Statement of intent
I aim to produce a website of work demonstrating my ideas, creative work and reflection based around the theme of 'Messages'. At the end of my product I will choose my best photographs and place them on my website so they can be viewed easily.
For my initial research I will start by looking into photographers that capture messages with their images. At the moment I have only two photographers in mind that I want to look up. They are called Barbara Kruger and Lorna Simpson. I choose Barbara Kruger because she's an amazing photographer that captures different messages that I can gain a lot of inspiration from for my own work. I choose Lorna Simpson because she also uses messages but represents them through the colour of people. I looked into one of Barbara's powerful message image which is all about suicidal thoughts. I choose this photographer because she displays different ways of looking at messages found within.
When I was given the themes to choose from, my initial thoughts were more strongly towards messages as I thought I could explore these better. After thinking about the project title more thoroughly I realise there are so many routes for my work to go down such as child abuse, discrimination, violence and environment which revolve around different messages within.
To show progression through my work I will start by photographing the basic scenes of some of my peers. I will then develop these images further by taking more ideas from different photographers and editing them. I then hope to venture from within Stretford high school to larger places such as Manchester.I already have a lot of ideas running through my head for this project which will propel me in the right direction.
I would like to experiment with a wide range of techniques within my work. I would like to try use a fish eye lens to see the effects that I can create with it. I will also try to push myself to be more creative within Photoshop to touch up my images to the best of my ability. I will also definitely experiment with using both colour and black and white photography and more ambitious tools.
I have four months to produce my product of work towards a production of my final piece. I am to complete my initial research within the first week and start photographing by the second week in order to give me the time I need to show progression. I will then have a ten hour practical exam where I will print and mount my final photos also I am going to try to make a video of different words that are the outocmes of blackmailing.
As my project progresses I would use annotations throughout my product labeling my ideas and development clearly. This will also help me to reflect on the work I produce. I will mainly seek advice from my teachers and my peers on how to make my work better, as I’m always aiming to push myself to new levels and I believe these are the people to go to. After the creation of my final piece I will write a final evaluation on the project as a whole, reflecting on what went well and what I could do differently or change given the time.
For my initial research I will start by looking into photographers that capture messages with their images. At the moment I have only two photographers in mind that I want to look up. They are called Barbara Kruger and Lorna Simpson. I choose Barbara Kruger because she's an amazing photographer that captures different messages that I can gain a lot of inspiration from for my own work. I choose Lorna Simpson because she also uses messages but represents them through the colour of people. I looked into one of Barbara's powerful message image which is all about suicidal thoughts. I choose this photographer because she displays different ways of looking at messages found within.
When I was given the themes to choose from, my initial thoughts were more strongly towards messages as I thought I could explore these better. After thinking about the project title more thoroughly I realise there are so many routes for my work to go down such as child abuse, discrimination, violence and environment which revolve around different messages within.
To show progression through my work I will start by photographing the basic scenes of some of my peers. I will then develop these images further by taking more ideas from different photographers and editing them. I then hope to venture from within Stretford high school to larger places such as Manchester.I already have a lot of ideas running through my head for this project which will propel me in the right direction.
I would like to experiment with a wide range of techniques within my work. I would like to try use a fish eye lens to see the effects that I can create with it. I will also try to push myself to be more creative within Photoshop to touch up my images to the best of my ability. I will also definitely experiment with using both colour and black and white photography and more ambitious tools.
I have four months to produce my product of work towards a production of my final piece. I am to complete my initial research within the first week and start photographing by the second week in order to give me the time I need to show progression. I will then have a ten hour practical exam where I will print and mount my final photos also I am going to try to make a video of different words that are the outocmes of blackmailing.
As my project progresses I would use annotations throughout my product labeling my ideas and development clearly. This will also help me to reflect on the work I produce. I will mainly seek advice from my teachers and my peers on how to make my work better, as I’m always aiming to push myself to new levels and I believe these are the people to go to. After the creation of my final piece I will write a final evaluation on the project as a whole, reflecting on what went well and what I could do differently or change given the time.
I made a detailed coggle to share some of the ideas I am thinking about including in my final pieces.
