Printing onto different papers.

Here I have started to experiment with printing onto different types of paper such as magazine pages that are glossy and news paper print. I chose to print some of my best prints that are both digital and darkroom on to the different types of paper. 

This added a complex and abstract look to the images that I have decided to print on top. After the first one of this experiments was done it was so easy to carry on with as there is always a different piece of paper with different colours and images on. 

I started by printing on to glossy pages from a magazine. This was not easy to do as the printer I used did not like the texture of the paper and found it hard to process it through the printer and back out the other side. Also the coloured ink from the original photograph did not really cling well to the paper due to the texture again.

I then chose to photocopy both a coloured and a black and white photograph onto a brightly coloured piece of paper. I chose to do both types of photographs as I knew that the black and white would stand out more so on the coloured piece but I also knew that the coloured image would not be easily seen. 

Finally I chose to use mathematics paper that comes with grids on it. This is a white paper that has blue lines on it to the majority of the paper is plan meaning that the coloured photograph would print well onto the paper. This also meant that the blue lines would sometimes disappear as the darker coloured ink would over power it.

I think the final outcomes were really great and this was something that was simple yet really effective. I started to run away with ideas and this lead to more experiments but some of the different materials kept getting jammed in the printer such as the newspaper and tissue paper.

Exam idea explained.

Here I have done a rough sketched idea sheet. It contains different techniques I plan to use as well as artists names that have inspired me and a sketch of how I plan my final piece to look. This is just a rough idea as from experience I have learnt that nothing has ever gone exactly to plan.

Evaluation.

Throughout the duration of this final project my ideas have changed dramatically. From the beginning I started to run away with idea on how I planned to use the concept of inner character as inspiration. This linked to the exam theme of Inside, outside and in-between as it showed the difference between the look of someone and who they really are or feel on the inside. From this idea I went on to shot both digital and film photographs. These just ended up being an experiment.

Then also related to the exam theme I worked with another concept of Space. I chose space as there are several ways you could experiment with this as space is often depicted and received through the use of a person 5 senses. From this idea I went on to shoot more photographs that was inspired by the work of Alban Grosidider. These photographs consisted of a model layer within a container of water. 

This started the research I chose to do that consisted of finding out about Claustraphobia and experiencing emotions and journeys that were not chosen to be put through. From here I continued to experiment further with the use of spaces and with further inspiration I started to produce large scales webs out of string in both man made and natural environments. By using string in open areas it allowed me to show the dramatic lines that are produced and seen in everyday life connected points to points. I started by using a stair case that showed great reflections of lights. I also used a tree as the bases of the web that I went on to create.

I since experiment further with the use of string. I placed two A4 digital prints, one black and white and one coloured onto a piece of foam board. I then placed pins into different points on the photographs that stood out more so then others (lines that were more prominent). I then used a thin thread and connected the string from pin to pin right across the image going in different directions. This gave a more 3 dimensional look and approach to a flat photograph.

Since I have gone on to look and experiment with different ways that could present my final idea using a range of materials. I decided that I wanted to continue with using string and creating an instillation piece that would hopefully stand out against the flat images that would make up the mounted sheet that would accompany my exam work. I planned to use two large, floor to ceiling, wooden boards that would be covered with print outs of local maps, this being the background it was completed first. From this I then used green garden string, as I like the rustic and rough effect, and connect it to different locations on the maps that meant something to me or the people that I photographed. The people I took portraits of  are hung from within the mass of string that is connected to the boards. The string was then connected from the people to objects that relate to that person. The objects are of such things as keys, earphones, small toys/teddies, glasses etc. This carried on the theme of the exam of inside, outside and in-between in a more obvious way as the photos were inside the string along with the objects but it also slightly carried on from the theme of claustrophobia as it putting (photographs of...) people in amongst things.

