Practical Response to curatorship task: Youth.
In response to my Curatorship Task. I will look at specific areas of what youth means, taking on the idea of youth expression and youth culture.
Youth expression is the demonstration of thoughts and feelings, including emotions. As shown through dress, speech, body language, music and art. This idea of youth expression through channeling their emotions and feelings into specific things intrigues me because of how it varies among different youth subcultures. My research has highlighted that youth brought up in different generations/time periods have different experiences of growing up. From the aggressive, rebellious attitudes of the skinheads from the early 1960’s to the 1980’s, to the grime music collectives playing on East London’s pirate radio stations in the early 2000’s, each group has their own unique ways of separating themselves from each other. The skinheads aimed to look aggressive and rebellious to the rest of society due to the social alienation of being young working class youths. Solidarity between them created a culture of young people who rejected the ‘peace and love’ themes of the 1960s hippie movement and the conservatism throughout the UK of the time. Consequently, a generation of working class youth who wore dock martin boots and shaven heads was formed.
The young men of the grime music scene from the early 2000’s, rejected the upbeat-female vocals of the UK garage scene and turned to a faster, darker sounding style of music. Rejecting the idea of dressing up in unaffordable expensive designer clothes and instead turned to cheaper sportswear featuring Nike tracksuits and baseball caps, which they felt more comfortable in.
Angered by the idea of paying large sums of money to broadcast their music across the capital (London), this clandestine group began illegally setting up their own radio stations in disused flats within inner city tower blocks. They reflected their frustration living in working class areas, struggling to make ends meet and resorting to crime through their dark and aggressive lyrics broadcasted through their pirate stations. This culture of people grew based on many different factors and the way they expressed themselves is what made them unique to others.
I believe capturing the activity and behaviour of youth expression through a medium like fashion or music, enables me to portray images from a neutral perspective. By objectively documenting and recording, I want to be invisible to the groups I observe, allowing viewers to perceive images as they wish.
As a teenager living in London, I chose modern day youth culture because I am surrounded by it in my everyday life, seeing different groups of youth throughout the city has made me want to explore more.
Youth expression is the demonstration of thoughts and feelings, including emotions. As shown through dress, speech, body language, music and art. This idea of youth expression through channeling their emotions and feelings into specific things intrigues me because of how it varies among different youth subcultures. My research has highlighted that youth brought up in different generations/time periods have different experiences of growing up. From the aggressive, rebellious attitudes of the skinheads from the early 1960’s to the 1980’s, to the grime music collectives playing on East London’s pirate radio stations in the early 2000’s, each group has their own unique ways of separating themselves from each other. The skinheads aimed to look aggressive and rebellious to the rest of society due to the social alienation of being young working class youths. Solidarity between them created a culture of young people who rejected the ‘peace and love’ themes of the 1960s hippie movement and the conservatism throughout the UK of the time. Consequently, a generation of working class youth who wore dock martin boots and shaven heads was formed.
The young men of the grime music scene from the early 2000’s, rejected the upbeat-female vocals of the UK garage scene and turned to a faster, darker sounding style of music. Rejecting the idea of dressing up in unaffordable expensive designer clothes and instead turned to cheaper sportswear featuring Nike tracksuits and baseball caps, which they felt more comfortable in.
Angered by the idea of paying large sums of money to broadcast their music across the capital (London), this clandestine group began illegally setting up their own radio stations in disused flats within inner city tower blocks. They reflected their frustration living in working class areas, struggling to make ends meet and resorting to crime through their dark and aggressive lyrics broadcasted through their pirate stations. This culture of people grew based on many different factors and the way they expressed themselves is what made them unique to others.
I believe capturing the activity and behaviour of youth expression through a medium like fashion or music, enables me to portray images from a neutral perspective. By objectively documenting and recording, I want to be invisible to the groups I observe, allowing viewers to perceive images as they wish.
As a teenager living in London, I chose modern day youth culture because I am surrounded by it in my everyday life, seeing different groups of youth throughout the city has made me want to explore more.
To start my journey off i have decided i want to explore the specific areas of youth expression as spoken about in my introduction.
These include:
These include:
- Music
- Art
- Fashion
- Lifestyle
Music
I observed music to be a very important factor in today’s youth culture and music can influence and reflect an individuals’ life experiences. My research has shown that each different subculture listens to a different style of music influencing all aspects of their life from fashion, lifestyle, social attitudes and morality.
For this reason, music is a fundamental aspect for my journey in exploring youth culture.
For this reason, music is a fundamental aspect for my journey in exploring youth culture.
Artist Research: Will Robson-Scott, Grime and pirate radio
- Through exploring Will Robson-Scott, I decided I wanted to experiment and emulate his style. Robson-Scott explored the gritty, clandestine lifestyles of the young grime radio DJ's and MC'S throughout the early 2000's.
- Will captures the youth of Londons grime culture in their rawest form, documenting them in their most natural environment.
- He casts a light on hidden life within the urban landscape, depicting a minority of Britain's youth taking over the radio airwaves through the medium of grime music.
- Using contrast, lighting, shadows and silhouettes to dramatise his images, Will evokes the moods he was acquiring from his surroundings at the time through the medium of photography
- Every one of Robson-Scott images from the series 'Grime' depicts a different perspective, from the energetic scenes of late night pirate radio sets producing blurred photographs such as the image below, To the depressing views of individuals looking out of the windows of the grey concrete council estates. The compositions are well balanced; each photo portrays reality as he saw it rather than having been set up with an agenda in terms of how he wanted to scenes to look.
This photograph is part of Will Robson-Scotts 'Grime' series taken at a London pirate radio station called "Kool FM" which streams drum and bass, jungle and urban music across the city. It was taken in the early 2000's, when grime just began emerging from East London when some artists started making it into the mainstream.
The image shows the silhouette of two individuals in the foreground, facing one another with one holding a microphone and the other, in a baseball cap reaching for the microphone. In the background, the silhouette of another individuals operating what looks like a set of DJ decks, next to a television and a lampshade.
The image looks to have been taken with a wide-angle lens due to the framing, which has a large depth of field. The type of camera (digital or 35mm) is unknown.
It's clear from this photograph and the location, that this photo was taken whilst these individuals were performing on the radio station. The microphone being passed around with the silhouette of DJ decks in the background all within the dimly lit room suggest they are within the studio of the radio station.
The artist took the photograph in a dimly lit room, with each person showing up as a silhouette, this may have been to dramatise the image, referring to the fact that the station is pirate and the identities need to remain unknown as its illegal to broadcast without a licence.
However, the artist may have also taken the image in this way to take away any other visual distraction, drawing focus to the areas of the scene he felt were significant, through the shapes, focus, depth of field and directional lighting used in the composition.
The room looks like somebody's bedroom with the lampshade and small TV seen in the background. This may be because the grime scene was just emerging, started off by young men who potentially still lived at home. This relates to my expression theme I’m exploring, these young individuals have gone to great lengths and even broken the law to broadcast their music across London, to be heard and recognised. These artists were tirelessly working to make their mark. Will Robson-Scott has successfully captured this rawness through this image. His objective photographic style in this composition truly gives an insight into youth expression.
I like this photograph as its very successful in telling a story about the youth of east London who dominated the air waves through illegal pirate radio. The image shows not only their environment but the way they are expressing themselves. I find this image very inspiring, the photo is a strong composition and uses a range of photographic techniques.
The image shows the silhouette of two individuals in the foreground, facing one another with one holding a microphone and the other, in a baseball cap reaching for the microphone. In the background, the silhouette of another individuals operating what looks like a set of DJ decks, next to a television and a lampshade.
The image looks to have been taken with a wide-angle lens due to the framing, which has a large depth of field. The type of camera (digital or 35mm) is unknown.
It's clear from this photograph and the location, that this photo was taken whilst these individuals were performing on the radio station. The microphone being passed around with the silhouette of DJ decks in the background all within the dimly lit room suggest they are within the studio of the radio station.
The artist took the photograph in a dimly lit room, with each person showing up as a silhouette, this may have been to dramatise the image, referring to the fact that the station is pirate and the identities need to remain unknown as its illegal to broadcast without a licence.
However, the artist may have also taken the image in this way to take away any other visual distraction, drawing focus to the areas of the scene he felt were significant, through the shapes, focus, depth of field and directional lighting used in the composition.
The room looks like somebody's bedroom with the lampshade and small TV seen in the background. This may be because the grime scene was just emerging, started off by young men who potentially still lived at home. This relates to my expression theme I’m exploring, these young individuals have gone to great lengths and even broken the law to broadcast their music across London, to be heard and recognised. These artists were tirelessly working to make their mark. Will Robson-Scott has successfully captured this rawness through this image. His objective photographic style in this composition truly gives an insight into youth expression.
I like this photograph as its very successful in telling a story about the youth of east London who dominated the air waves through illegal pirate radio. The image shows not only their environment but the way they are expressing themselves. I find this image very inspiring, the photo is a strong composition and uses a range of photographic techniques.
Response to Will Robson-Scott: Mode FM
- In response to Will Robson-Scott's work i managed to spend a few hours at Mode FM, an enfield based digital radio station which commonly plays Grime, drum and bass and house music. I aimed to capture the event in the same way Will Robson Scott had, by taking images as if he were just a fly on the wall, artists are seen photographed as if he's not even in the room.
- I admire this idea as it makes his photos more genuine showing clearly what these individuals are really like in this environment, and the freedom shown at these locations. A quality i took on in my work.
- I want my exploration of youth expression to be true to the people i photograph which is why coming from this perspective is important to me.
- Each photo was calculated in terms of how i took it. I ensured each image had a high contrast and detail, capturing not only the individuals, but the environment and atmosphere i experienced when i went there.
Development of my photo shoot:
- Using photoshop i decided to edit a small selection of the photographs i took during my time there.
Shoot Evaluation:
I was massively pleased with the outcome of these images, i feel like i have truly shown the way i saw the whole event. The raw images were edited, i added contrast to them and on some occasions brought the exposure down slightly to exacerbate the dirty look i was intent on achieving from the images. The room was bare, humid and filled with smoke from the artists, something that is clear in my images. I found that using my digital camera was a great advantage for me, allowing me to adjust my camera settings with ease to maximise the visual quality of each photo achieving the style i wanted: a detailed insight into the radio station.
The images I edited best represent the energy and atmosphere of the radio station.
I was massively pleased with the outcome of these images, i feel like i have truly shown the way i saw the whole event. The raw images were edited, i added contrast to them and on some occasions brought the exposure down slightly to exacerbate the dirty look i was intent on achieving from the images. The room was bare, humid and filled with smoke from the artists, something that is clear in my images. I found that using my digital camera was a great advantage for me, allowing me to adjust my camera settings with ease to maximise the visual quality of each photo achieving the style i wanted: a detailed insight into the radio station.
The images I edited best represent the energy and atmosphere of the radio station.
- If i were to re-take this shoot i would take more photographs of the subjects faces as they were performing, this way i would be able to capture their emotion in a much better way. I would use the flash function on my camera to help achieve this, so i would be drawing attention away from the surroundings and more towards the subjects.
