(Poster for Goldfrapp - The Singles, 2012, accessed 23 April 2012, http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/GOLDFRAPP-Singles-Black-Matted-Mini-Poster-/170804776505)
Monday, 23 April 2012
Goldfrapp - The singles, Album artwork/ promotional poster
I came across the poster promoting Goldfrapp's latest album - 'The Singles' recently in the underground. I don't like music by goldfrapp but I loved this poster and had to stop and stare for a minute. I like the use of different layers creating the circle through photo collage. I really like the shapes created by the different forms. Seeing images like this makes me want to include collage in my work more.
(Poster for Goldfrapp - The Singles, 2012, accessed 23 April 2012, http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/GOLDFRAPP-Singles-Black-Matted-Mini-Poster-/170804776505)
(Poster for Goldfrapp - The Singles, 2012, accessed 23 April 2012, http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/GOLDFRAPP-Singles-Black-Matted-Mini-Poster-/170804776505)
Brian Viveros
I love the dark and slightly gruesome edge that Brian Viveros gives to his paintings of beautiful young women. War, alcohol, nicotine and blood often featurein his work, giving it a dark twist. I love the way that he paints eyes. He makes them really glossy and smoky which I think is beautiful.
(Viveros B, 2010, Dirty Dirty, Accessed 23 April 2012, http://brianmviveros.com/paintings/dirtyland/dirty-dirty)
Lilly Piri
Lilly Piri is an illustrator. I like her cute and quirky drawings, sometimes I think they have a dream like quality to them. 'Exodus' is one of my favourite illustrations of hers. I like the childishness of it and the use of lots if little details like a kitten and paper aeroplanes, I think they make it really personal.
(Piri L, 2008, Exodus, accessed 23 April 2012, http://www.littlegalaxie.com/)
(Piri L, 2008, Exodus, accessed 23 April 2012, http://www.littlegalaxie.com/)
The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo - Title sequence
(The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, Title Sequence, 2011, accessed 23 April 2012, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tcp9Ysi75f0)
Of all the Movies I've watched within the last year, The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo impacted me the most. There were multiple reasons for why I wanted to see it desperately in the first place, including it's trailer ( which I feel is by far the best film trailer i've seen in years), The plot ( I adore Crime - thrillers, they are my favourite genre) and the fact that Daniel Craig features in the main cast. I felt that the film itself had me hooked the entire time, I didn't want to blink because I was so taken in by it. I found it exciting to watch, and also horrificly disturbing. David Fincher, the film's director, has also shot some of my favourite films of all time so I wasn't shocked that I liked it so much. His dark and gritty style was very much present within this film which was truly needed to portray the gruesome and nerve wracking scenes within it.
I have chosen to write about the title sequence because I think it's the best i've ever seen. Normally the title sequence of a film isn't particualrly memorable in comparison to the rest of it, and certainly doesn't give you chills, but for me this did. Supposedly it portrays the nightmares of the film's main character. I think it is a fitting start for what is to follow and sets the scene really well. I feel it captures the torture, terror, violence and discomfort scattered throughout the movie. I like the use of the oil like substance dripping and splashing over everything. As the sequence progresses the black liquid adds to the fear and discomfort of the girl, which I think is the main character - Lizbeth. it increasingly covers her and splashes across the screen as she is punched and torn apart by bodyless hands. I feel that the music choice for the sequence is perfect - Immigrant Song by Karen O with Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross. It's really edgy, and builds up tension throughout the sequence.
Biographies - Dorothea Lange
Dorothea Lange was a photographer working in the 20th century. She was first really recognised for her work in the mid 1930s after she had joined a group of photographers employed to publicize the conditions of the rural poor in America. After she had become part of this group she produced several notable photographs including 'Migrant Mother' (1936). She worked with Sociologist Paul. S. Taylor, helping him to produce a book on the study of migrant workers. Lange also undertook her own photographic tours of Asia, the Middle East and South America. A major retrospective exhibiton of her work was opened in New York shortly before she sadly died of cancer in 1965.
Lange's photography is different to the type of work that I am usually drawn to, aside from that they are black and white which is an asthetic that I do normally like. However I really like her photography and find the way in which she documents the raw emotion of her subjects quite unique. I like that she has captured the lives of real people, in an unglamorous, and moving way. 'Migrant Mother' in particular captures the emotion of the woman depicted, I feel it really evokes the sadness and loneliness of her and her children.
