Opinion Piece
As the number of contributors increase I'm beginning to form better ideas of where the real substance / challenge of this area lies.
- Using the camera to capture candid moments of the artist's life, both in public and private. This could be done by simply carrying the camera with the artist at all times and taking photos whenever they feel inspired. Alternatively, the artist could set up specific situations or scenarios to photograph, such as staging a self-portrait in front of a mirror or photographing themselves in different locations.
- Using the camera to explore the artist's own identity and emotions. This could be done by taking photos of the artist's body, face, or clothing, or by photographing the artist in different poses or expressions.
- Using the camera to create a visual narrative about the artist's life or experiences. This could be done by taking photos in a specific order or sequence. The artist could also use the camera to create a series of self-portraits that explore a particular theme or idea.
In the above I envisage the artist being in very definite control of the camera, perhaps holding it in hand in the flow of performing. But not to be too doctrinaire.
- A camera assistant can usefully pick up on audience reaction.
- Placing the camera on a tripod gives opportunity for long exposures to aggregate parts of the scene or the durational element of the performer's movement.
It is frustrating to receive so many beautiful images which come with minimal or zero supporting information. They don't inform me and do not offer any stimulus for the discussion intended for this project. I will continue to add these to the blog line but please feel free to add to your own via comments.
I would suggest, politely, that perhaps the beautiful images that come with minimal or zero supporting information are meant to come that way, as they are, without the support of information. Perhaps the senders wish the viewers to arrive at their own conclusion/ response without the need of the creators accompanying information. Was it a prerequisite that all entries should have descriptions?
ReplyDeleteThe project is clearly labelled as a dialog and though you can construct dialog between 2 images this may not be apparent to the viewer. I believe it has to be spelled out both in the artist's own words and in the interaction with other artists.
ReplyDeleteThe submission form had space for written input "Please describe your interest and engagement with the survey topic" -- input here was required.
The performative artwork attempts in itself to make its own point -- how many of the artworks submitted here have attracted that "ah ha!" notice?
Would I be so wrong if I asked each contributor what they have gained in dialog and use that as a measure of the success or failure of this project ?
Not at all Aldo. If it is clearly labelled as a dialog as you point out and it has been communicated to the contributor that this is the format that it is requested that they agree to, when deciding to participate, then what you have stated is completely fair enough I believe. Also, it is of course your project and your are perfectly entitled to structure it as you see fit.
DeleteHowever I would say that the creative in me finds the phrase in the email from your publishers oscofornio.publishers@gmail.com " If we can attribute useful, creative input in the comments that you put up and credit you with it then, bluntly your input will more likely find its way to the printed page" (which I interpret to mean whoever makes the best/most comments will get their work included in the printed edition)- somewhat wearying, and transforms an otherwise pleasurable endeavour- looking at and thinking about the images which have been contributed, into a more competitive one, where artists are perhaps commenting in the knowledge that the more they post the more likely they are to have their work selected for print.
However, I am conscious that I may sound somewhat grieved here. I am not! I was simply trying to suggesting that in some cases the images contributed here, arresting and beautiful as many are, speak for themselves, and perhaps that they were meant to- which might explain why there was no accompanying information sent in with them. .
A good number of the images posted have, to me, that "ah ha!" notice.
Lastly thank you Aldo for the opportunity to exchange these points and I hope the project continues to be successful.
Dear LL, OK we were too blunt and quantity will never match quality. Never the less applicants have stated their interest in learning from the dialog process and we would take the view that learning involves speaking up to attract attention to shared areas for discussion.
DeleteWith artists everywhere we despair for the relentless drive to self-promote and the solipsism brought on by this.