Moodboard
5C's analysis on Barbara Kruger
Context- "Barbara Kruger is an American conceptual and pop artist who was born in Newark, New Jersey in 1945. She attended Syracuse University and Parsons School of Design and went on to work in art direction and design for several magazines such as Aperture. Kruger later developed an interest in photography and subsequently began her famous works of found images with text collaged over. Many of Kruger’s collage work deals with consumerism, desire, feminism, and gender politics. These works are exclusively in red, black, and white complementing the confrontational text which often challenges the corporate and advertising world, their values, and our passive digestion of it. Kruger continues this work outside of her collages through the mass production of t-shirts, mugs, and other memorabilia with her “slogans” all over them rampant with irony and extending the label of art to consumer products". (This was researched)
Content and Composition- The image seems to be old as the main image is in black and white. I think the picture was took in America as that is where she is from. The image is made from her taking a standard image where she then starts collaging adding a red theme and also adds direct communication with the audience. The image is just of a woman. In the background of the image I can see a woman with potentially harmful or helpful chemicals heading straight for her eye.The main focus point of this image is the message that is highlighted in the colour red. Straight away my eye is drawn to the bold writing that is highlighted by a red background. The strong leading lines are where the writing in the image has been typed in a bold text and highlighted in a sharp red colour.
Connection- The theme of this image is strongly linked to violence and suicidal thoughts which could be due to blackmailing which is incredibly relevant to mine because my initial idea was linked around the same topic which is really helpful as I can use Barbara to help inspire my ideas. The image can link to my work because it includes collaging and a strong message which is what I am aiming to do. I think there is a strong message in this image which is to say that your future is in your own hands if your willing to see through the negatives and overcome them. The image is in black and white. I think she has done this to show that something bad is about to happen, which creates a Gothic effect. I might think about trying to implement this into my images on Photoshop to push my grades further.
Comment- I really like how Barbara Kruger keeps a consistent theme which is a black and white image highlighted by inputting her text in bold and in the colour red. I like this because it makes the message of the image stand out and easy for the eye to catch. If I was being picky the only thing I do not quite like with the image is the simplicity of it. I think that she could have been a bit more ambitious in Photoshop. I can use her images to inspire me because the theme I am exploring is violent and suicidal messages and her theme of having a bold message is very effective. I think there is a meaning behind this image which is a strong message which is to convey that your future is in your own hands if your willing to see through the negatives and overcome them.
Content and Composition- The image seems to be old as the main image is in black and white. I think the picture was took in America as that is where she is from. The image is made from her taking a standard image where she then starts collaging adding a red theme and also adds direct communication with the audience. The image is just of a woman. In the background of the image I can see a woman with potentially harmful or helpful chemicals heading straight for her eye.The main focus point of this image is the message that is highlighted in the colour red. Straight away my eye is drawn to the bold writing that is highlighted by a red background. The strong leading lines are where the writing in the image has been typed in a bold text and highlighted in a sharp red colour.
Connection- The theme of this image is strongly linked to violence and suicidal thoughts which could be due to blackmailing which is incredibly relevant to mine because my initial idea was linked around the same topic which is really helpful as I can use Barbara to help inspire my ideas. The image can link to my work because it includes collaging and a strong message which is what I am aiming to do. I think there is a strong message in this image which is to say that your future is in your own hands if your willing to see through the negatives and overcome them. The image is in black and white. I think she has done this to show that something bad is about to happen, which creates a Gothic effect. I might think about trying to implement this into my images on Photoshop to push my grades further.
Comment- I really like how Barbara Kruger keeps a consistent theme which is a black and white image highlighted by inputting her text in bold and in the colour red. I like this because it makes the message of the image stand out and easy for the eye to catch. If I was being picky the only thing I do not quite like with the image is the simplicity of it. I think that she could have been a bit more ambitious in Photoshop. I can use her images to inspire me because the theme I am exploring is violent and suicidal messages and her theme of having a bold message is very effective. I think there is a meaning behind this image which is a strong message which is to convey that your future is in your own hands if your willing to see through the negatives and overcome them.