(Lange D, 1936, Migrant Mother, accessed 23 Apri 2012, http://www.americaslibrary.gov/aa/lange/aa_lange_power_2_e.html)
Lange's photography is different to the type of work that I am usually drawn to, aside from that they are black and white which is an asthetic that I do normally like. However I really like her photography and find the way in which she documents the raw emotion of her subjects quite unique. I like that she has captured the lives of real people, in an unglamorous, and moving way. 'Migrant Mother' in particular captures the emotion of the woman depicted, I feel it really evokes the sadness and loneliness of her and her children.
(Lange D, 1936, Migrant Mother, accessed 23 Apri 2012, http://www.americaslibrary.gov/aa/lange/aa_lange_power_2_e.html)
Biographies - Barbara Kruger
Barbara Kruger has a strong design backround having worked for multiple companies as a Graphic Designer, Art Director and Head of Design. She is internationally known however for her own artwork. Her trademark is layered images of found photography, with bold text in black white and red. Her slogans involve the viewer to question power within society and to open their eyes to what they are being exposed to every day though consumerism among other things. Her images are found within the pages of magazines that try to sell us the ideas that she is asking her viewer to question.
I find her work which deals with feminism and the pressure on women from society the most interesting. I feel that it is still relevant today even though many of these pieces were created nearly 20 years ago. Her expression of the idea that women are pressured to look and behave a certain way is still an important idea and I feel that it has become increasingly relevant since she created work such as 'Not stupid enough'. Kruger deconstructed images used to advertise and promote beauty and questioned the effect of such images on women.
'Not stupid enough' highlights the way in which western culture has the ability to leave women feeling completely ashamed and disgusted with the way that they look, through comparing themselves with the beauty ideals that they are bombarded with from the media. The use of Marilyn Monroe's iconic smile combined with text reading “not ironic enough, not good enough, not nothing enough, not skinny enough” works on many levels. Firstly it addresses the teqnique of dismembering women through cropping photography in modern advertising. This is a method of selling the female body which Kruger knew well through experience working for fashion magazines. She has applied this method to highlight Monroe's famous asset. The work also illustrates the way in which our culture ridicules females for putting on weight. Monroe would be considered Plus sized in today's society, yet in her time as a famous young woman, she was the ultimate example of female beauty, portraying the perfect body.
I find her work which deals with feminism and the pressure on women from society the most interesting. I feel that it is still relevant today even though many of these pieces were created nearly 20 years ago. Her expression of the idea that women are pressured to look and behave a certain way is still an important idea and I feel that it has become increasingly relevant since she created work such as 'Not stupid enough'. Kruger deconstructed images used to advertise and promote beauty and questioned the effect of such images on women.
'Not stupid enough' highlights the way in which western culture has the ability to leave women feeling completely ashamed and disgusted with the way that they look, through comparing themselves with the beauty ideals that they are bombarded with from the media. The use of Marilyn Monroe's iconic smile combined with text reading “not ironic enough, not good enough, not nothing enough, not skinny enough” works on many levels. Firstly it addresses the teqnique of dismembering women through cropping photography in modern advertising. This is a method of selling the female body which Kruger knew well through experience working for fashion magazines. She has applied this method to highlight Monroe's famous asset. The work also illustrates the way in which our culture ridicules females for putting on weight. Monroe would be considered Plus sized in today's society, yet in her time as a famous young woman, she was the ultimate example of female beauty, portraying the perfect body.
(Kruger B, 1997, untitled (Not stupid enough), accessed 23 April 2012, http://definitiveme.tumblr.com/fem)
Biographies - Cindy Sherman
Cindy Sherman is an American born photographer and is recognised as an influentual contributer to contemporary art. She presents the idea of identity within her photography and is often the subject of her own work. However she undertakes a different persona for each piece, providing an ongoing array of characters with each photo reaching her audience in a different way. By creating these individuals with which to capture with her camera she provokes a different reaction each time, her work can be amusing, disturbing and distasteful among other things.
Sherman puts a great deal of herself into her work. Although she introduces different personas, the entire production of her photography is completed by her. The characters she makes are drawn from her own ideas and experiences, and she contributes multiple roles to the production of them. She is the photographer, makeup artist, stylist, hairdresser and model.