- I would also aim to take photographs in a more chaotic and busy environment. This is because i believe i'd be able to capture more energy, atmosphere and expression than i have here.
Artist & I: Evaluation
Here i was able to capture the fast movement like it was a pause in time. Using a 1/1000 shutter speed i was able to quickly take the shot of the artist gripping the microphone. similar to Will Robson-Scott's photo. I was operating in low light conditions in what also looks like a humid and small room. my photograph captures a half silhouette like photo similar to will's, both showing similar types of clothes being worn by the MC's. This could be taken as an indicator that youth culture today has taken great influence form styles formed 10 years ago, a reference to my curatorship where i mentioned styles are recycled over time periods emerging in different and newer youth subcultures.
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Collage of me and Will Robson-Scott's work:
- In order to make a stronger visual comparison between myself and Will Robson-Scott's work, I made a collage combing both of our work.
- The collage shows our work is very similar in style, both capturing the rawness and the energy of the music artists in these environments.
Development 2: Boiler Room Shoot
In response to the work of will Robson-Scott i decided to experiment with his photographic technique in a more chaotic environment where i have to be quick to take images of the fast paced atmosphere. I went to an event called "boiler room" which featured a number of Grime music artists performing at a venue in East London.
Using black and white 35mm film i photographed the event.
Will Robson-Scott has some work similar to this where you can see he has had to quickly document a given scene, i wanted to try this myself.
Using black and white 35mm film i photographed the event.
Will Robson-Scott has some work similar to this where you can see he has had to quickly document a given scene, i wanted to try this myself.
Development: Photo Selection
- The following images are the one i feel best represent the shoot. These images depict the energy and atmosphere of this event better than any of the others.
Evaluation:
- The outcome of these images are not as good as i expected. although i did capture a sense of atmosphere and energy in my work, i failed to capture much facial expression within my work
- These images also reminded me of an artist named Vicky Grout who is a fashion photographer as well as a photographer at grime music events.
As seen in my curatorship task, Fashion is one of the factors that separates youth from one another. How you dress can dictates the type of music you wear, the way you speak and the crowd of people you associate with. In this section i'm going to explore this aspect of youth culture.
Artist Research: Vicky Grout
I have been greatly inspired by Vicky Grout, a young London based portrait photographer who has recently become well known in the grime music scene as well as the street-wear fashion scene. She has a unique photographic style, often taking photos from a height lower than the subject, whilst they look down toward the lens. She incorporates cropped sections of landscape in the background of the images, making a link between the subject and the landscape. The landscapes often depict the urban jungle of London, often using the grey concrete of London's buildings as a backdrop.
Vicky is admired for her stylish shots and revered for her rare ability to pick up on the garments and styling details that forecast the trends of the forthcoming season whilst shooting for clothing companies. Vicky manages to capture the raw beauty of fashion, and edits her photos in a way that draws attention to the clothes the subject is wearing, as well as the urban landscape surrounding them. This technique is unique to her and it has led her to become extremely popular among street-wear brands.
Vicky is admired for her stylish shots and revered for her rare ability to pick up on the garments and styling details that forecast the trends of the forthcoming season whilst shooting for clothing companies. Vicky manages to capture the raw beauty of fashion, and edits her photos in a way that draws attention to the clothes the subject is wearing, as well as the urban landscape surrounding them. This technique is unique to her and it has led her to become extremely popular among street-wear brands.
Photo Analysis:
This is a photograph of UK rapper known as "AJ Tracey". The photograph was taken in front of a West London council estate near Ladbroke Grove, an area which is important to AJ Tracey as it's where he lives. From what i have seen from my curatorship task and my investigations into grime and photography, I have found that it is a common theme for artists like AJ Tracey to be photographed by council estates like this image. Often this is because many of the artists come from these council estates so they are being documented in an environment familiar to them. This is likely to be the case with AJ Tracey
The photograph depicts the rapper standing in front of a council estate with his hands in his jacket, staring into the lens of Vicky's camera. His facial expression is completely neutral, he doesn't seem to be showing any emotion in the photograph. It is unclear as to why this is. The rapper is dressed in a black baseball cap and black "north face" jacket and a pair of blue jeans. This style of dressing is typical street-wear seen amongst the youth today.
Vicky Grout has framed the image so that the camera is below the subject, looking up towards him, centred in the foreground of the photograph. He is close to the lens although she has not zoomed into his to achieve this as the background can still be seen around him. The framing of this image makes the viewer immediately think that the subject is a big character. This idea is brought through the image by the way he is towering over the camera with his emotionless facial expression, staring into the camera.
The photograph is likely to have been taken using colour 35mm film, as this is commonly used in her work, as well as the photograph being grainy, a common trait in 35mm camera film. The colours are soft but vibrant at the same time, adding a unique look too this image.
The composition makes good use of the natural light available in the location this was taken. there is minimal shadowing and the subject is in focus clearly. This bring out the contrast between the light and subtle colours of the surrounding housing block and the darker and harder colours of the clothes the subject is wearing, i believe this juxtaposition is one of the reasons this compositions works so well.
The photograph depicts the rapper standing in front of a council estate with his hands in his jacket, staring into the lens of Vicky's camera. His facial expression is completely neutral, he doesn't seem to be showing any emotion in the photograph. It is unclear as to why this is. The rapper is dressed in a black baseball cap and black "north face" jacket and a pair of blue jeans. This style of dressing is typical street-wear seen amongst the youth today.
Vicky Grout has framed the image so that the camera is below the subject, looking up towards him, centred in the foreground of the photograph. He is close to the lens although she has not zoomed into his to achieve this as the background can still be seen around him. The framing of this image makes the viewer immediately think that the subject is a big character. This idea is brought through the image by the way he is towering over the camera with his emotionless facial expression, staring into the camera.
The photograph is likely to have been taken using colour 35mm film, as this is commonly used in her work, as well as the photograph being grainy, a common trait in 35mm camera film. The colours are soft but vibrant at the same time, adding a unique look too this image.
The composition makes good use of the natural light available in the location this was taken. there is minimal shadowing and the subject is in focus clearly. This bring out the contrast between the light and subtle colours of the surrounding housing block and the darker and harder colours of the clothes the subject is wearing, i believe this juxtaposition is one of the reasons this compositions works so well.
Response:
- In response to the work Vicky Grout has produced i decided to go out and shoot in the style of her work.
- I took on the idea of documenting the youth fashion scene whilst including the surrounding locations of the shots.
- I also used the idea of taking images from a low down point whilst the subject looks down and into the lens with an almost blank expression
The Edits:
Evaluation of the shoot:
- Overall i am happy with the outcome of these photographs.
- Using photoshop i turned the images black and white, as well as adjusting the levels to add contrast between light and dark in the photographs. As a result i have made shapes more defined in the image on both the background and the subject.
- I have combined the idea of using the London landscape and fashion as Vicky Grout does in her work.
- If i were to re-shoot this, i would take the images on a brighter day when the sun is out. Unfortunately it was rather grey on the day i took the photographs so as a result the colours within the image weren't as vibrant as i was hoping them to be.
Artist and I:
Both Vicky Grout and I have used similar techniques when taking these photographs. Like her i have taken a shot which is at a position lower down than the subject, looking up at them as they blankly stare into the lens.
Both of us have made use of the background London landscape although the image is a portrait, which i think is a really effective way of linking fashion photography with London visually. I edited my photograph to make it black and white to achieve a good contrast, although Vicky has achieved this using colour as the surroundings are brighter in her composition. |
Fashion shoot: Darling clothing set
During this shoot i was on the set for Darling clothing's (a London based clothing wholesaler) autumn/winter 2016 look-book photo shoot. This shoot is for the fashion culture aspect of my work was looking to explore, whilst developing my filming and editing in the process, through experimenting with new styles of filming.
- The location was selected for its vintage feel which matched the style of the brands clothing.
- We purposely used footage outside so that the autumn weather was seen in the shots (Eg: orange leaves scattered across the ground surrounding the model).
Urban exploration: Youth & Rebellion
- Urban exploration is the act of exploring places which the general public cant access, without permission. Often this involves abandoned buildings and rooftops.
- This is something which a lot of individuals i know regularly do.
- Often these people spend there weekends looking to explore abandoned buildings for the thrill of just being in them, they take photographs of the locations then leave.
- This is also something i used to do regularly in my free time and so i felt that it is something i feel is important to explore when thinking about youth in London.
Artist Research: London Consolidation Crew (LCC)
- Famous for their website "Placehacking.co.uk" and their book "Explore Everything", the London consolidation crew are a team of urban explorers who document their global explorations in multiple different environments.
- I purchased the Explore everything book last year and was inspired by their determination to reach these places purely for the enjoyment of being on rooftops or in underground networks beneath cities which most people didn't even know existed.
- The London Consolidation Crew seek enjoyment beyond the conventions of Normal life, wanting to achieve something impermissible for the sake of their own personal gain.
- This ethos behind they're work made me think, in some respects this is an attitude much of the youth today have, many young people aim to separate themselves apart from the rest of society, this is achieved through lots of different methods. This is one of the reasons i chose to explore their work, because of their unique method of expression.
This image was taken by Bradley Garrett, a member of the London Consolidation Crew. The image depicts a young man, with a hood over his head and a scarf around his mouth. This individual is sitting in the cockpit of a crane which is towering over a glistening night-time city scape. The image was likely to have been taken in the early hours of the morning, this is suggested by the fact that the streets beneath the crane are empty whilst it looks like the sky is beginning to get brighter. It is clear that the man has illegally gained access to the crane, the potential time the photo was taken and the masking of his identity with the scarf and hood further back up with point.
The photo was looks to have been taken using a digital camera with a low shutter speed, this is suggested by the slight blurring of the individual in the foreground and the over exposure of the well lit streets beneath him. The blurring is potentially due to the slight movement made by the young man as the photo was being taken.
The image is a demonstration of rebellion, these individuals have gained access to something they have not been permitted to. They have taken this photo as if it is a trophy, documenting the experience of this freedom which is un-obtainable by an average person.
This thrilling atmosphere posed by the photo is both eery and exciting. The eeriness is evoked through the mystery of the masked man posing in front of the sleeping city in the background, whilst the excitement of the fact that he has made it to the top of this crane and captured the moment is clear. Seeing the beauty of a colourful city-scape like this one from a perspective seen by only a minority of people provides people like this man with a feeling of euphoria and adrenaline.
The photo was looks to have been taken using a digital camera with a low shutter speed, this is suggested by the slight blurring of the individual in the foreground and the over exposure of the well lit streets beneath him. The blurring is potentially due to the slight movement made by the young man as the photo was being taken.
The image is a demonstration of rebellion, these individuals have gained access to something they have not been permitted to. They have taken this photo as if it is a trophy, documenting the experience of this freedom which is un-obtainable by an average person.
