Tim Walker- Living Dolls Analysis

An image from Tim Walkers Dolls series shot for Italian Vogue.

The model conveys the look of a lifeless doll, with a vacant expression and rigid looking limbs.

The lifeless atmosphere is heightened by the pale colour scheme.

The photograph is aiming to be unsettling, employing two things which people commonly fear, dolls and marionettes. This will elicit a response from most viewers, and make the pieces talked about.

The lifelessness of the model is heightened by the fact that the marionette displays more facial expression.

The creepiness of the doll is emphasised by the outstretched arms of the marionette, suggesting it is trying to get away from her grasp.

The environment is in a state of decay, shown by the cracks in the flowery wallpaper behind the model. This could represent a loss of innocence, which may be the reason the dolls are discarded.

The idea of lost images is also reflected in the pose of the model, with legs spread wide and only being covered by a childhood toy. This shows how childhood acts as a veil of innocence, one that can be easily removed.

Despite being a fashion photograph the theme seems to be the focus, more so than the clothes being modelled

 

David Hockney – Mother Analysis

This is a photomontage by David Hockney entitled Mother.

It is a different kind of montage, with one picture being broken up and reassembled, rather tan being made of separate images.

Hockney would have assembled printed photographs by hand and then photographed the result.

The layout is inspired by cubism, which gives the image an interesting aesthetic effect.

The fractured image is representative of deteriorating health through aging. However, the central picture emphasises a smile showing how despite being elderly she is still happy.

The photographs are all in colour, which adds a sense of life to the image.

Natural lighting has been used. The photographs were taken outside as there is no harsh lighting and the sky looks grey.

The various rectangles and squares in the image help emphasise certain features of the face.

Updated Project Proposal

Tutorial With Natasha

Changing My Idea 1/2/14

Unfortunately, just as I was due to go home to undertake my initial project idea my grandfather passed away unexpectedly, leaving me with an un-doable project.

I have had to take some time out to grieve, and during this process have found photography to be a comfort. I haven’t come up with a definite idea yet but have still been trying to take as many photographs as possible, which can later be integrated into a new project. I will have a tutorial with a tutor once I get back to university and hopefully this will help me get back on the right track, after such a difficult and unexpected few weeks.

Tutorial With Ellen 17/1/14

Today I had a tutorial with Ellen Nolan. It was reassuring to hear that she thought my idea was good and that there was nothing needing to be changed at this stage.

Narrative Project Proposal 16/1/14

Duane Michals- Paradise Regained Analysis 15/1/14

A sequence of silver prints by Duane Michals, entitled Paradise Regained

The sequence tells a narrative story of a regression of evolution, transitioning from an artificial office environment to a natural area full of plants and nothing man made.

The subjects becoming less clothed throughout as the environment changes reminds the viewer that humans are part of the earth and as susceptible to changes as everything else on the planet.

The sequence contains biblical connotations, thanks to the Adam and Eve style figures. As it regresses to the first image the sequence could be seen as stripping back the effects of religion.

The figures are shot from the viewer’s eye line, making it easy to relate to them as it puts us in the same position as them.

The images challenge the dominant ideology of male superiority, with the woman standing tall behind the man.

Shot in black and white to further emphasis the stripping back of technology.

The title, Paradise Regained suggests that Michals has disdain for the modern way of life and sees the old way as preferable.

Ellen Nolan- Previous Personality Analysis 15/1/14

This photograph is by Ellen Nolan from her series Previous Personality.

The series follows Ellen’s mother as she struggles with dementia. The title Previous Personality is a reference to the way that dementia robs a person of their identity.

The subject is the only figure in the image, showing the sense of isolation that sufferers of the illness, and residents of a care home feel.

There are a lot of parallel lines, both vertically and horizontally. The abundance of vertical lines is almost reminiscent of bars, suggesting being locked into the illness.

The subject is looking longingly at the empty chair to her left, suggesting a longing for company she would have had previously in her life.

The colour scheme is very autumnal, a season associated with things coming to an end.

Flash is used, which is effective as it exemplifies the feeling of isolation by highlighting every aspect of the frame.

The picture is taken from the same height as the subject, negating any sense of superiority or inferiority. This shows how sufferers of dementia are still people despite their illness.

The photograph seems to have been shot in large format, so that if printed it could be large, further emphasising the empty portions of the frame, heightening the sense of isolation. It could also be made life size to present the reality of the situation.

Narrative Mind Map 14/1/14

Here is a mind map of things associated with the term ‘Narrative’