5C's analysis on Lorna Simpson
Context- "Lorna Simpson first became well known in the mid-1980s for her large scale photograph and text works that confront and challenge conventional views of gender, identity, culture, history, and memory. With the African-American woman as a visual point of departure, Simpson uses the figure to examine the ways in which gender and culture shape the interactions, relationships, and experiences of our lives in contemporary multiracial America. Most recently, she began a project involving an archive of photographs from the 1950s, which she has been adding to by creating her own replicas of these images, posing herself to mimic the originals". (This was researched)
Content and Composition- The image looks new. The picture has been edited in Photoshop to a good level. The image is not just of the structure as it has five people in it, however, their heads have been cut out which gives an Erie effect. The image seems to be new as it looks quite professional. The image is in black and white which I think has been done because she is showing identity between black and white people. It is made from collaging as the main structure seems to be of a white person and then on top of it, some of the body parts have been replaced by a black person. I think the main focal point of this image is the writing as it portrays a message that the people face Monday to Friday. My eye is drawn to the people in the image as they seem to be two different colors which are black and white.
Connection- The theme of this image is discrimination which is relevant to my theme as it relates to why people commit suicide or attempt acts of violence. The image can link to my work as the idea I have is to create final outcomes with strong messages. In my opinion, there is a strong message behind this image which is that people are being discriminated every day and it doesn't matter what colour you are as everyone is experiencing it. I think it is a black and white image to show that both raises are experiencing discrimination, I might think about trying to implement this into my images on Photoshop to push my grades further.
Comment- One thing I like about this image is how it conveys a message about discrimination. I like this because it is a simple way to show people and make them understand that people are undergoing harsh discrimination every day. The only thing I don't like about the image is that the message is not as bold as it could be. I can easily use this image to inspire me as I am trying to convey different messages linked to suicide and violence. I think that there is a strong message behind this image which is that people are being discriminated every day and it doesn't matter what colour you are as everyone is experiencing it and the situation should be acknowledged. I think the reason Lorna Simpson took this image was to acknowledge the different types of discrimination different types of people are facing every day.
Content and Composition- The image looks new. The picture has been edited in Photoshop to a good level. The image is not just of the structure as it has five people in it, however, their heads have been cut out which gives an Erie effect. The image seems to be new as it looks quite professional. The image is in black and white which I think has been done because she is showing identity between black and white people. It is made from collaging as the main structure seems to be of a white person and then on top of it, some of the body parts have been replaced by a black person. I think the main focal point of this image is the writing as it portrays a message that the people face Monday to Friday. My eye is drawn to the people in the image as they seem to be two different colors which are black and white.
Connection- The theme of this image is discrimination which is relevant to my theme as it relates to why people commit suicide or attempt acts of violence. The image can link to my work as the idea I have is to create final outcomes with strong messages. In my opinion, there is a strong message behind this image which is that people are being discriminated every day and it doesn't matter what colour you are as everyone is experiencing it. I think it is a black and white image to show that both raises are experiencing discrimination, I might think about trying to implement this into my images on Photoshop to push my grades further.
Comment- One thing I like about this image is how it conveys a message about discrimination. I like this because it is a simple way to show people and make them understand that people are undergoing harsh discrimination every day. The only thing I don't like about the image is that the message is not as bold as it could be. I can easily use this image to inspire me as I am trying to convey different messages linked to suicide and violence. I think that there is a strong message behind this image which is that people are being discriminated every day and it doesn't matter what colour you are as everyone is experiencing it and the situation should be acknowledged. I think the reason Lorna Simpson took this image was to acknowledge the different types of discrimination different types of people are facing every day.
First shoot plan
BestThis is the best picture from this set as the light is dim around the set but focused on the arm also I managed to capture a shadow which adds an extra effect.
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WorstThis is the worst image from this set as the lighting was too bright and caught a reflection of the knife causing the image to be slightly bleached.
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Props used which was newspapers and magazines
Process to final outcomes
Final outcomes
Tracey Emin- all the people I have slept with
I like this image because it expresses a mysterious subject in an unusual way. I like the fact that she has used cut out words and stuck them onto a tent with the light shining on them on the outside of the tent which makes it clear to see, creating an illuminating effect. I can definitely use this image to inspire my personal intentions for similar images to this.
Process of outcomes
Final outcomes
Face shots
BestThis is the best picture from this category because his whole face is in the image and it is clear, he has also kept a straight face which is important because he needs to look glum.