This thrilling atmosphere posed by the photo is both eery and exciting. The eeriness is evoked through the mystery of the masked man posing in front of the sleeping city in the background, whilst the excitement of the fact that he has made it to the top of this crane and captured the moment is clear. Seeing the beauty of a colourful city-scape like this one from a perspective seen by only a minority of people provides people like this man with a feeling of euphoria and adrenaline.
- The freedom and rebellion shown in this image is something i can relate to my exploration of youth expression. Often youth expression is shown in methods of rebellion or trying to achieve a new type of freedom wether it is through urban exploration like this or through fashion or music as shown in my earlier work in this unit
Response:
This Concept of not abiding to the conventions of society is something which much of the youth today do. Defiance, rebellion and expression is a common trait amongst the youth as i have seen throughout my curatorship task and so to document an act such as this was extremely interesting and relevant to my project.
The activity became negatively publicised in 2012 when the London Consolidation Crew (LCC), a notorious urban exploration group that had entered the abandoned London underground stations, were arrested and charged with conspiracy to commit criminal damage by the British Transport Police, the end result was a 3-year conditional discharge and a £2000 fine being issued by the court.
I purchased a book made by Bradley Garrett, a member of the crew called "Place hacking the city - Explore everything", a book about exploration, almost becoming a guide to the urban jungles many people live in throughout the world. He glamourises the activity of urban exploration and show a number of breathtaking images in many locations the public will never reach.
The activity became negatively publicised in 2012 when the London Consolidation Crew (LCC), a notorious urban exploration group that had entered the abandoned London underground stations, were arrested and charged with conspiracy to commit criminal damage by the British Transport Police, the end result was a 3-year conditional discharge and a £2000 fine being issued by the court.
I purchased a book made by Bradley Garrett, a member of the crew called "Place hacking the city - Explore everything", a book about exploration, almost becoming a guide to the urban jungles many people live in throughout the world. He glamourises the activity of urban exploration and show a number of breathtaking images in many locations the public will never reach.
- This shoot was taken in an abandoned building on the outskirts of north west London. i was following an urban explorer who i know as he took me to this derelict site. Urban exploring has become a sub culture in itself. Influenced by a range of outdoor activities including photography, climbing and seeking a thrill which cannot be achieved by abiding to the normal conventions of society , it has become a lifestyle for many seeking to explore the unknown and enter places where the majority wouldn't.
The Edits:
Analysis:
For these images, i edited the contrast and brightness using the levels function on photoshop, creating a more dark and uncertain look to the location of the images. i wanted the mood of each image to be eerie and strange. In order to do this i increased the contrast and lowered the brightness. I edited these images in this way to reflect the uncertainty of the locations and what these urban explorers will see when exploring such locations. The contrast of light and dark allows for the darker areas to be examined in this way, representing the uncertainty which cant yet be seen.
Each photo obeys the rule of thirds and has a number of formal elements present in it (Contrast,perspective,lines,texture and colour) making them interesting compositions. All images feature a subject, the individual in the foreground of each image, although this doesn't mean the landscape surrounding him is ignored. Each image is in full focus so the surroundings are just as sharp as the subject. The rough texture of the peeling walls of the building are emphasised by the contrasting lighting in each shot due to sections being dimly lit by the sunlight glaring into the stripped-down structure.
The 35mm film gives the compositions a unique vibrance that a DSLR couldn't have provided in this scenario, i feel it also adds to the raw style of the scene documented. This once occupied building is being taken over by nature through its slow decay, the manual process of film adds to this element of disconnection from society as it requires no electricity to be used and developed.
The large negative space in the photographs demonstrate a physical freedom from the rest of the world. The individual pictured is alone in this large open and abandoned space.
Each photo obeys the rule of thirds and has a number of formal elements present in it (Contrast,perspective,lines,texture and colour) making them interesting compositions. All images feature a subject, the individual in the foreground of each image, although this doesn't mean the landscape surrounding him is ignored. Each image is in full focus so the surroundings are just as sharp as the subject. The rough texture of the peeling walls of the building are emphasised by the contrasting lighting in each shot due to sections being dimly lit by the sunlight glaring into the stripped-down structure.
The 35mm film gives the compositions a unique vibrance that a DSLR couldn't have provided in this scenario, i feel it also adds to the raw style of the scene documented. This once occupied building is being taken over by nature through its slow decay, the manual process of film adds to this element of disconnection from society as it requires no electricity to be used and developed.
The large negative space in the photographs demonstrate a physical freedom from the rest of the world. The individual pictured is alone in this large open and abandoned space.
Conclusion, Evaluation and Progression:
Overall, i am satisfied with the outcome of these images. I have successfully shown the idea of youth freedom and rebellion through the act of urban exploring with this shoot.
To further develop this idea i will begin to explore the nightlife culture of youth, linking music, freedom and rebellion together.
I know that many youth hold 'squat parties' in buildings such as the one i explored and photographed in above. All night music events set up in London's derelict structures.
To further develop this idea i will begin to explore the nightlife culture of youth, linking music, freedom and rebellion together.
I know that many youth hold 'squat parties' in buildings such as the one i explored and photographed in above. All night music events set up in London's derelict structures.
Molly Macindoe: "Out of Order"
- Out of Order is a publication made by Molly Macindoe's 2011 covering ten years of her life in the UK free party scene through photos, she documents London's illegal rave scene and their use of the vast amount of abandoned buildings in the capital.
- In this process she captures an otherwise unseen freedom of todays youth, in its rawest form. A side unseen by the older generation of people in the UK.
- The photographer is linked to my work as its a documentation of the London party scene, a thriving youth culture in the city which is alive and well today. in this scene they express there freedom through holding music events in dis-used buildings like the building i photographed in my urban exploring shoot.
- The free party scene is a form of expression in itself. Many of the people who attend the parties which Macindoe photographed are strong believers in squatting and often live in the buildings these sorts of events are held in. They show rebellion to the conventions of society through occupying buildings that would otherwise be left to decay over time.
- Free partying is a rebellious act, one which attracts a large crowd of young people who believe in radical politics such as anarchy, which is well known for its anti-establishment ideologies, something thats taken on into the parties as they are not given permission. They hold these events without council permission and they often get shut down due to the noise complaints and illegal use of property.
- Macindoe captures the energy and exhilaration of the crowds of young people attending these warehouse Parties. They laugh and smile in these images almost looking as if they haven't got a care in the world, dancing in these dis-used buildings.
The effect of the music on the youth is clear in this image.
Most likely using a high shutter speed to capture this, Macindoe shows how the inhibitions of the youth are lost through hearing music and dancing with friends in these warehouse parties.
Most likely using a high shutter speed to capture this, Macindoe shows how the inhibitions of the youth are lost through hearing music and dancing with friends in these warehouse parties.
Response:
- In response to Molly Macindoe's work i decided to capture the freedom and expression of youth in a similar fashion when going out to a nightclub.
- The following images were taken on the way to, and in a nightclub. I aimed to capture the energetic atmosphere present in the building as well as showing the process todays youth undergo on a typical night out. I aimed to capture youth laughing, smiling and dancing in these clubs.
- The night started at home before, leaving and heading towards the venue, a blacked out set of rooms with directional lighting and music throughout.
- My intention was to capture the whole event as a journey, starting when the young people are preparing to leave to go to the club and juxtaposing this with images within the nightclub.
Edits:
- I adjusted the levels on these images to create a more vibrant and contrasting set of photos.
- I aimed to try and capture the atmosphere within the room through these photographs, showing the energy and happy faces within the club and the freedom of being in such a place.
The edits:
Artist and I:
Both Macindoe and I have captured the rawness and energy within the locations we took photographs at. The movement of the young people photographer in my image are also very similar to that of Macindoe's work, I also used a high shutter speed in my work to quickly capture the scene.
Unlike Macindoe, i captured contrast of light and dark by making use of the directional lighting in the night club, where as Macindoe juxtaposes light and dark by taking the image in black and white. |
Evaluation:
- Overall i was pleased and not pleased with the outcome of this response,
- I chose 35mm film for the vibrancy of colour it tends to produce, magnifying colour of the surroundings as well.
- The rich colours of the clubs mixed with the shapes and textures made by the directional lighting combined together makes for a really intriguing composition.
- The energy, movement and chaos of the environment is shown within these images. The smiles on the faces of the party-goers show that the mood in the room was very upbeat.
- These images show the youthful enthusiasm of the crowd.
- Upon reflection, it would have been better to have brought a digital camera rather than a 35mm as i couldn't see what the photos i was taking were like so the vast majority were un-usable due to lack of light or focus. Using 35mm was a compromise as i made the choice of having vibrant colours over consistently good quality images.
- If i were to re-shoot this i would use a DSLR for the ease of being able to check the photographs in the club rather than waiting to develop them. As well as this is would use the flash function of a DSLR so that i can achieve a more focused set of photos which will convey the ideas i aimed to show in a better way.
- As well as this is would capture the photographs in a small, more personal environment. Some of Molly Macindoes work involved close ups of individuals in smaller environments. As my idea for this topic is youth expression i think it will be a much more effective idea if i used a smaller scale environment and took photographs of individuals in a more personal way.
Response 2:
- In response to my first shoot and to the work of Molly Macindoe i decided to re-shoot the work in a more personal manner, in a smaller location so that the expressions of the youth would be clearer.
- As a result i decided not to take photos in a nightclub, but instead at a friends house when lots of people were round.
- The following images are the result of this.
The editing process:
- For the final edits of this section i wanted to use images from the shoot which portrayed youth expression through emotion in the best way. For this reason i chose images where the facial expression and the energetic and positive atmosphere were best shown.
- The first problem I encountered with these image is that for some reason they came out with lines across the actual photos. as well as this there are lots of small patched on the images.
- The first step to this editing process was to try and minimise this. i did this using the 'spot healing brush' tool on photoshop, which blends sections of the image together to take away photographic blemishes.
- Using the spot healing brush tool i tried to remove as many of the white patches on the images as possible
After this is then increased the contrast on the image and cropped sections of it so that un-necessary details were removed.
- This is the final, edited version of the photograph.
- The image was edited in such a way that the viewer would focus on the facial expression of the individuals and the objects surrounding them.
I edited this image in the same way. However, i chose to increase the contrast using the 'curves' function on photoshop, this resulted in the background exposure decreasing and the foregrounds exposure increasing.
This was effective as it meant that the focus was drawn toward the main subject of the photograph (The young individuals smiling and laughing).
This was effective as it meant that the focus was drawn toward the main subject of the photograph (The young individuals smiling and laughing).
Conclusion and evaluation:
Ultimately, I am pleased the outcome of this shoot and I have captured youth expression in a more personal and intimate way as i aimed to do after my last development evaluation.
The black and white photographs work very well for this particular shoot as my aim was solely to capture expression and movement. If i had used colour it may have caused visual distraction.
I am not so pleased with the lines on the photos although there is little i can do about this as it is due to the way they were developed.
In order to progress i want to be able to encompass youth expression, rebellion, freedom, fashion and music.
