University Workshops
On a Tuesday afternoon we get together in our small groups of about 6 which we have been allocated and discuss our set briefs given by our tutors. These tasks aim to help us deal with a group/team situation and to gain a better understanding of certain equipment/techniques. The briefs set are taken from the lectures given in the morning and are also helping with our individual projects on the same subjects. I will document our ideas as a group and show our final outcome.
WEEK 1: IDENTITY
Nostalgia
Here is our image which explores the theme Identity. We were given the brief of a digital image, printed A3, we had to shoot in the studio, use studio lighting and include props. We were also given a list of things to "try" and include but it was also optional, these included;
Window lighting, A specific room, A specific age, presence of an animal, nature, a figure and a shadow. We came up with the idea of a child's bedroom, with the presence of an older person, in the form of a shadow to suggest a longing for their childhood or a memory of the past.
We wanted to create quite a nostalgic appearance, with the props it is successful in doing that as they appear to be quite old fashioned. We did originally plan to create a child's bedroom but in the short space of time we had it was difficult finding the props necessary. The final outcome, I feel was successful, we chose to print the image in black and white because this juxtaposed our theme of nostalgia and resembled the past, also in colour our still life appeared too commercial as if it would appear in a catalogue for a department store. Our objects and the shadows give the image quite an eerie aesthetic but I think this was a great effect and gave the image some character and drama.
WEEK 2: DOCUMENTARY
Consumerism
Our key elements of the brief were as follows:
- Black and white
- Medium format
- 9x12.5 paper
- 3 prints (Triptych)
- Subtle and interesting
- The concept given has to be a secret from the other groups, for them to guess during the presentation.
All of the groups had to choose privately, a word/concept to produce work about and then keep it a secret to see if they could guess it later on. Obviously from the title our word was 'Consumerism'.
The idea of
'Transportation of Global goods'
We thought most people would think or associate this term with shops or food, which would be too obvious, so we tried to brainstorm something more subtle and thought a very important factor, and one people tend to forget about, is how we and the rest of the world receive our everyday products and goods. This led us to the massive transportation networks by sea and railway. However it was easier for us to access the idea of sea transport, being based near Southampton port harbor. We aimed to subtly introduce the goods containers by them becoming part of the landscape as if fitting in to our normal everyday lives. Realistically being something that is almost restricted and hidden from us.
WEEK 3: ENVIRONMENT
'Ugly Architecture'
Iphone shots of the location
Medium Format Image 1 below
