Bianka Schumann –

Bianka Schumann focused on the idea of memory, and explored this from two perspectives, the first reflects on adolescence and what she called ‘no mans land’. The space between childhood and maturity. And the second being nostalgia, memory of things that sometimes we don’t remember, the memories hidden away that are enclosed by our minds. Which are usually deeply personal and not something some people may want to share.

Her work –

I feel like the prominent use of natural light in Bianka’s work give an incredible idea of the instinctive and regular life during childhood, I feel like the flame in the top middle photograph shows almost a vulnerability of the time of adolescence through its inclusion. The unease and danger that lurks through the symbolism of a flame is a very powerful way of showing how critical this time is for everyone.

The blurred or unfocused background in majority of these photos bring a very spotlighted feeling to them, the immediate focus and grasp these pictures get the viewer with is so powerful. It almost shows the desperation that is shown through the photo. It could be a case where the artist wants to bring attention to that part of their OWN life because of repressed memories or negative experiences.

Naturalistic backgrounds are seen all through this photoshoot. I believe the inclusion of this is to almost help the artist herself believe that it was natural, childhood and growing up is something everyone goes through, bad or good, it happens. I also love the inclusion of a sibling ( I think ) in this case. The perspective it gives to the audience is so powerful. Going through childhood without siblings is a completely different experience then when your surrounded by siblings all the time. it gives an idea of connection and unconditional love throughout the photoshoot.

Application –

I want to apply Bianka’s ideas of nostalgia and memory into my personal study. Since my main idea is to pursue the theme of childhood and growing up as a girl and the hardships and memories I have from my own childhood. I believe that nostalgia can be a very powerful approach to expressive work, it resonates with a very large group of people in however way you want to portray it.

Because of the inclusion of nostalgia I want to show in my work, Bianka’s use of natural light. I feel could help emphasise that a lot more. Studio lighting and artificial lights can sometimes come across as too harsh and I don’t want my photographs to look too staged. I almost want them to be candid but with some staging just for perfectionism purposes.

Catherine Panebianco –

Catherine Panebianco is a photographer from British Columbia, Canada. Her photography has been shown in art rooms all over the world, from shows in the US to internationally. Winning 1st place in numerous award shows such as the international photography awards. Catherine’s work looks for a sense of belonging, and place. Looking at memories and home, whether that is places or people she loves. Her work looks at how we connect with others, with our past and ourselves.

Her work –

Catherine’s work varies in technicality. The use of the natural light really captures the ease and thought that links to nostalgia, with no artificial memories just raw. I feel like natural light can help develop the idea of memories and their undeniable link to each and every person and the fragile memories that may come with it.

The use of the soft focus background ( blurry ) is an extremely powerful tool that has been used in this photoshoot. It immediately changes your focus to the polaroid photo in each picture, showing the focal point right off the bat, allowing the viewers to start from the centre of the image, whilst the rest of the art comes in when they take a wider look.

I also love the personal feeling this art piece holds. It may be subtle but the inclusion of the artists hand in each photo, allows each viewer to have a separate and individual relationship with the art and the artist. I also believe that this small detail almost takes the serious connotation this photoshoot may hold and while it is a professional piece that is very successful, I feel that it allows a relaxing and calm, nostalgic environment surrounding the piece.

Application –

I want to apply Catherine’s idea of a focal point into my project because I believe the use of archived photos as a main point in a photo can bring in the sense of nostalgia very strongly and with personal memories being what I want to focus on overall, the use of the archived photos really bring that to light.

Again, the use of natural light is definitely something I want to include in my work, to bring almost a comforting, natural feel. With the idea of understanding not just others but ourselves, I feel natural light has a powerful way of bringing things together and intertwining them as one. The warm feeling of the sun and the comforting feeling of the outside, can bring thousands of memories from everyone all over the world together.