As well as this is want to explore what the connotations of these aspects of youth have on the rest of society. Through photographic investigation i want to aim to see how youth influences other aspects of the world other than itself. My curatorship explored how aspects of society have affected youth cultures, this is the reverse. This juxtaposition could potentially prove interesting.
The black and white photographs work very well for this particular shoot as my aim was solely to capture expression and movement. If i had used colour it may have caused visual distraction.
I am not so pleased with the lines on the photos although there is little i can do about this as it is due to the way they were developed.
In order to progress i want to be able to encompass youth expression, rebellion, freedom, fashion and music.
As well as this is want to explore what the connotations of these aspects of youth have on the rest of society. Through photographic investigation i want to aim to see how youth influences other aspects of the world other than itself. My curatorship explored how aspects of society have affected youth cultures, this is the reverse. This juxtaposition could potentially prove interesting.
Commercial street culture:
I want to explore how youth culture expression influences commercial business in order to try and gain a better understanding of the connotations of youth rebellion and freedom on the rest of the world.
- Commercial street culture is all around us. Big businesses have adopted the street culture which attracts so many, giving influence in fashion, music and even food!
- Living in London today, we are surrounded by evidence of this with UK grime music rappers representing fashion lines for big brands such as Adidas and McDonalds using New York graffiti as the wallpaper for their restaurants. This is all an example of how commercial industry has aimed to adapt their 'image' to fit around the current youth of today by appealing to them in ways other than just their clothes or food like these brands.
- I decided that it would be a good idea to explore this element of youth culture to see how youth expression is used commercially.
Macdonalds: Graffiti Interiors
McDonalds decision to refurbish all their restaurants with New-York graffiti images as the wallpaper is a very controversial idea.
Something that is illegal and seen normally as vandalism has become a decorative feature for a multi-national corporations restaurants. This move means that big companies like McDonalds are taking onto the idea of incorporating youth culture as a marketing tool. Graffiti is widely seen as an activity which teenagers do. McDonalds are aiming to appeal to the youth with what they believe will be perceived as an attractive feature to their restaurants. |
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Palace Skateboards: Streetwear brand
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- Other evidence of this is a calligrapher i met and began documenting his work. He challenges the perceptions of the traditional art form of calligraphy.
Normally this style of art takes place in a quiet and calm environment in which the creator takes time to elegantly produce historically beautiful scripts onto high quality mediums such as such as the work he produces, however Paul twists this an adapts the art form into a modern style.
Paul performs live viewings of his work in which he demonstrates how he produces it.
He goes out and produces his work against shop and hotel windows, collaborating the raw and chaotic styles of graffiti writing with the beauty of calligraphic font.
The following images are taken at the V&A gallery whilst he had a live demonstration going on.
Commercial Street culture Shoot 1:
My initial idea after completing my curatorship task was to document evidence of commercial street culture and how something that was previously seen as rebellious teenagers, has no become an industry for business. The following shoot is an example of a modern day twist on the art of calligraphy, the work has elements of graffiti within it, in the sense that it is rapid, unplanned and performed in a chaotic environment, far from the ideal environment calligraphers operate in.
I began by documenting the work of a calligrapher named Paul Antonio. This shoot was at the Victoria & Albert gallery as i was producing a video for this particular calligrapher as part of London Design week . My sole intention was to document the event creatively in order to produce a video for London Design week to upload. The following contact sheet features screenshots of the footage i took during that day.
Through these images i captured the intricacy of his work and how much detail there is in him and his colleagues work.
The images don't really show what i was intending to portray in this, but the video will.
The images don't really show what i was intending to portray in this, but the video will.
My intention for this video was to create a short video that creatively represented the day i was filming. Paul spoke extremely passionately about calligraphy and in an intriguing and artistic manner. This led me to have one quote in the video whilst showing his equipment and demonstrations throughout the event.
The video was edited on premiere pro. I used a range of shots varying from wides to close up as well as still and moving footage. The opening shot features a close up of Paul's equipment for the day, a combination of quills and fountain pens on a trolley. The second shot shows the attention to detail taken by him when producing strokes and lines. i felt this would be an important clip to use since he is a purist when it comes to lettering in calligraphy. The video captures the surroundings of the event as well as the upbeat atmosphere within the room. This is done by the use of shots of people getting involved in Paul's demonstrations within the room at the Victoria and Albert museum. I used the segment of audio in the first few seconds of the video as i felt that the words |
Second shoot:
These images are screenshots of the shoot i went on during the week, i was filming the same subject matter as my first response shoot as part of a series of shoots for the short film i intent to make of this calligrapher.
This shoot shows how elements of graffiti have been adopted into his work. He is on a busy London street producing lettering against a shop window. An example of a youth culture being commercialised and seen in a more positive light
The pictures do not really represent my aim compared to video footage. I intend on recording audio of the calligrapher as he spoke so passionately about what he does, truly showing me how much of an art it really is to be a calligrapher.
This shoot shows how elements of graffiti have been adopted into his work. He is on a busy London street producing lettering against a shop window. An example of a youth culture being commercialised and seen in a more positive light
The pictures do not really represent my aim compared to video footage. I intend on recording audio of the calligrapher as he spoke so passionately about what he does, truly showing me how much of an art it really is to be a calligrapher.
Comparison:
This is a visual comparison of Paul Antonio (The Calligrapher) and a graffiti artist.
The two photos show Paul has taken influence from graffiti with this modern take of calligraphy.
The two photos show Paul has taken influence from graffiti with this modern take of calligraphy.
Conclusion & Evaluation:
- After completing this second shoot i feel as though i have come to a mental block in terms of the progression of this strand. I do not want my work to progress in this direction and for this reason i will no longer explore the idea of "commercial street culture"
- However, this was not wasted time. The strand has broadened my knowledge on youth and shown how youth culture has influence on society outside of its own, I can potentially use what i have learnt form this in my later work. I have developed on from my curatorship using this topic as i mentioned influences on youth. In this section i explored youths influences on society.
Practical Response Progression:
After exploring parts of modern British culture through my curatorship task i became intrigued by the environments surrounding some of these groups of individuals. Besides the people themselves, the landscapes surrounding them also tell a story about the lives these people follow. This on top of the investigation i have led through this practical response has led me to decide on my next progression. I will aim to produce a video of this. I have decided to use a combination of cameras such as 35mm SLR's ,DSLR's, VHS and Mini DV camcorders to produce a range of picture qualities and effects. The range of cameras will also enable me to reflect the situations and atmospheres i will find myself in whilst on these shoots. A mini dv camcorder for example may be used in a moment where filming may be rushed and i need to use something quickly and easily, the infrared night function on the mini dv camcorder will enable me to film in complete darkness which is a further benefit of using it in a moment of rapid motion in pitch black.
My first shoot will be following a group of individuals immersed in the London graffiti scene. I will follow a graffiti writer or a group of them for a day or a night photographing the surroundings i enter with a 35mm film camera as well as a digital one. This youth culture of graffiti encapsulates all i have explored so far. They have a particular style of dress, they listen to certain types of music and also explore in the buildings i have for my youth rebellion shoot.
Development & inspiration:
In order to progress with this video i decided to find some inspiration in terms of recording.
Georgetown, Lewis Khan:
Georgetown from lewis khan on Vimeo. |
The way audio is filmed in this short film is brilliant. The close up footage focuses on the mouth of the speaker making it the central focus of the shot (Opening shot). I thought this was a really effective way of recording audio and it would be a brilliant idea in my situation where my subjects may not want their faces shown on camera when speaking. My videos will also be following the lives of specific people and i will make use of multiple point-of-view style filming shots as Lewis Khan has. Lewis has intentionally used the audio in a 'broken' manner. The audio is random and hasn't got much connection between segments, the subject goes from talking about one thing and then to something completely different in seconds and it makes the film less of a documentation as well as the viewer thinking more about what he is saying.
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Crack & Shine LA, Will Robson-Scott
I was inspired by the use of audio in this particular video, Will Robson-Scott has recorded an old graffiti artist talking about how he got into graffiti as a kid, and about the Los angeles graffiti scene.
There is one section of audio in this video that made me decided what i wanted to call my own project of documenting the London graffiti scene "Living With Insanity". At 3:00 the artist being interviewed says: "People rob banks and hold people up because they gotta eat and make money. People steal because their hungry. People sell drugs because they're trying to feed their family. You know, they take these risks, they risk their freedom, they risk their life.. For a reward. Whereas with graffiti theres a huge risk but no reward. So obviously there got to be something going on psychologically, beneath the surface to motivate people to do things like climbing a bridge and risk falling and dying, or go out and do a crazy amount of graffiti in a city like Los Angeles where they will send you for prison for 5 years for just painting your name on a wall. Obviously there is some real emotional, psychological motivation behind that. I think for me personally..sometimes you understand it sometimes you just don't but it always makes sense." I found this quote to be really powerful. To an extent it made many of these graffiti artists seem insane to want to go to such lengths to write their tag on something. But as he mentions they have grown some sort of attachment to the act of graffiti, almost as if its an addiction. This quote gave me a rush of ideas and made me think of a potential title for the video i aim to produce. That title is "Living With Insanity". I chose this title because the man being interviewed almost made the act of graffiti sound insane because of the fact that they are committing this act with no real gain or benefit from it. |
I appreciate this style of video although its just documentation. In my series of videos i will make the video more creative in terms of styles of shots by taking inspiration from a number of videos and collaborating a range of different ideas into one composition on top of using my own ideas and techniques. I find that on each shoot i learn something new by evaluating what went well and what didn't, allowing me to develop my video as i go along.
This video is from a project made by will, commissioned by VANS. The intention was to document the global graffiti scene through photo-books and video. This video is from his series in the USA. His intention is just to capture the whole ethos of the scene within their city, recording footage of writers producing graffiti. I am yet to see a project like his and it has been largely successful, producing videos in a number of different nations of this young, underground subculture. Will frequently seems to ask the writers what they think graffiti is about in their words. Their responses always differ and it makes each video intriguing due to the diversity of the sub culture. |
"Yungsters" , Nick Knight
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Nick knight: "Yungsters"
This video by nick knight is an unusual video involving a range of teenagers. The videos use of split-screen and broken sections of audio is really interesting and quite inspiring as i believe it works really well in showing multiple details in a small space of time. The video consists of a lot of abstract visuals combined with odd scenes in which these teenagers engage in a range of activities, ranging from giving one another tattoos to skating and smoking. I was inspired by the split screen layout and the unusual range of moving image in the video. and i believe this idea of layering in this fashion is something i can take on in my own work. |
JR Development:
To develop my work i will look at the work of Jr and his technique of pasting up images. My take on this method will be using portraits i have taken of the Graffiti artists and create a similar technique. I will mount the images around locations and photograph this, turning public spaces into a gallery. Although, I will not take it to extremes like JR has and graffiti around the images,i will mount images in locations which graffiti artists would go to. each image will be portraits of graffiti artists in action. From this i may choose to develop the content of the images i will mount and begin to stray away from graffiti which is my intention as i feel limited as to what i can create in terms of the own work. I really appreciate the concept of an 'urban gallery' as well as linking it in with the concept of producing work in public spaces.