Diane Arbus was the first artists I came across for inspiration. Diane inspired my to shot my first set of photographs. These were of abnormal circumstances such as a male dressed in woman's clothing looking very uncomfortable and a female dressed in men's clothing mimicking 'hard' facial expressions. This lead to me looking further at another artists called Cindy Sherman but she did not became a big influence to me therefore I didn't take her work any further.  
I then looked at the work of Alban Grosidier who inspired me to pick my second theme as space. I know I tend to do things backwards but it was helpful to find an artists that I enjoyed looking at. Alban produced a series of black and white under water photographs and this is where I started by taking my own (photo). I then looked further into possible meanings behind Alban's work and now my own interpretation. I came to conclusions of looking into entrapment and feelings brought on by being in uncomfortable circumstances, such as anxiety attacks brought on by claustrophobia. After looking into this further I found a newly graduated student called Lucy Dobinson who produced a series of photographs that made her final project. This series was simply called Claustrophobia.
The final artists who inspired me most of all with the completion of my final piece was Catherine Ulitsky, she uses long piece of string and connects the string to different points within the space or room they have chosen for the location of their art work. This is almost like creating large scale spiderwebs or another process called animapping. I found an artists called Ella Bryant who produced a large scale piece of work called 'Animapping Lambeth' and her idea was very similar to the ideas I had already started to process.

Overall I found the exam theme gave me a lot of options and ideas that started flowing. At first I started to run away with my original ideas which meant I did not experiment as much as I should have. Eventually I started the journey that from my original ideas lead to my final outcome and the difference's show through this blog. I believe I could have experimented further but this could have resulted in a different plan for my final outcome. I think as well as experimentations the artists I have come across have played a great part in this project for me as they have giving me the most inspiration. As well as looking at artists I have used or seen the work of previously I was inspired by the ones I hadn't seen before as I wanted this project to be something new and completely different from my comfort zones.

Cyanotypes.

As another experiment I chose to use a process called a cyanotype. This is a process involves photographic printing. In the 20th century it was a simple and low cost process that meant photographers and artists could produce copies of their work. This process can be used on many different materials as long as that material can soak up the liquid that is painted on top of it. I chose to use plan cartridge paper as the background to my cyanotypes as it is a little more sold but also simple and wont add to many different materials to my final outcome.

Once the paper is painted and left to dry it cant be exposed to light until you are ready to use it, so leaving it in a black bin bag with no holes or even better in a photographic dark room can prevent light exposure. When you are ready to use it the first and best way to do so it tape the paper down preferably outside so the sun can help the process of exposing the paper quicker. You must then quickly place the objects down on top of the paper in the position you want them in but be careful not to move them as this can disrupt the process. 

The duration of time you leave the paper exposing for varies on the brightness of the light/sun. I left my cyanotypes for approx. 6minutes but close to end of you 6minutes you can slightly move an object to see if you think this looks 'done'. Once the objects are moved off the material the best thing to do, is to again place the paper in a dark bag as you can slow down the exposure process.

Finally you should wash of the original liquid you painted on to the paper as this will finish the process. You simply wash it off with cold water and leave to dry. When dry you are left with you final outcome. Below is how my cyanotypes looked after the process was complete.
The first is a Play Station controller, the outline has come out really well and this has left a great contrast in colour.

This is another of my cyanotypes, it is a set of keys. This one has not come out as clear as the previous one as you struggle to make out what the object it of. I think this may be down to my positioning of the keys, as they are layered on top of each other, also there are off shapes key-rings ontop of each other.

This was another which was a set of earphones. These come out really well as you can see the smooth rounded edges that have been produce by the curved wire.

I really like the final outcome I think it is ver effective and can be great if used in the right way. I also think that it almost has an abstract look to it some objects will appear more so and better then others.

Shooting plan 2.

This is my second shooting plan for the film I am planning to shot. I'm hoping to shot these photographs on a 35mm black and white film.

Contact sheets 1.

This is my first planned photo shoot. I planned to take these photographs for my first 35mm black and white film.

Objects.

Below are a few of my photographs I took to be added to my instillation by hanging them from the string that I plan to use to form the structure of my instillation. These objects will relate to chosen people that I also plan to use in my instillation I then plan to use different coloured string to show different people.

I used a Digital SLR to take these pictures with the flash setting on. I also decided that I wanted to use a plan white background that would allow my objects to stand out and also show some shadowing from the objects. 

I used object belong to people of all ages and both male and female. I think from looking at the objects you can sort of understand how I am trying to make connections within my own work. 

Large outdoor installations.

