Category: AGM60 Research & Experimentation Posts

During the scheduled session for 28 April, the class has to discuss the contextualisation of their projects, both specifically in relation to relevant photographic issues and debates (both contemporary and historical) and in relation to fields outside of photography.

To prepare for this session, I have to complete the following tasks:

For the purposes of discussion, bring three references that I feel are integral to my own project:

1. One contemporary reference (within the field of photography/art).
2. One historical reference (within the field of photography/art).
3. One outside of the realm of art and photography.

 

I had to be prepared to:

• Present these references to the group
• Explain how these references have:
  • Informed my project so far
  • Have helped to propel it forwards.

 

During this discussion, each class member (including myself), had to give special emphasis to:

In relation to one of the above ‘integral references’, I am asked to either:

• Conduct a short interview/conversation with someone who is in some way connected to one of my references.

OR

• Write a short (400-500 word) reflective review of an exhibition, gallery-talk, interview, film, novel, article, online conversation/talk/event, etc. related to one of my references for the purposes of discussion amongst the group.

 

These are the relevant posts with the results of my work for these tasks. I have fully written reflective reviews of both the historical reference and the one outside the realm of art and photography. The contemporary reference has not been fully written but can be utilised for the purpose of this seminar.

 

Contemporary reference (within the field of photography/art):

AGM60 Contemporary Reference for Seminar 28 April 2020

Historical reference (within the field of photography/art):

AGM60 Historical Reference for Seminar 28 April 2020

Reference outside of the realm of art and photography:

AGM60 Non-Photography/Art Reference for Seminar 28 April 2020

AGM60 An Eternity Moment 29 March 2020

My next stage in the project was to revisit the tree images I had already taken. I was still intrigued by the possibilities of using a grid form of presentation.

This is the first draft using Adobe Photoshop – not perfect, but a useful visual reference. I also used these images as shot without editing or adding any specific effects.

While thinking about this grid presentation, I realised that I was being strongly influenced by what I was seeing on my TV screen. During this time of lockdown and people working from home, I was being exposed to Zoom chats. This is a way of communicating via the internet where all participants appear in a grid.

 

Each participant is isolated, but together. They are connected, despite their dis-location.

This is how the trees appear in grid form – all of the images could be individual ones in separate locations. By presenting them together, it is an allegory of what it can feel like being in isolation and limited to one’s surroundings but still able to be part of something much bigger.

I have also used grids previously to present my images.

Both of these examples show the possible dynamics of a series of images that combine to make a single piece of work. This, in my experience, creates a synergy between images when presented together.

After two weeks of staying at home and self-isolating, I was able to venture further than my garden. On a beautiful Sunday with a blue sky and streaming sunshine, I made my way to the park. I knew that it would help in my recovery for both body and soul.

My intention was to explore double-exposures further. I also was inspired by shots taken on 20 March, especially when they were presented in grid form.

The challenge I had that day was to ensure I kept to the social distancing measurement of at least 2 metres. I also had to keep moving, as staying in one spot for any length of time was not allowed.

The first images I took were with my smartphone of this tree.

I didn’t take any with my DSLR as I couldn’t get the same perspective with this lens.

I walked a bit further and started my experiment. The intention was to take a ‘grid’ of double exposure shots of the same tree. While standing in the same spot, focus on the top left corner of the planned composition, then the first shot then move the camera slightly down for the second one. I  would then move the camera down and repeat the process three more times. Next, I’d focus the camera to the right then repeat the process going up. This is a selection of the images.

Next, I tried a similar technique with a single tree, taking three shots from top to bottom.

Interesting. I have to work on the exposure on the third shot in the sequence.

I then ventured into the Woodland Gardens and tried the same technique with this tree.

Better, but not sure if a using a tripod would give a stronger, continuous line with the trunk. The following was taken free-hand – I do prefer the way the trunk flows between each individual image.

After wandering through the gardens, I realised I was feeling very drained. It was a timely reminder that, even though I had shaken off most of the symptoms, I still needed time to recover fully and regain my energy. As such, I changed my planned route and walked across part of the park that I hadn’t been to for quite a while.

On this part of my walk, I came across the following tree.

As with other dead trees in the park, it looks like a sculpted statue.

While taking these photos, I noticed this aspect taken from a particular angle.

It looked like a robed person outstretching their hands to the sky.

The next tree I encountered was this rugged specimen.

Again, I took some detail shots.

I was also delighted to spot a kite perched at the top of this tree. Unfortunately, both my DSLR and smartphone lens couldn’t get close enough, so this will have to do.

 

These images were taken in my garden during a brief sunny spell on 31 March. Having had a group online session with my fellow MA students and tutors earlier that day, I took their various gems of feedback and constructive criticism on board. This is the result.

These are shots of the reflection in the window.

 

I then set the camera to take a double exposure.

For the following double exposures, I took the first shot of the window then rotated 180 degrees for the second one to take a shot of the tree.

This is an edited image – the main aspect is that I’ve turned this upside-down and made some tweaks in Adobe Camera Raw.