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Jr is a french artists that specialises in mounting work in public in the form of posters, creating photographs out of buildings and walls. His career started as a young graffiti artist, upon finding a camera he began taking photographs of graffiti artist in action. He then began mounting these photos outdoors, creating a "sidewalk gallery", this was the beginning of "Expo 2 Rue" the work of his i will essentially respond to.
I am going to get my photographs enlarged and printed, make some wheat-paste then go around mounting these images and documenting it, in response to JR whilst developing my photographs.
I am going to get my photographs enlarged and printed, make some wheat-paste then go around mounting these images and documenting it, in response to JR whilst developing my photographs.
JR exhibition at Lazarides:
I visited the Lazirades gallery on tottenham court road to see JR's exhibition knowing it was relevant to my work at the moment. The exhibition featured photographs mounted on wood boards, as well as photographs of his larger scaled projects. The exhibition inspired me both in terms of photography and cinematography, This is because on top of his photographic work, JR's short film was being screened on the top floor. Directed by Jr and filmed by Andre Chemetoff. The short film was about migration to america starring Robert De Niro as an immigrant to the USA that never got accepted and so has become a 'ghost' of the all people that also never made it and experienced the "American dream". Although the story line is not related to my work, the quality of filming and the shots were inspiring and i liked the idea of the story line, you had to grasp the underlying meaning of it through the audio, it was never directly said. His usually style of work was also featured in shots of an abandoned building during the film.
In response to his short film i've been inspired to make my short film have an underlying story sequence to it.
I was intrigued by JR's use of the space in the gallery, he used the staircases to his advantage making it a piece of art in itself, nothing like i had seen before in any gallery exhibition. The exhibition led me to thing outside the box with mounting techniques with my own images. I realised i can place images in spaces i would originally believe the image wouldn't fit into through creative methods of mounting.
In response to his short film i've been inspired to make my short film have an underlying story sequence to it.
I was intrigued by JR's use of the space in the gallery, he used the staircases to his advantage making it a piece of art in itself, nothing like i had seen before in any gallery exhibition. The exhibition led me to thing outside the box with mounting techniques with my own images. I realised i can place images in spaces i would originally believe the image wouldn't fit into through creative methods of mounting.
Journey of Development:
Shoot One, Living With Insanity: Development
- This shoot is of a graffiti writers journey on a typical early morning painting session.
- I intend on producing a 2 minute video of this shoot using techniques learnt from both George Town by Lewis Khan and Crack and shine by Will Robson-Scott.
- I feel like i captured the surroundings in the realest way i could. i photographed the location as i saw it in my eyes; a rundown, overgrown and decaying environment allowing individuals like this to rome free.
- All the images shown below are screenshots of video footage i took that morning. Settings : 1/80 , ISO 400 , f5.6 . I used a canon 600d with the kit lens (18-55mm).
The edits:
The edits were taken from screenshots and so the picture quality isn't perfect, but in future i will take photographs just as much as video to avoid this problem.
Each photo was made "warmer" with a custom filter i created in photoshop, as well as increasing contrast, lowering exposure and adjusting the levels on each image. I edited them in the same way so that each photo was clearly shown to be part of a series as well as he fact that each photo was slightly too dark.
Each photo was made "warmer" with a custom filter i created in photoshop, as well as increasing contrast, lowering exposure and adjusting the levels on each image. I edited them in the same way so that each photo was clearly shown to be part of a series as well as he fact that each photo was slightly too dark.
This is the first video, I intend on producing an improved version. My aim in this particular video was to capture the 'out of sync' reality of a graffiti writer, he finishes his day as every other normal member of society will be waking up to go to work or carry out there daily activities. This is shown in the opening shot when he is on the bus finishing his night in the early hours of the morning and there is a man with a hood on asleep, clearly due to just waking up, making his daily commute to work. This is partly my reasoning for me titling the video series "Living With Insanity". I believe the title suits the videos as i find it insane that these artists go through such lengths to practice what they do for no actual reward other than a personal gain.
Overall i'm happy with the outcome of this video, it has shown my general idea behind what i want to achieve with this sort of video, however, there are some improvements ill make in the future: - Record audio of the graffiti writers talking about graffiti and the lives that they live which are heavily influence by it. - Audio of the artists talking about how they believe graffiti culture formed in Britain and what their biggest influences were - Take footage of them outside of graffiti (going about daily life,meeting their friends, their choice of clothes, choice of music.) this has just as much importance as the graffiti itself. - Record footage at a number of different locations - Record footage which shows things which graffiti is influenced by in the modern day. |
Being a writer in London has a lot to do with many other trends and youth cultures which tie in to graffiti from music to fashion, the whole scene London has within it. All writers are affected by the cultural history in London wether they know it or not, from skinheads and punk music to 'rude boys' and jungle raves, garage raves, squat parties and the drug culture of the younger generations .If their living in it then that's just as important to what their painting. This is because its a lifestyle rather than just a hobby, being a graffiti writer, influences can come from a range of different elements of modern life outside of graffiti itself.
My aim is to capture this and produce a video regarding this clandestine culture.
The video was edited on Adobe Premiere CC and it was filmed on a canon 600d. I graded each video and adjusted the brightness and contrast in order to make each shot flow into one another without massively contrasting the levels of light.
My aim is to capture this and produce a video regarding this clandestine culture.
The video was edited on Adobe Premiere CC and it was filmed on a canon 600d. I graded each video and adjusted the brightness and contrast in order to make each shot flow into one another without massively contrasting the levels of light.
Living with insanity Video developments:
From my initial shoot i evaluated what need to be improved and how i can develop the video for my desired outcome.
Developments:
1. Add audio to videos
By adding audio i can add another dimension to the composition so the viewer is engaged both in sound and visuals, stimulating and engaging the viewer in two different ways. The audio will feature writers speaking about:
•The graffiti lifestyle
• Memories of starting graffiti (experiences and influences that led them to start)
• Why they produce graffiti so regularly and what motivates them to go out and paint
• Memories of any bad graffiti experiences
• What London graffiti is to them (graffiti styles, writers, locations, colours used)
• The London graffiti ethos
As i ask these questions i may ask extra questions, adding onto their responses where i feel necessary.
My intention is to add segments of this audio in as other shots are playing, although i may have some shots where the audio matched the footage of the writer talking.
Will Robson-Scotts crack and shine series of videos had led me to want to do something similar in terms of recording graffiti artists talking about the scene.
Developments:
1. Add audio to videos
By adding audio i can add another dimension to the composition so the viewer is engaged both in sound and visuals, stimulating and engaging the viewer in two different ways. The audio will feature writers speaking about:
•The graffiti lifestyle
• Memories of starting graffiti (experiences and influences that led them to start)
• Why they produce graffiti so regularly and what motivates them to go out and paint
• Memories of any bad graffiti experiences
• What London graffiti is to them (graffiti styles, writers, locations, colours used)
• The London graffiti ethos
As i ask these questions i may ask extra questions, adding onto their responses where i feel necessary.
My intention is to add segments of this audio in as other shots are playing, although i may have some shots where the audio matched the footage of the writer talking.
Will Robson-Scotts crack and shine series of videos had led me to want to do something similar in terms of recording graffiti artists talking about the scene.
2. Begin using still shots in video
Still shots will be used in the same way lewis khan uses them in Georgetown. The use of stills in the videos set the environment surrounding the central focus, George. This is a clever idea as simple household objects can tell a lot about someone and the way they live. In my situation i will be taking stills of graffiti sketches, objects in their houses and the environment surrounding them whilst they are producing their work. The still shots will be used along with walking shots, point of view shots and scenery shots. The use of still shots also means i can apply the formal elements of photography in my video, so i am combining photo and video in one. |
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3. Manipulate scenes.
By manipulating scenes i may not even need a real graffiti writer for some of the clips, this means my opportunities for shots are potentially endless. I may stage scenes like walking shots and use torches and sound effects to create better atmospheres.
Possible ideas: •Using directional lighting to create contrast and alter the mood of the composition. • Using sound effects to produce an eery atmosphere (wind noise and sirens) • Using an actor to stage an event (an actor looking at a location from a raised position, walking shots, getting ready to go out,waking up and getting out of bed and using an actor for chases or dilemmas). I may not stage events although i will manipulate the surroundings of a scene to better the visual aspects of the video, without taking away the realness of the video. |
4. Use different formats of video:
By using Hi 8 and mini dv formats of video on top of footage taken on my DSLR i will create and abstract video with ranging effects and a nostalgic feel in some situations. I may also choose to use lower quality video format in rushed situation or places where i wouldn't have enough light to use DSLR (Mini DV has night filming by using Infrared Light). This will add another 'story' to the video as viewers may see the video as more of a story when a different format is used. The sequence may start as mini dv footage then cut to DSLR after possibly indicating its a new day or a different scenario. As well as this, i will have to adapt my filming to the more compact, lower quality camcorder such as mini dv, creating a challenge for me to use both formats in one video. An example of the video quality and style when the night function is used on my mini dv camcorder is an abstract video i produced for my ongoing personal project, "The Unusuals". Although i edited it by layering and rewinding the clips to create the glitch effect seen in the video. |
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Examples of using VHS:
Rejjie Snow from Leonn Ward on Vimeo. |
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Both of these videos use VHS to produce the unique effect unattainable when using a digital camera. I would say that both of these videos have had influence on the way i use mini DV and VHS camcorders. Ive learnt from them both and used mine in a similar fashion.
5. Collect footage which isn't graffiti related:
In order to capture the London graffiti culture as a whole i must stray my work away from the usual type of graffiti videos produced either by graffiti artists themselves or videos from the authorities. The idea behind my video is to portray the unusual lifestyle in an abstract and artistic fashion whilst also having an element of the actual graffiti side. i want the main focus not to be the actual act of graffiti but instead everything leading up to and after it. This includes all influences surrounding graffiti. From raves and clubs to music and fashion.
Made by authorities
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Made by graffiti writers
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Both of these videos are purely about the graffiti rather then the lifestyle behind it. The second video has some parts which show the aggressive mind-set of young vandals in the 1990's but other than that they are both quite straight forward videos.
This is NOT how my video will be. my intention is to get a small amount of the actual graffiti, more scenic footage and detailed shots of element i believe to be important (Clothing, individuals attitude, activities, locations & belongings). As well as a collective of photographs to compliment the video.
This is NOT how my video will be. my intention is to get a small amount of the actual graffiti, more scenic footage and detailed shots of element i believe to be important (Clothing, individuals attitude, activities, locations & belongings). As well as a collective of photographs to compliment the video.
Types of video shoots i will potentially use:
-Shots of them all as a group
• Still shots, walking shots, action shots and wide angle panning shots.
-Individual writers
• Same shots as group shots.
-Corner Shop
• Shots of walking around the shop and buying goods.
-Buying paint
• Walking shot walking into shop buying paint
• Close up of cash being handed
-Pub
• Clip of the group sitting around a table drinking and smoking
-Clubs & Raves
• Abstract clips of the lighting
• Walking shot with subjects back as central focus whilst walking through a crowd of people in room lit only by coloured and flashing lighting.
