsibilities to the Islands, the Crown acts through the Privy Council. The Secretary of State for Justice and Lord Chancellor is the Privy Counsellor and the minister responsible for the affairs of the Channel Islands. In the Channel Islands The Queen is known as The Duke of Normandy. At official functions, islanders raise the loyal toast to ‘The Duke of Normandy, our Queen’. The Queen has visited the islands on various occasions, most recently in May 2005 to mark the 60th anniversary of their liberation from German occupation.
History behind Jersey becoming self governing
Duke of Normandy
In 1204 King John lost the Battle of Rouen against the French King Philippe-Auguste. The defeat signalled the loss of continental Normandy, united with the English Crown since the invasion of England by William the Conqueror in 1066. In 1106, William’s youngest son Henry I seized the Duchy of Normandy from his brother Robert; since that time, the English and subsequently British Sovereign has held the title Duke of Normandy. By 1205, England had lost most of its French lands, including Normandy. However, the Channel Islands, part of the lost Duchy, remained a self-governing possession of the English Crown. While the islands today retain autonomy in government, they owe allegiance to The Queen in her role as Duke of Normandy.
Among the privileges which the King granted Islanders was the right to be governed by their own laws and he instructed them to select their 12 best men as Jurats who, sitting with the Bailiff, became the Island’s Royal Court. A warden, later to become governor, was appointed by the King to organise the defence of the Island.
LaToya Ruby Frazier is an American artist and professor of photography at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. In her work she explores industrialism, environmental justice, access to healthcare, access to clean water, workers’ and human rights, family and communal history. She is known for her book ‘The Notion of Family’.
Context:
In The Notion of Family (her first book), LaToya Ruby Frazier offers an incisive exploration of the legacy of racism and economic decline in America’s small towns, as embodied by Braddock, Pennsylvania, Frazier’s hometown. The work also considers the impact of that decline on the community and on her family, creating a statement both personal and truly political–an intervention in the histories and narratives of the region that are dominated by stories of Andrew Carnegie and Pittsburgh’s industrial past, but largely ignore those of black families and the working classes. Frazier has set her story of three generations–her Grandma Ruby, her mother and herself–against larger questions of civic belonging and responsibility. The work also documents the demise of Braddock’s only hospital, reinforcing the idea that the history of a place is frequently written on the body as well as the landscape.
Moodboard:
LaToya Ruby Frazier: The Notion of Family [2001-2014]
“… photography could liberate a new way of seeing and a radical consciousness”
“At times the text functions as an image and the photograph becomes the visual language that creates tension.”
Analysis:
“Momme” by LaToya Ruby Frazier (2008)
I chose to look at this image in particular because I think it’s quite powerful. It’s a black and white image which allows the viewer to focus on the subject and it consists of LaToya and her mother. In the image we see that her mother is facing the right side and we can only see her side profile and eyes that are shut. Behind her, there is LaToya looking straight at the camera/ viewer; her facial features line up nicely with her mother’s which makes it look like they are connected.