Here are a few digital photographs I took as part of my experimentation further into this final exam project. Theses were inspired by Catherine Ulitsky. I have looked at Catherine's work before to produce large instillations around man mad areas like buildings. This time I decided I would reproduce a large scale instillation outdoors amongst a small tree. I used black coloured string but if I was to redo this experiment I might try using different coloured string to see what stands out best and maybe even a different location. 

I then set about adding photographs in amongst the string and branches. I like this outcome. By using a digital SLR you are unable to select the area that is in focus. This image shows the photograph in the background is more in focus then the small buds in the foreground. 

These two photographs in the photographs are black and white which is different two the others I took. I do not think the effect that is show look as good as the ones with the coloured photographs. This is because the dark branches and the shadowing produce by the rest of its surroundings seems to make the whole image dark and gloomy. This is not something that would normally catch my attention as part of the audience. 

The photograph in this image is not in focus, I like that it means you can't see the identity of the person in the photograph. This is great as it also helped me when looking for more inspiration. I enjoyed being able to climb the tree to hang photographs and twist string. I think by having fun it change the who project.

Exam review.

To start this project I was to choose a theme that would influence me throughout the rest of this final project. I started by choosing two themes that would let me experiment to start with until I chose 'Inner Character'. This lead to me experimenting with transgender and cross-dressing. I asked a male friend to model for me in women's clothing. These photographs were great to look at as the model was very uncomfortable doing this but the backgrounds were not neat enough. I was unsure on this theme as it was slightly hard to be original with my own ideas instead of following other photographers work.

My second theme was 'Space'. I researched a few artists/photographers that experimented with space. I liked the work of Alban Grosdidier. He gets models to lay in a tank/bath of water and photographs them and their expressions. The idea behind this is that they are limited with the amount of space they have and the volume of water makes the space more confined almost as if they are experimented myself with doing this but again it had no uniqueness to it. 

I decided to go with my second theme of space. With this I continued to look at other artists work. I came across ......   She using large amounts of string and connects multiple points in a room so that there is a connection. I experimented with using stairs to connect the parallel lines of the stairs to the structure of the banister and the surrounding space. This was great fun as well as the outcome look something similar to a spider web. I then experimented with the water photographers and using pins and thread I connected the points together again making a flat image into something 3 dimensional. 

I wish to experiment further with the use of string connected different areas. I am planning on connecting tree branches to each other with brightly coloured string so that the dullness of the tree bark will make the string stand out. I will photograph this as evidence using both film and digital camera. I will then gather small man made objects and hang them from the tree and string I hope that this will lead to another level of developments. Finally using the string still I intend to get a model to get in amongst the string as if they are confined to small movements and they are stuck their against their will. I also hope that facial expressions with help give a narrative.

For inspiration I looked at the work of Alban Grosdidier as well as Cindy Sherman and Diane Arbus. I have also come across the work of Dryden Goodwin, Lucy Dobinson and Maurizo Anzeri who will inspire me when experimented a little bit more.

Within the last two weeks of preparation before the exam I intend to process and develop the photographs I have taken of the string with both objects and people in. I then hope to be able to start an installation piece with the photographs I have taken and printed will be hanging from areas of the string with further string connecting the people to their belongs or maps of places.

In-depth analysis of Lucy Dobinson.

I researched the work of Lucy Dobinson. Lucy is a Fashion Photography student studying at The London College of Fashion. Within Lucy's portfolio of work she created a project called 'Claustrophobia'. This was a video put together from still images of female models being positioned in small, box-like spaces. 

These models were simply wearing tights that had been cut and positioned over their breast and genatels as well as cut and placed over the models faces. The different coloured tights can show the difference within the spaces that they are positioned in. The darker tights are used in the darker images and smaller space. In the second photograph there is more lighting and the natural coloured tights help depict this. I think the difference in colour works well in the sense that it adds another texture to images. The material also hides the identity of the person modelling within Lucy's work. 

The title of these pieces tells you exactly what you need to know about what the project is depicting. I think that this work could be related to a personal experience possibly Lucy herself could suffer from anxiety attacks caused by feeling claustrophobia. I believe that this work could be classed as portraiture in the sense that it face is the main focus of the photograph as this is what your drawn to because it is covered with material. However, this could also be seen as shock art as this is not normally something that you would imagine to see which is why I believe that this work got such a great reaction.