 

These are the ‘before’ and ‘after’ images for comparison.

Having looked at these two images together, I think that this could also be a new direction.

This was the last Microsoft Team session with the class and our tutors before the Spring Break. During the online conversations, it was great to see the others work in progress plus to give to and receive feedback from each other.

In general, I received positive comments regarding my work so far. The double exposures I shot of the sea before lockdown were appreciated with their tonal appearance. Also, the concept of photographing the various glass vases and jars was discussed.

The following photographers were recommended:

• Sol Lewitt: http://www.artnet.com/artists/sol-lewitt/
• Elaine Duigenan: https://www.elaineduigenan.com/micro-mundi
• Gorgio Morandi: https://www.tate.org.uk/art/artists/giorgio-morandi-1660

 

One aspect that I stuck was my classmate, Ali, commenting on my solarised images. As I’ve already mentioned, I really do like this effect and being able to re-recreate it using Adobe Camera Raw or Photoshop. Something to explore further with images already taken and future ones.

The other was from our tutor, Fergus. This was to try photographing in portrait as opposed to landscape. Again, something to try during my next shoot.

This was the last scheduled session before the Spring Break with the next one planned for Tuesday, 28th April. During this session, the class has to discuss the contextualisation of their projects, both specifically in relation to relevant photographic issues and debates (both contemporary and historical) and in relation to fields outside of photography.

To prepare for this session, I had to complete the following tasks:

For the purposes of discussion, bring three references that I feel are integral to my own project:

1. One contemporary reference (within the field of photography/art).
2. One historical reference (within the field of photography/art).
3. One outside of the realm of art and photography.

 

I had to be prepared to:

• Present these references to the group
• Explain how these references have:
  • Informed my project so far
  • Have helped to propel it forwards.

 

During this discussion, each class member (including myself), had to give special emphasis to:

In relation to one of the above ‘integral references’, I am asked to either:

• Conduct a short interview/conversation with someone who is in some way connected to one of my references.

OR

• Write a short (400-500 word) reflective review of an exhibition, gallery-talk, interview, film, novel, article, online conversation/talk/event, etc. related to one of my references for the purposes of discussion amongst the group.

 

The above will certainly keep me busy during the coming weeks.

 

After two days of photography, I realised I needed a change of purpose. Along with my flatmate, Luki, we cleaned the kitchen from top to bottom on Saturday 28 March. As a welcome distraction from doom and gloom, this also gave us the opportunity to go through all the items in the room. It was very cathartic to gauge the state of and usefulness of the contents. Pots, pans, jars, and vases were moved and cleaned.

After this clearance, I was left with a selection of glass pieces that I lined up in the hallway. While looking at them, I thought they may make possible subjects for photographing. I had used many household objects and items in my proximity for previous projects, so it seemed prudent to do the same with these.

Another object I had to hand was this coffee pot.

I had used this as a prop in a previous project and I thought it may be used as an individual photographic subject, in combination with the glass vessels or as a light bouncer.

While thinking of what I could do with these items, I noticed other potential subjects on a shelf in the living room. These five items are from places I have visited and evoke very strong and significant memories.

At this particular time, I had no idea as to whether I could visit them again, which brought up a lot of thoughts and feelings. Something to explore further.

While getting ready for the day, on the morning of 29 March, I noticed that my perfume bottle was half empty. After having this thought, I reminded myself not to be negative – it was half full. Then I realised that this positive slant was an essential element of the current situation in which I found myself.

While taking in the familiar blend, including notes of pomegranate, warm rosewood, guava, and passionflower plus other exotic fragrances, further thoughts came to me – do I use it or save it? If I used it over the next few weeks, that would mean ordering another for delivery soon. Would this result in someone not getting an essential that they need?

So, should I save it? I had been using this perfume since 2011 and it was part of my ‘identity’ and routine. I really cherish that part of my daily ritual and feel slightly ‘naked’ without my signature scent. So I made the decision to continue using it. There was no indication at that time as to when the lockdown would finish, but I would not deny myself a small daily luxury when I still had the opportunity to do so. If I run out before being to get some more, then so be it. In the meantime, I would relish that burst of fragrance each morning while I could.

After this particular meditation, I made another observation – the perfume’s name. Eternity Moment. This nomenclature was synonymous with being in lockdown. It feels like it will last an eternity, but in truth, it’s only a moment. This too shall pass. Over the years, I have learned that change is inevitable. And when change happens, it’s how one responds to it that makes a difference. Having been in countless situations of change beyond my control, I’ve discovered that by focusing on what I can do, rather than what I can’t, I have got through them in a more productive way. As Einstein stated, the definition of insanity is “doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results”. I certainly have had the personal experience of this ‘insanity’. By changing my behaviour and thoughts in uncertain times, I have staved off particular moments of madness.

These thoughts also lead me to the title of this project – Moments of Eternity. Each image that I will be including in this body of work is a moment and direct result of this unique time we are experiencing and my response to it. For me, this is a very apt name and metanarrative for these images.