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WorstThis is the worst image from this category because I didn't manage to capture his whole face in the image as a bit of his hair and chin have been cut out. This is because I was zoomed In to much.
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Here is the tutorial I am using to help me
Process of outcomes
Final outcomes
More shots
BestThis is the best image from this category because I managed to capture the models whole face along with a sad expression on it, I also managed to slightly blur the background.
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WorstThis is the worst image out of this category as I captured to much of the models body and he also smiled while the picture was took. Also the door in the back should have been shut.
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Process of outcomes
Final outcomes
Here is a sample of a video that I made.
Now I have made this sample video I know that it is possible to make and also I now know which words I need to capture pictures of. So I am going to find a suitable location for where I might find some of the words which include, anxiety, depression, anger, stress, pressure. I may be able to find such words at a hospital so this will be one of the locations I visit. Another idea I have thought of is that I could make the video of words that make up a poem, if I am going to pursue this root then I'll need to find a poem about blackmailing and video the words out of newspapers, online articles, bills, letters and in Manchester to make the poem.
Poem called 'Blackmail' by Funom Makama
Hands tied by own deeds
an ultimatum is issued
with choices squeezed and limited
an ultimatum is issued
with choices squeezed and limited
I have choose this short poem about blackmail to try and video the words out of newspapers, online articles, bills, letters and in Manchester which I will try to put together to make the poem during my ten hour exam. If I am not able to find all of the words for the video I will draw the words on a paper and stick them around different places and video that so I at least have an outcome.
Final completed video
To make this video I took short videos of letters, news articles and bills, this was because I felt like these are what are used to make blackmailing letters. I chose this simple poem because it simply sums up the title of blackmail. I may add some more to the end of this video during my exam to make it the best it can be. I may make another video with my outcomes in the exam.
29th of April 2019 from this point I will not touch my preparation work. The only work from this date will be work created in my exam.
Exam work
Face shots
Process of outcomes
Final outcomes
Process of outcomes
Final outcomes
More face shots
Process of outcomes
Final outcomes
Process of making the poem 'blackmail'
Final outcomes
Atrium windows
Process of outcomes
Final outcomes
Frames
Process of outcomes
Final outcomes
Posters I am going to use in my video of the poem about blackmail
The final completed video
Evaluation
My project theme was messages, more precisely messages of blackmail. I think that it was really fascinating and educating as during research I found out what blackmailing acctually is and also how you can deal with it which was really good. The thing I enjoyed the most about this project was Photoshopping the photos I captured as when I took my first set of photos I knew I wanted to push my self in photoshop so after doing some of them myself I found a useful tutorial which helped me to get a better outcome which is clearly shown in my face shots outcomes. I also enjoyed the challenge of making the video as it was difficult to find certain words that I needed. One new technique I have equipped along the way in photoshop is the ability to cut the inside of words out so you can only see the outline and through the word which is a really nice effect and adds a special touch to my outcomes. A technique I would like to develop further would be blending, this would make my outcomes a lot more strong as you wouldn't see any unnecessary hard lines which make the image look unbalanced. Through my project, I researched three photographers, Barbara Kruger, Lorna Simpson and Tracy Emin. These photographers have all influence my work in different ways, Barbara Kruger influenced me to make my words bold, Lorna Simpson influenced me to think carefully about which words I used and Tracy Emin influenced me to think carefully about how I portray these words. The technique I enjoyed the most was cutting out the inside of a word so that you could still see the outline and what the word said but you could also see through the word. I think the most successful part of my project is the final outcomes as they make my portfolio really strong and help to produce a strong grade. I encountered one big problem in my project which was changing my idea from violence to blackmail thankfully I decided to do this quite early on so it didn't set me back as I quickly catched up mainting a consistant standard throughout. I also struggled to think of ideas for my outcomes but this was rapidly overcome after my artist research which influenced my outcomes. If I was given the chance to complete the project again I think I might have gone down a different path linked more to suicide as I think there are a lot more outcomes I could have produced from this. However, overall I am very happy with my decision to pursue blackmail as I feel I have done the best I could have and produced some amazing things to the best of my ability.