-Walking shots with body, paint bag and railings in shot
-Walking shots of the squad
-Police cars
• Clip of police car speeding past cameras frame with sirens and flashing light
-Shots of blocks
-Shots of London underground and all other transport for London
-Very british imagery through video.
-Paint gliding through air illuminated by torchlight
-Shots in a car focusing on individuals in the car speaking.
-Shots looking out of car window driving past houses and motorways.
-Shots of paint cans empty on the floor with the artists painting in the background.
-Shot of a puddle on ground, reflection looks at housing on the other side of the road.
-Shots of them all as a group
• Still shots, walking shots, action shots and wide angle panning shots.
-Individual writers
• Same shots as group shots.
-Corner Shop
• Shots of walking around the shop and buying goods.
-Buying paint
• Walking shot walking into shop buying paint
• Close up of cash being handed
-Pub
• Clip of the group sitting around a table drinking and smoking
-Clubs & Raves
• Abstract clips of the lighting
• Walking shot with subjects back as central focus whilst walking through a crowd of people in room lit only by coloured and flashing lighting.
-Walking shots with body, paint bag and railings in shot
-Walking shots of the squad
-Police cars
• Clip of police car speeding past cameras frame with sirens and flashing light
-Shots of blocks
-Shots of London underground and all other transport for London
-Very british imagery through video.
-Paint gliding through air illuminated by torchlight
-Shots in a car focusing on individuals in the car speaking.
-Shots looking out of car window driving past houses and motorways.
-Shots of paint cans empty on the floor with the artists painting in the background.
-Shot of a puddle on ground, reflection looks at housing on the other side of the road.
Living with insanity Development Response: Using still footage.
This section is to show how i have followed the developments from all the shoots for 'living with insanity' as well as explaining any possible new developments through evaluation of shoots:
Still Shots:
By using still shots i can set the scene for viewers by allowing them to get an insight of the surroundings which cant be seen when the lens is focusing on the subject (the person). By using still in my videos i am essentially using photographs as well, this means i am still able to produce compositions that obey photographic techniques and formal elements on top of video techniques.
Stills are mainly used as scenery shots, in the case of my video, 'living with insanity' it can tell a lot about a person and there lifestyle when the still shot is taken within their house or of their personal belongings. The still shots will allow the viewer to understand the environment surrounding the camera, allowing them to make |
The intention of this still shot was to show the viewer the typical belongings of a graffiti writer. The messy and chaotic placing of the objects on the table indicate carelessness and rapid placement of items, signifying the individual has simply thrown the objects down, either because they were in a rush or simply because they do not care about the organisation of their belongings. Loose change shows they don't carry much money on them, only enough for some drink or a snack. The packet of tobacco shows they smoke roll ups, a cheaper way to smoke cigarettes. The packet of rolling papers on the bottom of the frame has the card ripped off it, a sign that the card has been used as roach, likely to be for a joint. This indicates to the viewer that the graffiti writer takes drugs. The top right of the image shows a glove, this could be because the individual wears gloves when out painting, maybe to leave no traces? or maybe its because the individual doesn't want to get paint on there hands?
The sketches scattered around the table show the subject has being practicing the designs he's painting an indication that he has thoroughly thought about the design and is always thinking about how he can improve his pieces, even when he isn't out producing the graffiti. The marker pens and the single spray can are part of his range of graffiti equipment
The sketches scattered around the table show the subject has being practicing the designs he's painting an indication that he has thoroughly thought about the design and is always thinking about how he can improve his pieces, even when he isn't out producing the graffiti. The marker pens and the single spray can are part of his range of graffiti equipment
Artist and I: Lewis khan
Both Shots have quite a few similarities, as well as their differences. My shot is closer up and from a different angle, using a completely different lens to lewis as well as a different subject matter.
Both shots use low lighting and feature belongings of the individual being filmed. Both still shots are really effective in showing a more personal side to the subjects being filmed. The detail on specific items of the subjects belongings is really effective in helping the viewer understand the person being filmed, the arrangement of the possessions and the content can tell a lot about them. |
Evaluation
- Overall this idea is extremely effective. Still shots can tell a thousand words. They are effective in getting the viewer to be able to make judgements about situations purely based on the contents of the still shot.
- In the final video i will use still shots.
REJJIE SNOW - NEW HORIZONS from ISYS on Vimeo. |
This video commissioned by dazed digital is about Rejjie snow, an irish rapper. The unique insight into his life is well filmed and edited using two formats of video. I particularly liked the rapid interchanging of shots playing in synchronisation with a string of audio in which Rejjie spoke of his life in Ireland as well as the development of his music.
Ive decided i would rather produce a video which has audio playing in this way rather than broken segments of audio talking about a range of things at random, similar to 'georgetown'. As well as this i was inspired by footage, Rejjie simply walked around to locations and stood in scenic areas whilst audio was played over the video however it worked really well as each location had meaning to him or his lifestyle. i could produce something similar with 'Ben Efficial' as my subject filming him in a number of locations that are special to him whilst he talks about his life and his music. |
Keegan Gibbs:
Keegan Gibbs is a young american photographer living on the west coast of the USA. He produced a series of images titled on his website as 'Graffiti'. The following images out of this series are the ones i found most significant to my work. They depict the process of painting as well as the 'before and after', similar to that of my work.
His images are effective in telling a story. The use of low light, shadows and silhouettes as well as extremes of close up and distanced perspectives adds for an effective series of photos.
His images are effective in telling a story. The use of low light, shadows and silhouettes as well as extremes of close up and distanced perspectives adds for an effective series of photos.
This image depicts the silhouette of a man climbing down the ladder of a building somewhere in the united states. The contrast of light and dark between the streets of the city and the skyline in the background indicate that the photograph was taken in the early evening or early morning. This is further shown by the grainy quality of the image, implying a high ISO was used when taking it, a common setting when shooting in low light. The main focal point of the image is the individual on the ladder in the centre of the shot. Attention is drawn to this man due to the streetlights illuminating the foreground where his silhouette is so prominent. This is an effective use of light on the photographers behalf. The photograph tells a story, Its evident that this is a graffiti writer and he is out putting up his tag around the city, its likely to be the early morning due to the streetlights being on and the sky being quite light.
The image clearly obeys rule of thirds, with the main focal points being the lines of intersection if two vertical and two horizontal lines where placed over the image. |
Artist and I:
Both images share the fact that the subject matter is paint on the hands of the individual photographed. Although Keegan's image is a closer, more detailed photograph they both show what the graffiti artists are wearing, a very important factor in my work as the clothing of the artist is essential to the graffiti culture. Both photos set different moodS, Keegan's photo is warmer in colour and seems to have more energy within it, my photograph is paler in colour and more lifeless.
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. This is a flow chart of my progress and developments during this unit of work. The chart shows the refining of my ideas, drawing links to each section i have explored during this unit. The arrows show the links between subjects and artists i have analysed in order to develop my work, funnelling into one subject and final outcome. The graffiti short film.
- Lewis Kahn's filming techniques are something i will use myself when producing my film. In his video he uses still shots of certain scene to act almost like glimpses of the subject personal life. These still shots tell a thousand words in the process. His walking shots of his subject in which he trails him from behind at an angle so that details of the subjects clothing can be seen is also something i want to experiment with. On top of this, his method of filming the mouth of his subject as he speaks is also something i can apply to my work as it aids me to keep the anonymity of my subjects.
- Mollie Macindoe's work of documenting young people in abandoned buildings and at warehouse parties is linked to my graffiti strand because of the locations at which she has taken her photographs, often graffiti writers go to abandoned buildings to produce their work.
- Nick knight's eerie method of video when documenting youth fashion is also something i want to take on in my work, he creates an element of mystery by doing so, which is something that would work really well with a topic such as graffiti and youth expression and both can be quite mysterious topics.
- Will Robson-Scott's work on documenting the global graffiti scene is one of the biggest inspirations to this topic. His use of audio in which graffiti writers give their thoughts and opinions on graffiti as well as 'Point of View' footage is something i will take on in my work and experiment with.
- Keegan Gibbs' idea of embedding himself into the lives of graffiti writers in America is also an extremely inspiring technique. His photographs truly bring you to the locations he has explored and the characters he has met along the way. He made use of the only available lights present in his scenes (Street lights) to produce raw and uncut imagery that works extremely well. This idea of making use of the surroundings available and embedding myself into the scene is something i will aim to do myself.
Inspiration, Will Robson-Scott: Boxtruck
Will Robson-Scott's use of audio in this video is really effective. He gets the graffiti writers to talk about their first inspirations and memories of graffiti. The footage follows the writer as he travels through the city showing scenery significant to the city (New york).
This video has led me to think about how i can use audio in my own video. |
Locations Development: Shoot 2
- Whilst looking to develop the landscapes i will feature in the film i went and visited a roof-top in central London.
- My intention was to capture the London city scape from a new perspective, a high point in which you can see the sprawling urban landscape as a whole.
- This shoot responds to Developments 1&3 listed above. By collecting locational footage i have collected footage which is not graffiti related. As well as this i have worked without a subject, which meant all the shots i took were manipulated to my own personal preference.
Missions: 01 TEST VIDEO from George Bennett on Vimeo.
- I also decided to produce a small video edit of the location, to experiment with the style of filming i could potentially use at this sort of location.
- Using the idea of layering i placed a video i had taken earlier in the unit of the London city scape during the night, underneath the video footage of the rooftop. This made the background layer act like a moving frame around the video.
Living with insanity shoot 3 & Response to developments
I began collecting more footage for my short film, as well as recording audio.
Whilst shooting i was aware of my 5 developments (listed above) and managed to achieve every single one of these during each shoot. The second shoot consisted solely of mini DV camcorder footage and the third was purely using my DSLR.
The footage was taken in a legal location to do graffiti during the night. The aim of the night time footage was to develop on the mood i'm trying to portray through this work as well as experimenting with the use of a different video format which allows for night time filming.
My aim in this video is to add a mysterious element, the subject is unknown, the locations are unknown and the video is unpredictable. By doing this i am not only creating an atmosphere in my work of mystery and tension, but i am also making a reference to the general view on the people that produce this graffiti. The media often portrays the likes of 'banksy' as a mysterious man, his identity unknown and nobody can tell what his next move will be, this has been made evident in my work that i have tried to do this and the theme is exacerbated by my use of a night vision camera which has a short and focused range, the surroundings are seen as complete darkness.
Whilst shooting i was aware of my 5 developments (listed above) and managed to achieve every single one of these during each shoot. The second shoot consisted solely of mini DV camcorder footage and the third was purely using my DSLR.
The footage was taken in a legal location to do graffiti during the night. The aim of the night time footage was to develop on the mood i'm trying to portray through this work as well as experimenting with the use of a different video format which allows for night time filming.