I find it interesting that one person can take on so many different identities, it is strange to think that there are a thousand ways we could present ourselves, yet we often stick to one style, that is core to our own individuality. I feel Sherman's work relates to how as human beings we judge on appearances. With each photograph the audience will have a different reaction to what they think that person would be like based on the way they look and dress. Yet it is the same woman, with the same personality and identity.
Here is an example of how different Sherman can make herself look using clothes, makeup and wigs.
(Sherman C, 2003, Untitled #413, accessed 23 April 2012)
(Sherman C, 1978, Untitled Film Still #13, accessed 23 April 2012,
http://www.moma.org/interactives/exhibitions/2012/cindysherman)
Sherman puts a great deal of herself into her work. Although she introduces different personas, the entire production of her photography is completed by her. The characters she makes are drawn from her own ideas and experiences, and she contributes multiple roles to the production of them. She is the photographer, makeup artist, stylist, hairdresser and model.
I find it interesting that one person can take on so many different identities, it is strange to think that there are a thousand ways we could present ourselves, yet we often stick to one style, that is core to our own individuality. I feel Sherman's work relates to how as human beings we judge on appearances. With each photograph the audience will have a different reaction to what they think that person would be like based on the way they look and dress. Yet it is the same woman, with the same personality and identity.
Here is an example of how different Sherman can make herself look using clothes, makeup and wigs.
(Sherman C, 2003, Untitled #413, accessed 23 April 2012)
(Sherman C, 1978, Untitled Film Still #13, accessed 23 April 2012,
http://www.moma.org/interactives/exhibitions/2012/cindysherman)
Modernism and Postmodernism
Modernism is a cultural and artistic movement which refered to the characteristics of the current times when it emereged. Generally Modernism refers to the changes in society from the 19th to the 20th century. New forms of art, architecture, music and literature emerged in the final decades of the 19th century, which rejected old values and became the new ideas and practices for the start of the new century. The movement developed after the Second World War, when quality of life changed and the possibilities for development within society became seemingly endless.
In terms of artisitic Modernism the main contributers emerged within the first few decades of the 20th century. Crucial artists to the movement include Gustav Klimt, Matisse, Mondrian, the abstract paintings of Wassily Kandinsky and the rise of Cubism through artists such as Picasso. The style of presenting art changed quickly, with visual ideas displayed in Pre Raphaelite work for example, being rejected.
Postmodernism embraces a period from around 1980 to present, characterised by the rejection of modern values and the introduction of new ones. It rejects the idea of given certainties within science and religion, with the idea that there is no 'right' and 'wrong' way of living your life. Feminism, Muliticulturism and environmentalism are all Postmodern ideas, embracing that our global community has become mixed and different cultures co-exist within societies. A vital characteristic of Postmodern art is that it rarely asserts meaning upon it's audience. The work is open to individual interpretation and a responsive consciousness.
In terms of artisitic Modernism the main contributers emerged within the first few decades of the 20th century. Crucial artists to the movement include Gustav Klimt, Matisse, Mondrian, the abstract paintings of Wassily Kandinsky and the rise of Cubism through artists such as Picasso. The style of presenting art changed quickly, with visual ideas displayed in Pre Raphaelite work for example, being rejected.
Postmodernism embraces a period from around 1980 to present, characterised by the rejection of modern values and the introduction of new ones. It rejects the idea of given certainties within science and religion, with the idea that there is no 'right' and 'wrong' way of living your life. Feminism, Muliticulturism and environmentalism are all Postmodern ideas, embracing that our global community has become mixed and different cultures co-exist within societies. A vital characteristic of Postmodern art is that it rarely asserts meaning upon it's audience. The work is open to individual interpretation and a responsive consciousness.
Tuesday, 17 April 2012
Identity
The technical term of 'identity' is used to describe a person's conception and expression of their individuality. My personal understanding of the term is that it is what makes each of us unique. The population of the human race is deeply diverse with a million possibilities of what builds up each individuals identity. Identity is a sense of who you are, it is a mixture of your experiences, likes, dislikes, beliefs and shared values with those you choose to share your life with.
Aside from each person's individual identity, most of us also have group affliations aswell. For example national identity and cultural identity ( these can be combined - being British and the culture that comes with this.) These are examples of affliations we are born into. We may also choose our own group identity like becoming part of a punk rock band. This group identity would include things such as the clothes you wear, the way in which you wear your hair, your group habits and things that you say and the music that you make.
