C U R A T O R S H I P T A S K
For this task, I will aim to recreate a hypothetical exhibition. I will follow a range of steps that lead me to the final outcome of my 'exhibition'.
P H O T O G R A P H I C H E R O E S
Below are my three favourite photographers. I have contextualised each artist and I also added a few images of their work and their portfolio.
L E A F L E T
I then decided to create a leaflet for the exhibition I will be creating. This will enable me to define a theme for my exhibition and begin my research into the subject area. Below I have begun to outline a mind map which will enable me to reach a final theme.
M I N D M A P
T H E M E :
L I G H T A N D S H A D O W
i decided to chose light and shadow as my theme as this is something that most artists and photographers work with when creating their work. Additionally, it is something that they often tackle to achieve success but also can be experimented with in a range of forms to create a unique visual result. Some photographers construct light to result in a more visually appealing image, yet others focus specifically on light and aim to play and enhance it. This range of factors associated with light and how it can be experimented with is something that particularly inspires me, thus I will look at a range of artists to begin my research into this topic.
C H O S E N A R T I S T S
I then decided to research a range of artists who use light in contrasting forms. Some of the construction of light is more blatant than others but all have a diverse and effective use of light. Below are my chosen artists.
A R T I S T O N E : G R E G O R Y C R E W D S O N
Gregory Crewdson is an American photographer who was born September 1962, in Brooklyn, New York. His images create a seamlessly real effect, which are elaborately staged and are a cohort of detail; “My pictures are about a search for a moment, a perfect moment.” His construction of light is present has clearly been meticulously set up to reflect the narrative in the scene. Additionally, he uses light in a way to add complexity to his image. For instance in the image on the right from his series "Dream House" the light is centred above the family around the family, heightening the tension present in the image. Additionally, it hits the naked women slightly showing that she is sinisterly entering their world.
A R T I S T T W O : A N S E L A D A M S
Ansel Adams is a famous photographer and environmentalist, born February, 1902 in San Francisco, America and died 1984. His interest
A R T I S T T H R E E : R U P E R T V A N D E R V E L L
Rupert Vandervell is a London born photographer, with a strong distinctive visual style. He spent most of his photographic career working through video and design in the fashion industry. It is only recently he has decided to return to photography, capturing still images through his creative mindset. His photographic perspective is thought to reflect his personality through his obsession by geometric shapes and straight lines, evident in the images below.
A R T I S T F O U R : B R A S S A I
Brassai was a Hungarian-French photographer, who also was interested in sculpting, writing, and filmmaking. As a student, he studied panting and sculpture at the Hungarian Academy of Fine Arts in Budapest, enabling him to be influenced by a range of artists contributing to the work he then went on to create. His work came prominent in France in the 20th century in which focused on street photography at night, highlighting light sources in a prominent and mysterious form. Below are two of his images, exhibiting his dramatic style.
A R T I S T F I V E : R O B E R T S I O D M A K
Robert Siodmak was a German film director, born August of 1900, and died in March 1973. His work is primarily recognised for its thriller specialism and series of stylish, unpretentious Hollywood film noir made in the 1940s, such as "The Killers". Below is examples from one of the film noir, "The Killers", which owes its stylish aura to the lighting, which enhances the seedy criminal underworld; fast, wisecracking dialogue; cynical men and amoral women, granting Siodmak his iconic style.
C H O S E N A R T I S T S
1. Rupert Vandervell
2. Brassai
3. Robert Siodmak
2. Brassai
3. Robert Siodmak
L O C A T I O N
I decided to research a range of locations to host my exhibition in order to decide which gallery I felt best suited my theme and the artists I have included. I decided to look at The Photographers' Gallery and The Tate Modern. Below is all the research I have done on the two locations and the types of leaflets they often feature.
P H O T O G R A P H E R ' S G A L L E R Y
The Photographers' Gallery is the largest public gallery in London, solely displaying photography. Its dedicated to displaying the latest talent and documenting historical archives. Thus this would be a suitable location for hosting my exhibition. Additionally, it is open 7 days a week from 10.00-18.00, except sundays which opens from 11.00-18.00. The cost of visiting this gallery is free from 12.00 and £4 for a day pass (£2.50 for concessions). It is located on a street off Oxford Street and therefore, this central location makes it easily accessible through a range of buses and tubes. Therefore, in conclusion this location deems attractive to me primarily due to its focus on photography but also for its easy accessibility.
T A T E M O D E R N
The Tate Modern is an institution that displays Britain's finest art, international art and contemporary art. The Tate institution was founded by Henry Tate in 1897, displaying a small personal collection of British artwork, since then it has grew and blossomed into one of the most famous and iconic galleries in the UK. The Tate Modern opened in 2000 and is dedicated to displaying contemporary art, since its opening it has received over 40 million visitors and generates £100 million annually, benefitting the economy. Therefore, demonstrating its huge influence culturally and economically. This year it was a finalist for the Art Fund Museum of the Year 2017. Additionally, it is open 7 days a week 10.00-18.00, except friday to saturday where it is open for longer from 10.00 to 22.00. Admission to the Tate Modern is free but there is options to become a member in which enables you to visit all special exhibitions for free. It is located in SouthBank on the bank, thus is in a prominent and central location.
F I N A L L E A F L E T
Below is my final leaflet. I decided to incorporate the theme into the leaflet by having a black background, to represent shadow and the writing in white to act as the light aspect. I then used a neutral brown colour