My aim in this video is to add a mysterious element, the subject is unknown, the locations are unknown and the video is unpredictable. By doing this i am not only creating an atmosphere in my work of mystery and tension, but i am also making a reference to the general view on the people that produce this graffiti. The media often portrays the likes of 'banksy' as a mysterious man, his identity unknown and nobody can tell what his next move will be, this has been made evident in my work that i have tried to do this and the theme is exacerbated by my use of a night vision camera which has a short and focused range, the surroundings are seen as complete darkness.
Shoot 3:
This shoot was purely moving image so i took screenshots throughout the video in order to produce the contact sheet.
I aimed to use the directional lighting from the camcorder to produce abstract, detailed shots of this graffiti artist during this night-time shoot.
Conclusion and evaluation of shoot 3:
- In conclusion i am happy pleased with this shoot. I responded to development 4 by filming on a mini dv camera. This juxtaposition of formats will be extremely effective in the final video. The contrast of using an old camera with a new one will also make reference to the fact that this youth subculture of graffiti has been around for many years and has evolved.
- In the next shoot i will aim to respond to developments 2&3: Use still shots & manipulate scenes.
Shoot 4 & Response to developments:
The edits:
These images are the ones that stood out most to me whilst preparing my contact sheets. This is because i found that these images represented the shoot the most to me. I loved the empty, cold and industrial look to each image. the environment surrounding the shoot was simply, large industrial buildings, each with block-like sections making up the structures.
Shoot evaluation:
In this shoot i effectively captured details of the landscape. i was pleased with the images and felt like the industrial landscape crossed with the subtle blue/grey sky really added to the cold and quite mysterious mood each image seemed to have.
The Photos i took give a glimpse of what the footage will look like when i come to producing this video.
I intend on using footage i collected from this shoot for my final piece as the location was perfect for the video, a built up London based industrial zone, empty and lifeless, a place where graffiti commonly thrives.
In this shoot i effectively captured details of the landscape. i was pleased with the images and felt like the industrial landscape crossed with the subtle blue/grey sky really added to the cold and quite mysterious mood each image seemed to have.
The Photos i took give a glimpse of what the footage will look like when i come to producing this video.
I intend on using footage i collected from this shoot for my final piece as the location was perfect for the video, a built up London based industrial zone, empty and lifeless, a place where graffiti commonly thrives.
Making the title, Inspiration and development: Layering & Lettering
Whilst editing the video i thought of a more creative way to create a title for the video, inspired by the video screenshot above. My idea involves a graffiti writer i've been filming writing out the title "Living with insanity", i will then scan the image in and edit it on photoshop so its like a logo to be layered over the video. similar to the screenshot above.
Unfortunately i couldn't get hold of the artist to write the words for me so i had to do it myself with a marker pen.
Heres the photos of the process:
Unfortunately i couldn't get hold of the artist to write the words for me so i had to do it myself with a marker pen.
Heres the photos of the process:
- After Writing out the letters on a piece of paper, i scanned the paper onto a computer and loaded it into photoshop.
Using photoshop i isolated the writing from the rest of the page and cut a section of the letter "y" off as it was unnecessary to be there.
With the isolated layer i exported it into premiere pro, the programme i was using to edit the video.
With the isolated layer i exported it into premiere pro, the programme i was using to edit the video.
Evaluation:
I'm happy with the final outcome, my only improvement would have been to get the artist being filmed to have written the words rather than myself as it would look better and be more true to the video.
I'm happy with the final outcome, my only improvement would have been to get the artist being filmed to have written the words rather than myself as it would look better and be more true to the video.
Final Piece Short film:
After a long thought process i decided that i want to combine the aspects of urban culture i have captured in my work leading up to this section. This essentially means collaborating hip hop and graffiti culture in one video using creative linking techniques. This video will be regarding urban culture within London.
The video will be using all the developments i have made during the practical response and i will produce a photo book to go with the video. So the whole production is made as if it will be shown in a gallery exhibition.
The video will be using all the developments i have made during the practical response and i will produce a photo book to go with the video. So the whole production is made as if it will be shown in a gallery exhibition.
How i will link the subjects in one shot:
After finishing the section of video on 'ben efficial' the next scene will be following the hip hop artist, walking down the street with the camera pointing at his back following him down the road. As he walks down the road a hooded figure bumps into him, the camera then turns as he bumps into the hip hop artist and begins following the hooded figure (the graffiti artist). This is how i will successfully transition between two stories in one shot.
Update:
Ben (the rapper) was too difficult to film with and the outcome of the footage wasn't to a high standard that i expect my work to be at. For these reasons i have discontinued filming with him as i realised i couldn't progress in the direction i intended on when creating this short film. Its for this reason that i'm intending on keeping the same subject matter (Graffiti) but changing the style in which its filmed.
The video will feature aspects of London youth culture with the main focus being the youth graffiti culture in London. My film will have features of what i've previously explored up until the creation of this video (Fashion, nightlife, exploration) as i have been inspired by each one in leading me to create this film. Using developments i have made in each of the shoots i have done my final refined summary of this section will be the short film.
After finishing the section of video on 'ben efficial' the next scene will be following the hip hop artist, walking down the street with the camera pointing at his back following him down the road. As he walks down the road a hooded figure bumps into him, the camera then turns as he bumps into the hip hop artist and begins following the hooded figure (the graffiti artist). This is how i will successfully transition between two stories in one shot.
Update:
Ben (the rapper) was too difficult to film with and the outcome of the footage wasn't to a high standard that i expect my work to be at. For these reasons i have discontinued filming with him as i realised i couldn't progress in the direction i intended on when creating this short film. Its for this reason that i'm intending on keeping the same subject matter (Graffiti) but changing the style in which its filmed.
The video will feature aspects of London youth culture with the main focus being the youth graffiti culture in London. My film will have features of what i've previously explored up until the creation of this video (Fashion, nightlife, exploration) as i have been inspired by each one in leading me to create this film. Using developments i have made in each of the shoots i have done my final refined summary of this section will be the short film.
The Film
Through this video i have essentially personified some of the aspects of youth culture i have explored in this section. The video takes sections of all the routes of culture i have researched. The music is grime, although it is atmospheric and makes the video gripping as well as culturally linking it. The clothes of the subject are typical of a graffiti writer, baggy sportswear that fits loosely on your body so they feel comfortable when they are out and about as well as the fact that it doesn't matter if they get paint on them.
The artist talk about how all graffiti writers are "affected by the cultural history in London wether they know it or not".
The video features elements of urban exploring as well as party and music culture.
If i were to install this video into a gallery space, i would create a false landscape within the space to add to the video and make viewers feel like they are truly taking in the environment. This would include making the gallery look like a section of London which has relevance to all that i have explored. This could be an abandoned building, a section of a skate park or a section of a tower block that i would mimic in the gallery space. The video would be projected onto a section of the wall which has not been decorated so that viewers can clearly see whats going on in the video, and the audio of the video would play through a surround sound system so that the whole viewing of the film is atmospheric and true to the setting.
The artist talk about how all graffiti writers are "affected by the cultural history in London wether they know it or not".
The video features elements of urban exploring as well as party and music culture.
If i were to install this video into a gallery space, i would create a false landscape within the space to add to the video and make viewers feel like they are truly taking in the environment. This would include making the gallery look like a section of London which has relevance to all that i have explored. This could be an abandoned building, a section of a skate park or a section of a tower block that i would mimic in the gallery space. The video would be projected onto a section of the wall which has not been decorated so that viewers can clearly see whats going on in the video, and the audio of the video would play through a surround sound system so that the whole viewing of the film is atmospheric and true to the setting.
Unititled from George Bennett on Vimeo. |
Disclaimer:
All paint used by the artist in this video was chalk paint, this is washed off a surface when it rains. In no way do i support the acts in his video, nor do i encourage or incite graffiti under any circumstances. Nor do i agree with the actions or opinions of those featured in the film. This film was produced in order to document a global subculture. The artists in the film contacted me anonymously and their full identities remained anonymous to me throughout the project. I have since had no contact with the subject(s) and i would not be able to if i tried to. |
The journey of development:
Evaluation & Progression:
After this amount of development within my work regarding youth expression, rebellion and freedom through the medium of a graffiti artist, i realised the over ruling theme behind this all is actually youth identity. How certain youth choose to identify themselves towards others. As well as what it actually mean to be a youth emotionally and mentally.
Development: Experimenting with the use of the formal elements and combining work.
- In order to develop the idea of identity i need to experiment with a wide range of visual techniques on my work from my youth exploration, eg: photoshop processes, different types of media, materials and formal elements.
- In doing so i will be experimenting with the formal elements and combing work using new techniques.
Development 1:
- I decided to start with the theme of youth rebellion which i explored through documenting youth nightlife and urban exploring, both forms of youth expression.
- I merged two images together by layering one photo onto another strategically, this as a result creates a new image with a new meaning.
- I looks as if the youth i captured in my urban exploring section of work is entering a 'rave' or squat party in an abandoned building, a location common for these sorts of events.
- As a result of using layering in this way i have linked two of my explored youth culture themes in a physical way.
By Adding this black and white filter to the building and not the rest of the photo, i have created a surreal effect on the composition.
This idea of this image being a surreal links to the idea of raves and parties. Some youth may find these events almost like a fantasy world with flashing colourful lighting in the venues.
This idea of this image being a surreal links to the idea of raves and parties. Some youth may find these events almost like a fantasy world with flashing colourful lighting in the venues.
Comparison:
Development 2:
- In this image i decided to cut it up into sections and then re-assemble it.
Development 3:
Development 4:
In this image i pasted 4 images as a pattern from my youth rebellion and freedom shoots over the layered photograph and lowered the opacity of them so that the main image beneath was still visible.
Artist Research: Joseph Parra.
- Joseph Parra is a Baltimore based artist.
- Parra is well known for focusing on the human body and manipulating it through artistic forms.
- Much of Parra's work involves drawing and painting are portrait images. Parra's artistic style is Unique in a way that he does not aim to replicate human forms in his work, but instead explore deep into the person who is the subject of the work.
- It seems as though parra believes that perfectly replicating an individual perfectly through art is a limiting factor in the production of compositions. This idea inspires me and is something i will think about when producing my work.
- His idea of making non-photorealistic imagery of people is something i will aim to do in my work.
Joseph parra explores his perspective on the human body and mind through these drawing and patterns made from portrait images. In my opinion his images reveal the complexity of the human mind. This technique of brushing paint over the portraits almost form a cloud over the individuals. this clouding adds mystery to the compositions. This idea can be applied to my work and the concept of youth expression.
Youth expression is not always something that is seen on the surface, often its deeper than that and is within their mind. Elements such as fashion and music are forms of expression on the surface, but thoughts and feelings are not always seen. Techniques such as painting over the image, creating a layer signifies that we are just "a union of ideas" This is something i can apply to youth. Youth subcultures and expression are merely just a combination of ideas, thoughts and feelings created and developed over time.