Famous people often have strong public individual identities. These are aspects about them which the public view as what makes them iconic and recognisable. For instance Marilyn Monroe. Her physical look ( blonde curly hair, red lips flirty eye makeup, curvaceous body), being an actress and sex symbol, the image of her created by Andy Warhol, quotes and sayings said by her and her tragic death are all well known aspects of her identity as a famous woman. Celebrities are a good example that there are parts of our identity that are well known to others that we either choose to or can't help but display, but there are also parts of it that we choose to keep well hidden.
Aside from each person's individual identity, most of us also have group affliations aswell. For example national identity and cultural identity ( these can be combined - being British and the culture that comes with this.) These are examples of affliations we are born into. We may also choose our own group identity like becoming part of a punk rock band. This group identity would include things such as the clothes you wear, the way in which you wear your hair, your group habits and things that you say and the music that you make.
Famous people often have strong public individual identities. These are aspects about them which the public view as what makes them iconic and recognisable. For instance Marilyn Monroe. Her physical look ( blonde curly hair, red lips flirty eye makeup, curvaceous body), being an actress and sex symbol, the image of her created by Andy Warhol, quotes and sayings said by her and her tragic death are all well known aspects of her identity as a famous woman. Celebrities are a good example that there are parts of our identity that are well known to others that we either choose to or can't help but display, but there are also parts of it that we choose to keep well hidden.
Semiotics
The most simple possible definition of semiotics would be that it is the study of signs. However it is so much more complex than what may immeadiately spring to mind from this, it is not simply the study of road signs for example, or signs in communication. It is so much deeper, with thousands of possibilities of how to explain what it involves. Semiotics surrounds us and is an everyday part of our lives. invisible social laws which govern our understanding of the visual world and the way in which we communicate with one another.
An example of the way in which semiotics ties our spoken, written and visual language together is a rose. Firstly an image of a rose has the written word 'rose' attatched to it. This word also has the spoken sound in which saying the word 'rose' makes attatched to it. Thirdly it has the meaning of love as a widely known symbol of what what this image stands for. So from this one object comes three different meanings which are all linked together - the visual, written and verbal and symbolic. These can be known as sign, signifier and signified.
Thousands and thousands of everyday things have these 3 aspects of semiotics tied to them. Generally we do not tend to think about them, but they are very much present within our lives. Here is a clear example:
Dove ( the written or spoken word) - Sign
Dove ( image of the animal, or the actual animal) - Signifier
Peace - Signified. A dove is a worldwide symbol for peace.
(accessed 23 April 2012, http://www.releaseawhitedove.co.uk/)
An example of the way in which semiotics ties our spoken, written and visual language together is a rose. Firstly an image of a rose has the written word 'rose' attatched to it. This word also has the spoken sound in which saying the word 'rose' makes attatched to it. Thirdly it has the meaning of love as a widely known symbol of what what this image stands for. So from this one object comes three different meanings which are all linked together - the visual, written and verbal and symbolic. These can be known as sign, signifier and signified.
Thousands and thousands of everyday things have these 3 aspects of semiotics tied to them. Generally we do not tend to think about them, but they are very much present within our lives. Here is a clear example:
Dove ( the written or spoken word) - Sign
Dove ( image of the animal, or the actual animal) - Signifier
Peace - Signified. A dove is a worldwide symbol for peace.
(accessed 23 April 2012, http://www.releaseawhitedove.co.uk/)
Tuesday, 10 April 2012
Rik Lee
Ever since I discovered Rik Lee's work a few years ago he has been one of my favourite contemporary artists. His illustrations tick so many boxes for me in terms of subject matter, techniques applied and the over all look of the work. One of the first features of his drawings that appeal to me is the use of tattoo imagery. Normally when he draws people they will have tattoos, and I adore the way in which he portrays ink on the skin. Tattoos are a real interest of mine anyway, and for me Rik Lee depicts them in such a beautiful way.
(Lee R, February 2011, Illustration, accessed 10th April 2012, http://riklee.tumblr.com/)
This is a very recent piece of his, and illustrates the way in which he draws tattoos very well. the blue ink compliments his perfectly blended pencil drawings. This piece also depicts another factor of his work which I adore really well. The way he draws hair. Every time I see a new illustration by him, I can not get over how perfectly he draws hair, with precise sections and beautiful wisps coming away from the main body of it.