I think that there is a deeper meaning behind the work that shows that there are many people that suffer from claustrophobia and that is almost 'normal' to experience these feelings and emotions in day to day life. This is what leads me to think that Lucy may suffer from anxiety attacks herself.

The use of material gives another dimension to the image. I think this leaves the audience wanting to see who this female might be. I also think that it adds to the emotions that someone that suffers from attacks would experience because by adding further aspects to the image that would normally effect them it makes them see that this feeling is shared.

I chose to look at Lucy's project 'claustrophobia' as it helped me to see another side to claustrophobia that is a little more dramatic and exaggerated to a level that is more understandable, this then helped me to work on my own series of images and outcomes that revolve around claustrophobia. My personal opinion on this work is that I love that the images seem simple to create yet they are extremely effective. This has inspired me to produce a large scale installation that would be surrounded by photographic portraits and experiments of the people belongings. 

Entrapment & Claustrophobia.

As part of this project I decided that I would look a the feeling of being trapped or even claustrophobic. I decided to add this research to my project as I decided that I wanted to show this within my work but I needed to gain a better understating first.

Claustrophobia is the fear of not being able to escape or being within a confined space. It is known as an anxiety disorder and can often lead to a panic attack. Sometimes even being in a with no windows or wearing tight necked clothing can cause these panic attacks.
Typically there are a few symptoms being the fear of restriction and a fear of suffocation. Being within a small room, a car, train, tunnel, elevators, crash washes or again even clothing can trigger the fear. In the world there is between 5% and 7% of the population that suffers from cases of claustrophobia.
Its not necessarily the fear of the space itself but more the fear of what could happen within the space. Claustrophobia often lead to the feeling of suffocation.

Many claustrophobics remove clothing during attacks, believing it will relieve the symptoms. However most claustrophobics do everything in their power to avoid these situations.

I have decided to take a series of photographs related to this fear of being claustrophobic and the fear of the un-known that could possibly lead to a panic attack.

Experimenting by hand.

I have experimented further with new techniques. For this experiment i started by collecting images of old, vintage portraits. With these image I cut some of the portraits into circles. Not all of them are of the whole photograph. After I had cut these up I recorded myself, using an Ipad, placing the circles onto a different sheet of paper. I layered them as well as trying to make a new image/portrait from what I had cut out. The potential for next time is that I could use imagery that would relate further to my theme.

This was another experiment I tried as part of a group. I along with three others filmed the process we went through to make a large scale collage. It started with taring pieces of paper and dropping them from a height to see where they landed with these laying on the page we started to add large strips of tape to stick them down as well as using large amounts of paint to add colour that we didn't have. As a twist we decided to use food to connect to our personal preferences. Next time I think I would use a wider range of materials but not as messy and as much of each. I think this looks less like a collage and more like a pile.

Formative Assessment.

As I am progressing through my final project 'Inside Outside and In Between'. I have been given a Formative Assessment sheet. This shows me the areas I am doing well in as well as the areas that I can improve on and the best way to improve.So far I am happy with my overall grade however I would really like to active higher so I will respond to all of my feedback and hopefully get a well deserved grade.

Below is my assessment sheet.

I have also decided that to look at past feedback sheets in order to see if there are other areas that I can improve on from to make this project different from the rest.

Experimenting with space - String & Pins.

Using photographs I had previously taken related to space I pinned the printed out images and pinned them to foam board. I then stuck a series of pins in different points that were prominent within the photograph. I then using a brightly coloured thread looped the string around the image connecting it to different pins. This created an effect that drew away slightly from the photograph but allowed to see the different spaces I created on top of the original photograph based on space. 

The image above is my pinned photograph with one set of coloured string around the multiple pins. I think against the black and white picture that was printed onto tracing paper the bright red thread stands out really well.

I chose to use a black and white print as the coloured string shows up better compared to the coloured print underneath. I also think by choosing two coloured threads that clash it allows them to stand out a little bit more.

The lines of the tread that is pinned on top of the photograph sometimes match the lines of the string that are within the photograph. The geometric lines that connect the stairs and handrail are great as they are. I think the coloured thread on top can be a little to much. Therefore I prefer the first thread photographs.

