Mind Map: Observe, Seek, Challenge

Moodboard: Artist and Photographer Inspirations

Through capturing photos of familiar subjects in domestic or seemingly unknown, juxtaposing locations, the photographers Cindy Sherman, Nan Goldin, Ed van der Elsken, Josh Kern, and Silken Weinberg could be exploring a deeper personal perception of the photographer’s self and the world around them. I am inspired by these photographers for my project because their photos appear to depict the world and their experiences in an uncompromising manner.

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Through capturing either a candid or staged photo of a familiar or unfamiliar subject(s), the photographers Daidō Moriyama, William Klein, Janette Beckman, Richard Bellia, and Henri Cartier-Bresson observe the people around them with their photography. The feel of impetuosity, or a ‘decisive moment’ within these photographs inspires me for my own photographs.

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Photographers who connect the human form and nature through a series of juxtapositions, photos of a natural form, or an abandoned man-made building overtaken by nature are Eva Voutsaki, Carla Ellens, Robert Frank, Stig Marlon Weston, Diane Fenster, Jeff Cowen, María Tudela, and Alicja Brodowicz. Some of these photographers also adapt and change their photographs after it is taken using a variety of different medias, either applying a layer of paint or texture on top or writing over the photo, and also such as Josh Kern.

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Caravaggio, Frans Hals, Rembrandt, and Édouard Manet are artists I have looked at for this project to inspire different compositions for my photos, and to further consider the depth and lighting of a photo in relation to how a painting/drawing of it would appear.

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Definitions

OBSERVE

To observe means: Watching, noticing something – exploring/observing

onlooker, watcher, commentator, voyeur, spectator, witness/eyewitness, bystander, sightseer, notice, perceive

Artists throughout history have observed the world around them and presented their artworks in a documentary style.

SEEK

To seek means: Attempt to find something / desire to obtain or achieve something

search for/look for, endeavour, detect, discover, pursue, strive, hunt, chase, quest

Artists throughout history have portrayed the human desire to seek and explore through different mediums in their creations.

CHALLENGE

To challenge means: A call to prove/justify something – usually competitive

question, opposition, defiance, dispute, confrontation, objection, exception, protest

Artists throughout history have challenged ideologies and conventions of their times, and have used their artworks to protest.