(Lee R, December 2012, Illustration, accessed 10th April 2012, http://riklee.tumblr.com/)
I also love his use of animal imagery in his work. We share a love of cats and I like this piece in particular because it is entirely based around my favourite animal. I also like the use of colour and the paint drip effect in this illustration.
This is a very recent piece of his, and illustrates the way in which he draws tattoos very well. the blue ink compliments his perfectly blended pencil drawings. This piece also depicts another factor of his work which I adore really well. The way he draws hair. Every time I see a new illustration by him, I can not get over how perfectly he draws hair, with precise sections and beautiful wisps coming away from the main body of it.
I also love his use of animal imagery in his work. We share a love of cats and I like this piece in particular because it is entirely based around my favourite animal. I also like the use of colour and the paint drip effect in this illustration.
Tuesday, 3 April 2012
Nikki Pilkington
The first biographical point of interest that I wish to write about is illustrator Nikki Pilkington. I recently discovered her work at the 'Pick Me Up' exhibition at Somerset House in London. Of all the pieces of work I saw during the day spent there, I was instantly drawn towards hers the most. I was a bit heartbroken that I couldn't afford to buy one of her illustrations as they were all for sale. There are so many reasons why I am attracted towards her work. The style of drawing I love, realistic with a real hint of fashion to it. I love the use of colour in her illustrations, I feel it works well contrasted with the pencil drawn facial features and hair of her women. I also feel that her work is truly quirky, with many pieces having a 3D pop out element to them.
(Pilkington N, 2012, illustration from Glorious Truths 'Pick Me Up 2012', accessed 03 April 2012, http://www.nikipilkington.com/index.php?/archive/glorious-truths-for-pick-me-up-2012/)
This is the first illustration of Nikki's that I layed eyes upon at the exhibition. It is one of my favourite's from her 'Glorious Truths' collection displayed at the show. I love the pop out feathers, luminous colours and use of animals in the piece.
As I was viewing Glorious Truths at Pick Me Up, I had a thought that made me quite sad. It was the realisation that her work might not be at all appreciated by critics, particularly those with a fine art background, purely because of the materials used and fashion twist central to much of her work.
I looked up some reviews and was pleasantly surprised that the writer of this one from 'Join The Studio' had come to overlook the pencil technique used and eventually grew to appreciate the skill in which it is applied. - ' I have to admit, when I first found Niki Pilkington, an artist in North Wales, I was groundlessly yet slightly skeptical of her work. But as I scrolled through her collection and kept staring at each wonderfully rendered portrait, I found myself liking her compositions more and more.' (Nikki Pilkington >> (Awesome Collection), March 26th 2011, accessed 03 April 2012, <http://jointhestudio.com/2011/03/niki-pilkington-awesome-collection/>) The writer admits that the use of pencil is probably what 'threw them off' because it's not a technique used predominantly in Fine Art.
(Pilkington N, 2012, illustration from Glorious Truths 'Pick Me Up 2012', accessed 03 April 2012, http://www.nikipilkington.com/index.php?/archive/glorious-truths-for-pick-me-up-2012/)
This is the first illustration of Nikki's that I layed eyes upon at the exhibition. It is one of my favourite's from her 'Glorious Truths' collection displayed at the show. I love the pop out feathers, luminous colours and use of animals in the piece.
As I was viewing Glorious Truths at Pick Me Up, I had a thought that made me quite sad. It was the realisation that her work might not be at all appreciated by critics, particularly those with a fine art background, purely because of the materials used and fashion twist central to much of her work.
I looked up some reviews and was pleasantly surprised that the writer of this one from 'Join The Studio' had come to overlook the pencil technique used and eventually grew to appreciate the skill in which it is applied. - ' I have to admit, when I first found Niki Pilkington, an artist in North Wales, I was groundlessly yet slightly skeptical of her work. But as I scrolled through her collection and kept staring at each wonderfully rendered portrait, I found myself liking her compositions more and more.' (Nikki Pilkington >> (Awesome Collection), March 26th 2011, accessed 03 April 2012, <http://jointhestudio.com/2011/03/niki-pilkington-awesome-collection/>) The writer admits that the use of pencil is probably what 'threw them off' because it's not a technique used predominantly in Fine Art.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)