By experimenting in this way it matched the exam theme of in-between. The feeling of being trapped between the string and the gaps that are left. I like that image matches the exam theme as well as being able to experiment further to add another dimension to the photograph.

Experimenting with space - String.

Artists and photographer Catherine Ulitsky produced an instillation piece where she chose to wrap string around different locations to produce a connection between two areas. The piece that inspired me was using a stair case to show the use of space and how areas can be connected to each other using different materials. I produced something similar to using black woollen string I chose to wrap it around the stair case and hand rail to produce a web like effect.

The sheet of glass between the stairs separates the strings on each side showing how something simple can act as a barrier and separate the layers of string and produce something in between, again matching the exam theme again.

I love the reflection in these two photographs. The reflection adds another aspect to the image. The way that something that is already within the image can be useful to create another level. It also looks like it might not be a reflection and could possibly be something floating in amongst the string web.

I think this is really effective and using something so simple like string and resource you come across every day can help change the way you look at the things around you and inspires you to use both natural and man made spaces for further experiments. I plan to use natural spaces like gapes between trees to wrap string in between the branches to show further connections.

Experimenting with space - Change in locations.

Here I have started by printing photographs that I had taken related to the theme of Space. I printed them onto different types of paper like tracing paper and mathematical paper with squares on. Once I had printed them I went on to place them on different locations and photograph them so that I could show different ways of using spaces. However not only were the photographs about using space in different ways but also about possible ways I might want to display my final outcomes that would still match my chosen theme.

This one was printed onto squared mathematic paper. I like the way the squares show through some of the image where some colours are lighter then others. I displayed this photograph on a mirror so it does sort of look like it is floating.

I chose to print my photographs in both colour and black and white. By doing this as you can see from the photographs above I was then able to see where the light shines on the window leaving shadows. I also like the way the background from the two window photographs shows further space.

'Space' experiments.

I chose to experiment with the photographs I took for the 'Space' theme. I did this as I wanted to see how I could get the best possible outcomes. Here I have changed the colour of the original photograph into black and white. I think that this has  great effect as the light reflecting on the water shows more then if the picture was coloured.

Here I have changed the hue and saturation levels using photoshop to change the colour of certain areas of the image mainly the face and a few reflective areas. I also found that by changing it to a colour that makes him seem unusual it seems a bit surreal. Almost like I have placed a layer of water effect on top of a normal image of a male model.

For this photograph I colorised the whole image giving it all a blue tint. I chose to use purple and blue because these two colours give the impression of being cold and uncomfortable within the water. Being under the water is uncomfortable anyway as you are restricted with space.

                                            

The positioning of the guy in the bath is a little off centre. I like this as it gives an effect of his body floating within the water and he is struggling to keep his body in one position this also relates to the space the water is in, which connects to my chosen theme.

'Space' theme photographs.

Inspired by my second chosen theme of 'Space', I have taken a few photographs inspired by Alban Grosidier. Alban is known for his project 'Drowning' and this is the project that inspired me to do this. I have asked a model to lay in a bath of water as I photographed him getting both in and out and whilst under the water so I could capture his facial expressions and the different reflections and ripples the water makes around his body. 
I simply used a 35mm lens on a digital SLR. I think that the simplicity of the photograph and minimal additional effects shows how well the photographs were taken. 

The two above images are my favourite, this is because of the ripple effect in the water. I think the effect is so simple and really effective. In the top photograph my model has his eyes closed, this lead to you experiencing the same emotions as him. I believe there is a slight feeling of fear of the water and not being able to see is fear many of us have. In the bottom photograph you can see that he has his eyes open the reason for this because I feel that you can relate and understand a person emotions by looking at the persons facial expressions. 

I took a photograph of my models legs because I like the way the water makes the hairs on his legs stand up and move with the ripple of the water. 

The composition of the photographs is very simple and a little bit off centre. I think by them being a little bit angled and the shoulders being cropped by the camera lens it shows how uncomfortable my model is underwater.

This photograph is a little bit scary to me. The model is really still and with his eyes open it almost seems a doll like a effect. However you can also see by his shoulders being risen that he seems a little uncomfortable and doesn't like bing under the water.

