Week 10 - Field Trip to SIPF

Questions

1. In the exhibition, choose a few series of work that inspired you. Explain why.

Fade Away - Kris Vervaeke

I found it interesting that the photographer framed the tombstone photos as if they look like actual portrait photographs. I think that the meaning of people "fading away" with time is created very well here because through the tombstone photos, we know that these people have already passed and the author is trying to say something about "death". The gradual intensifying of the faded-ness of the pictures exude the important concept that after death, people simply just 'disappear' with time.


Home Visits - Alecia Neo

I was inspired by this piece because it wasn't like those random point-and-shoot portraits of people. By stringing the photographs together, it evokes a deeper thinking of the photos and it is then that I got to notice the way the subjects pose for the photos in their homes. All of their living environments are different (through sharing certain similarities) and all their facial expressions are kinds of different. We are able to 'conjure' up a background story for each of those characters and it felt like in a way, we knew them personally.



2. Observe how photographers convey their concept/idea through their chosen media and subject matter. Choose one series of work that you think the photographer has effectively conveyed his/her concept in his/her work.

Physical Realities of Death, A memoir of Toivo Laukkannen by Tristan Cai

The artist used video, actual objects of the deceased and photographs of the late Toiyo Laukkannen as the artistic medium. Photos include pictures from the subject's childhood, youth, adult, old age, all the way till his death (site of his death and autopsy). I think the use of pictures (childhood to old age) and the personal collection of his medals showed that he was a real person and the viewers sort of are able to 'read' through his life in the exhibition. The use of video also complements this as the commentary or eulogy given by family and friend served to help us gain more insight to the person - all these serve to let people know this person at a deeper level rather than just an anonymous someone who had just died. This results in the viewer connecting with artwork emotionally as it felt like 'we know him' and the images of his death brought the notion of his death (or any person's death for that matter) very real to us. The concept would not have been as evident if the artist only used photos of the death and autopsy - it would have just been a cold body without any background story to it.



3. Observe how photographers present their work (i.e. choice of framing, hanging etc.). Choose one or a few series of work that you think the photographer(s) has effectively present his/her/their work.

Museum Anatomy by Chadwick & Spector

I think the piece is interesting because the original artwork (i.e. the painting) is painted on a human body - thus the frame being the body. The photos are blown up to the size of the original painting so it's very clear that artist is trying to make a point/a link with regards to traditional artwork.

The series of photographs definitely does bring about a different feeling towards the original paintings.