MOODBOARD
For my project I am inspired by visual artists who give meaning through their models and their identity portrayed through a storyboard or setting/pose, for example Jim Goldberg – who centers his pieces around the individuals he photographs. I wanted to portray youth culture in my eyes which is through music and the way people idolize musicians even though in reality the music scene that is highly glamorized was built on money and violence.
My moodboard is a mix of visual and conceptual artists – for example Jenny Holzer, a neo-conceptual artist. The main focus of her work is the delivery of words and ideas in public spaces, for example on billboards or buildings.
Jim Goldberg is an American artist and photographer, whose work reflects long-term, in-depth collaborations with neglected, ignored, or otherwise outside-the-mainstream populations. His work looks into the identity of ‘outcasts’ illustrated with writing usually from the individual he is photographing. Goldberg is best known for his photographic books, multi-media exhibits, and video installations, among them: Rich and Poor (1985), Nursing Home, Raised by Wolves (1995), Hospice, and Open See (2009).
“At that time my father had a degenerative disease so it was like living with a disabled person and I think that, perhaps, created some sensitivity in me for people who were different, or the other. I didn’t really fit in to my family as much as they wanted me to and I think that lead me eventually to photography.
In 1995, Goldberg published his project ‘Raised by Wolves’ as a photobook where he explored the lives of a troubled youth living on the streets of California – a work spanning over ten years (1985-1995). Unveiling their realities filled with addiction, abuse and violence, Goldberg put into spotlight those who exist on fringes and often remain invisible to the mainstream society.
I am inspired by Goldberg’s work because of his unique take on identity and his use of writing on his photos to give the viewer a better understanding of who he’s photographing and why.
Bob Gruen is an American author and photographer known for his rock ‘n’ roll photographs. By the mid 1970s Gruen was already regarded as one of the foremost photographers in music working with major artist such as John Lennon, Tina Turner, The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, Elton John, and Kiss.
Shortly after John Lennon moved to New York in 1971, Gruen became John and Yoko’s personal photographer and friend, making photos of their working life as well as private moments. In 1974 he created the iconic images of John Lennon wearing a New York City t-shirt and, standing in front of the Statue of Liberty making the peace sign – two of the most popular of Lennon’s images.
I am inspired by Gruen’s work not only because of the iconic celebrities he photographed but also the way he captured them – both photos I’ve used in this post represent identity in two different ways, for example the photo of The Clash in the moving car could represent the fast lifestyle most musicians lived by the way the photo was taken, as opposed to the headshot photos of John Lennon that appears to capture different sides of his personality.
Good – wide range of possible inspirations.
Please add your intro, definition and blog post on Claude Cahun too, as well as photo shoot plans and initial images / contact sheets