In-depth analysis of Cindy Sherman.

'Untitled Film Stills'

This project is called Untitled Film Stills photographed and model by Cindy Sherman. Cindy is known typically of photographing herself in a range of costumes. To create her photographs, she shoots alone in her studio playing multiple roles from director to make up and hair stylist and of course model. Cynthia Morris Sherman (Cindy Sherman) born on January 19 1954 is an American photographer and film director best known for her outstanding portraits. Cindy's photographs have been known to be some of the more expensive photographs ever sold. Her theme to her photographs relates to inner character and who she is trying to become. Her work represents the role of women in society and by dressing as other women in the 'costumes' she wears shows that different societies look upon women differently. Sometimes more well off areas have been influenced more so by the media then the appearance of women around them. I think this relates many life issues many people suffer from today, some people are really conscientious about their weight and appearance so much they go to extreme lengths to change that. I think that each photographs has been exaggerated in the way that she dresses and the make up and wigs used are also slightly to much. I find that the meaning to Cindy's work is not obvious to start with but when you see the series together it is a little clearer that she is  expressing the difference between women. I think the lack of movement in the pictures helps along with the lack of props and other additional things as the images might seem a little complex.

The series all seem to be mid shots where almost the whole body fits into the image. By making the shots a little wider you as the audience are able to see all aspects of the costume as women often take pride in their shoes. I think the use of a digital camera is more beneficial to Cindy as it allows her add digital adjustments after the image as sometimes it can be hard to take her own portraits at a great standard as she does work on her own.

I believe that all the photographs that are part of the series are planned as well as posed. I think this because they are photographs of portraits and they would have to be planned as Cindy does not work along side of people who might plan it for her. It is possible that some of Cindy's photos could have been edited using digital software after they were taken. I think that the use of filters and colourisation could have also been added.

Cindy's work does not personal effect me. I do think that some of the images are a little disturbing due to the make up and additional effects she has added to her costumes. However I do that to other people it may seem a little stereotypical and could cause some offence. I do like the work but I wouldn't personally say that it would have a huge impact on me but it might influence my work.

In-depth analysis of Diane Arbus.

  

This photograph was taken by Diane Arbus. She was an American photographer known for her black and white square photographs of people that differ from the norm within the society that they live in. There are a many pictures that accompany this one in the way that each is unusual but still unique from the next. Diane was born on March 14th 1923 in New York, America and sadly died at the age of 48. In 1972 a year after Diane committed suicide  she became the first American photograph to have her work displayed at Venice Biennale where millions of people traveled to view her exhibition.

Diane's idea behind these photographs was to show that it may seem surreal or strange to people who do not see this everyday but there are people all over the world that are dwarfs or giants and people that enjoy being nudists or dressing as the opposite sex and it's not something that people should judge them for. She addresses many life issues within her work and I think this is great it gives both younger and older audiences opportunities to see for themselves that it is not just one of two people that are out of the ordinary and in the more modern day it is now something that people see as almost 'normal'. I think that these photographs could be a little exaggerated in the way that they are posed but sometimes people like themselves to be seen as flamboyant and show this through the photographs. The meaning to these photographs seem obvious to me in the way the people in them are posed and that they all connect with a theme.

Many of the photographs have been taken as close ups to details of facial expressions and emotions how ever some have been taken from wider shots so that she could capture all of the model in the photo and allow every aspect of the persons clothing and posture to be seen in one single photo. There is not much of an artistic approach to Diane's work in the way of contrast and patterns but the simplicity is great as the model in the photograph makes the picture. I really like the originality of the photographs I think if anything was to change it may be a little distracting. The idea behind the photographs is to show off model in the photo and to tell people that different is OK and if you was to add to the photographs it would change the meaning and take away from that. 

I think that the photographs have been planned and posed but I think the poses are to show of the best of the meaning behind the photograph. The transgender guy in the top left photograph is posed in the bathroom with all his cosmetics he may use with a feminine drink in his hand his legs crossed. This may be because it is very stereotypical of women to do and is probably why he is posed this way. I also think that there may have been some darkroom techniques used to produce the best print. Diane probably added a contrast filter to make the photograph a little bit sharper.

The meaning to these images does not personally effect me but I do understand why Diane has produced these photographs and the emotions and feelings she hoped to get across. However even today her work does remain a problem to viewers as her pictures crossed boundaries that many people wouldn't imagine crossing in her years. Diane soon became friends with the people she photographed and this was also looked down upon. 

In-depth analysis of Alban Grosdider.

This is one out of a series of photographs taken by Alban Grosidider. The twenty-two year old based in Paris is currently studying at ESAG Penninghen and has gone to produce this outstanding work. The series are all similar in the way that it is of people underwater and they make up a collection called Drowning. The theme that seems to shine through his work is 'space'. The feeling of being swallowed up by the water that they lie in is slightly fearful as water can be a big cause of death. However sometimes being underwater and the nothingness that surrounds you can be calming and allows you time to relax. I think that Alban translates the message of drowning to be something else. His idea of drowning is the emotions people feeling living in big cities where the world 'flies' past them on a daily basis. I also think that the simplicity of the black and white images is not only eye catching and there are lots of tonal areas but I also thing the black and white colours shows the dullness of the built up cities and the large grey buildings that tower over them. I believe that this meaning is shown within the work really well it might not seem obvious at first but knowing that Alban is genuinely interested in the social connection between places and people you start to see the hidden interpretation. There are lots of actions and movements both before an after the photographs was captured. The water covering the models body and face is the first. This shows the preparation of the photograph and this is captured and part of the series of photographs. Also the there are photographs as the models start to climb out of the water afterwards where they have tried to catch their breath again after holding it.

Each photographs is a close up portrait allowing Alban to catch the expressions on their faces whilst under the water. There are no objects in the picture other then the model under the water. There are many tones in the photograph where the water is reflecting other objects outside of the camera lense. The black and white images shows better tones then a coloured image would. I really like the simplicity of the photographs the lack of accsesories makes the photograph original.

I think these photographs are planned but not posed as the quick shots of the models coming out of the water seem spontaneous and the water movements show reflections. There has been very little additional materials and techniques added to these photographs which I love as sometimes less is more. There has been no camera techniques or dramatic lighting and there has also been no editing on Photoshop like text placed in the image of colourisation.

These pieces were exhibited along the bank of the Seine River in Paris in January 2012. This allowed passers by to stop and think about the meaning behind the photographs as well as it being a little unexpected that the 'Drowning' series were placed next to the main river running through Paris.

I really like the way that Alban has captured a second meaning within his choice of photographs. I like the way that everyone can relate to 'drowning' in a big city from it being there first time as a child or as an adult more recently. I also think Albans choice of getting his models to wear plan white clothing shows that they may all look similar in clothing but you can always relate to what people far from similar to you say, do or feel. 

Starting point - Space.

SPACE

My reason for choosing this starting point is because I like the way you can show both large spaces as well as confined spaces. You can also show the difference between empty/tidy spaces as well as crowded/messy spaces. People and places are judged by the 5 senses. I plan to look at the differences between both. For primary research I will take photographs of people under the shower or in a bath where people fear from drowning. For secondary research I will look at the work of other artists for inspiration. I will look at Alban Grosdider for inspiration as I think that his use of people in spaces is great as it almost seems as though they are uncomfortable being in the water. I would like to experiment with using different people in situations and spaces that are uncomfortable and small such as underwater or wrapped up tightly with some materials.

'Inner Character' experiments.

Here I have edited the photographs I have taken related to my chosen theme of 'Inner Character'. This was inspired by Diane Arbus as all her photographs are black and white. My reason for changing the colour and contrast is because it almost makes some of the photographs look older. Diane takes portraits of people where they seem to look different then how you would expect them to look. She gets them to dress up or express an emotion through their facial features.

The way the model is posed shows the masculine side to him and how he might be uncomfortable dressed as a women. The facial expressions shows that he might find this a little bit humorous. However overall you cam see that this is not a normal thing for him to do and it is not natural to him.

In the photograph above you can see that he does seem a little bit uncomfortable but sometimes that makes a good picture. Knowing that the model was willing to experiment and help me in my work is very helpful.

These photographs I have taken relate to my chosen theme of Inner Character. They connect through the unexpected shock you might get when you see a male dressed in female underwear.