In a quote from Parra he says:
"There is an innate desire to replicate an individual through artistic production. Traditionally, as an artist works to render the human figure in any medium, they come to face specific requirements that can often be constraining. For the figure to become more than a combination of forms, one must dive deeper and reveal something that is otherwise unseen. In challenging conventional portraiture, I expel the physical features of an appropriated individual and expose layers to reflect the varied constructs of what it is to be human. These layers can be abstracted, acting as reminders that we are merely a union of ideas. Exposure and concealment are my tools, carried out via printmaking, digital printing, drawing, and painting."
Conclusion:
Youth expression is not always something that is seen on the surface, often its deeper than that and is within their mind. Elements such as fashion and music are forms of expression on the surface, but thoughts and feelings are not always seen. Techniques such as painting over the image, creating a layer signifies that we are just "a union of ideas" This is something i can apply to youth. Youth subcultures and expression are merely just a combination of ideas, thoughts and feelings created and developed over time.
In a quote from Parra he says:
"There is an innate desire to replicate an individual through artistic production. Traditionally, as an artist works to render the human figure in any medium, they come to face specific requirements that can often be constraining. For the figure to become more than a combination of forms, one must dive deeper and reveal something that is otherwise unseen. In challenging conventional portraiture, I expel the physical features of an appropriated individual and expose layers to reflect the varied constructs of what it is to be human. These layers can be abstracted, acting as reminders that we are merely a union of ideas. Exposure and concealment are my tools, carried out via printmaking, digital printing, drawing, and painting."
Conclusion:
- This idea of using a medium to represent an idea through a composition is something i am going to experiment with as this applies to my topic of youth expression greatly.
- All the youth cultures i have explored have merely been a collective of multiple youths ideas and this has developed over time to form subcultures and forms of expression. Parra's technique of using painting, cutting and layering to form a physical representation is something I will experiment with. I will experiment with these techniques of cutting and layering over my work to signify the collaboration of thoughts and ideas within youth expression.
Artist Response + Development to Joseph Parra:
- Taking on Parra's ideas and techniques i decided to respond to his work, developing my own work in the process.
- Using images from the areas of youth culture and expression i have explored, i set about altering the images.
Using a paint brush and a small amount of paint i applied the brush to a printed copy of this image. i painted around the legs of the subject and gently brushed sections on the legs.
Second Response:
Third Response:
Fourth Response:
Evaluation of Response:
Development of the response:
Artist Research + Development: May Xiong
May xiong is a 26 year old USA based photographer. She is well known for her conceptual portrait photographs, uniquely using the formal elements such as Geometry, lines and layering to produce abstract portrait compositions.
Xiong's biography states she is inspired by lights, music and attention to detial when producing her compositions.
Xiong's work connects with my current line of work as she is working with multiple layers and types of media within her compositions, a concept i am also using in my work.
By using paint she masks sections of her subjects body
Xiong's biography states she is inspired by lights, music and attention to detial when producing her compositions.
Xiong's work connects with my current line of work as she is working with multiple layers and types of media within her compositions, a concept i am also using in my work.
By using paint she masks sections of her subjects body
Development and Response to May Xiong:
Development 2:
Development 3:
Evaluation:
- Although i like this development idea of cutting out sections of the geometric pattern, this composition is a rough version. In my next development i will use photoshop to achieve this idea.
Further development in response to May Xiong development:
- This digitally edited version is much cleaner aesthetically.
Artist Research & Development: Gemma Schiebe
Response & Development to Gemma Schiebe:
In response to the work of Gemma Schiebe, i began using tracing paper and layering it over my work, cutting out a section so that the subject of my photographs was still perfectly visible.
I then experimented with using the tracing paper in the opposite way, masking my subject. This links to the idea of youth identity. By masking the identity of my subject i am de-personifying him from the scene. This sort of activity is what makes him unique amongst other youth and forms his identity. so in masking this i am contrasting the idea of identity with anonymity.
I then decided to experiment with this masking of identity idea with another photograph, this time digitally masking.
Using photoshop i selected my subject and used the "Fill" function to form a silhouette.
Using photoshop i selected my subject and used the "Fill" function to form a silhouette.
Artist Research and Development: Reina Takashi
- Reina is a San Francisco based illustrator and paper artist. Her work varies from prop design to window installations and has had work featured at both the Chicago Design Museum and the Heron Arts Centre in San Francisco.
- She produced a series in 2011 which she title "Triangulation" a visual experiment with shapes, lighting and photography.
- Using a piece of card she cut out a complex geometric pattern and began taking photographs through it and experimenting with the shadows the pattern produces.
Artist Response and Development to Reina Takashi:
- In response to Takahashi's work i decided to cut out a geometric pattern on black card and layered it over a photograph from my nightclub shoot.
Evaluation:
- The outcome of this composition was not as good as i expected it to be.
- the geometric pattern was not as effective as the pattern produced by Takahashi.
- In my next development i will use a more complex geometric pattern and apply it to more than one image.
Development of my Response:
- Using a piece of black card i cut out this more complex geometric pattern.
- I then scanned the card and pasted images into the white space of the pattern using photoshop.
Evaluation:
- This technique of layering a geometric pattern over the images is more effective with this more complex pattern.
- The complexity of the pattern also makes reference to the complexity of youth expressions and subcultures photographed beneath the patterns.
- In my next development i want to experiment with this pattern in a more digital way, using photoshop. This is because i am more limited with simply using the scanned pattern and layering it over photographs.
Development:
- Next, i changed the colour of the black card on photoshop using the "Fill" function, to white. to stop any visual 'noise' from distracting viewers from the main subject of the image.
Artist and I:
In this composition i have successfully produced a complex geometric pattern similar to that of Takahashi's. I have also achieved a similar layered effect with an image in the background. The pattern layered over the image makes reference to identity and how youth are seen. Sections of the individual in my composition are masked by the pattern and so it is unclear to fully see him. This applies to identity and perception of youth.
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Artist Research: Will Robson-Scott - A New Place to Drown
Will Robson-Scott is a London based photographer and film maker well known for his series of works in the grime and graffiti scene as well as multiple short films showcased globally.
This particular piece of work was made with artist Archie Marshall, also known by his stage name 'King Krule'. The short film is about king krule's work and his upbringing featuring and interview from his mother who speaks about his artistic upbringing.
This particular piece of work was made with artist Archie Marshall, also known by his stage name 'King Krule'. The short film is about king krule's work and his upbringing featuring and interview from his mother who speaks about his artistic upbringing.
- In this video Will Robson-Scott layers moving drawings and patterns over his video footage. He makes excellent use of the formal elements and makes this unique technique interact with the footage he is playing alongside it.
- The layered drawings interact with the subject of each video clip such as in this photograph above.
- The multiple white lines seen on the bottom of the photo follow the shape of the trains underside moving horizontally along the frame of the shot.
The video uses layering of moving drawings over video in multiple scenes shown in the screenshots below.
The formal elements used in this technique include: Layering, shapes, lines and depth of field. I plan on taking on all of these ideas when responding to this work using my own photographs.
The formal elements used in this technique include: Layering, shapes, lines and depth of field. I plan on taking on all of these ideas when responding to this work using my own photographs.
This is a screenshot from the video "A New Place to Drown" by Will Robson-Scott. The work shows Archie marshall (King Krule) standing on the top of a sloped field with a view of London seen in the background. Drawn over the video in white are a series of rough diamond like shapes in an arrangement which has formed a pattern. each shape is roughly drawn and they are unique to one another although the shape is the same. I know that Archie's brother, an artist, did all this art work over the video as it is mentioned in the credit.
The image makes use of the formal elements. Geometry and layering is evident through the shapes drawn over the video, perspective and depth of field is shown through the foreground and background of the field looking out toward the built up urban landscape of London. There are 3 main focal points in this photograph. The first being the shapes, the second being Archie standing to the left of the image and the third being the city scape in the background. Each focal point juxtaposes one another which is very effective in this particular composition, creating an interesting and unique theme to it. The video is about a creative individual and even the framing and editing is linked to this idea.
i suspect the technique used to layer the drawing over the video is rather complex, judging from the fact that in the video its animated and moves almost as if the drawing is a gif, layered over the video. In my response i will simply use screenshots of video and add another medium to the composition.
The image makes use of the formal elements. Geometry and layering is evident through the shapes drawn over the video, perspective and depth of field is shown through the foreground and background of the field looking out toward the built up urban landscape of London. There are 3 main focal points in this photograph. The first being the shapes, the second being Archie standing to the left of the image and the third being the city scape in the background. Each focal point juxtaposes one another which is very effective in this particular composition, creating an interesting and unique theme to it. The video is about a creative individual and even the framing and editing is linked to this idea.
i suspect the technique used to layer the drawing over the video is rather complex, judging from the fact that in the video its animated and moves almost as if the drawing is a gif, layered over the video. In my response i will simply use screenshots of video and add another medium to the composition.
Experimenting with the formal elements & Quotes:
- I intend of layering quotes onto the images or videos.
- These quotes could be key words from the youth culture exploration or quotes from some videos i found to be very influential in my work.
This quote i found very relevant to my area of work, i feel like he has summed up London graffiti really well, he speaks about how the graffiti culture is linked to all the other cultures in London including music and fashion. From the way you dress to the london night-life each of these things come hand in hand with graffiti.
I used this phrase in my Living with insanity video earlier in the unit:
"Being a writer in London has a lot to do with everything else, from music to fashion the whole thing you know, theres a lot more to it than just the graff your doing. And all the writers in London are affected by the cultural history wether they know it or not, from skinheads and punk music, to rudeboys and jungle raves and garage raves, squat parties, the drug culture, the whole lot. If you're living in it then thats just as important as what your painting.
For me that's what London graffiti has always been about, the lifestyle that goes with it.."
I used this phrase in my Living with insanity video earlier in the unit:
"Being a writer in London has a lot to do with everything else, from music to fashion the whole thing you know, theres a lot more to it than just the graff your doing. And all the writers in London are affected by the cultural history wether they know it or not, from skinheads and punk music, to rudeboys and jungle raves and garage raves, squat parties, the drug culture, the whole lot. If you're living in it then thats just as important as what your painting.
For me that's what London graffiti has always been about, the lifestyle that goes with it.."
- I will later find use for this quote in my experimental work as i feel it sums up youth culture very well.
Response & Development to Will Robson-Scott and Quotes:
- it struck me as i took this photograph that this individual was engrossed in the music being played in the studio.
- As a result of this thought i decided to crop out the surroundings of this individual, leaving just him, his box of vinyl records and his beer.
- By cropping the surroundings out of this photograph using photoshop, i have shown this individual to be isolated and alone.
- This isolated image represents the fact that in that moment of time this individual was 'lost on the music' solely focused on what he was hearing rather than his surroundings.
- After this thought of this individual pictured being "Lost in the music", using techniques inspired by will Robson-Scott's video, i decided to add the quote to the photograph by drawing on top of the image in photoshop with the pen tool.
- I aimed to make the writing look like graffiti, this was done to experiment with combining themes i have explored (Music and Graffiti).
- I then decided to write the quote "Lost in the music" in graffiti style bubble letters.
- After this i shaded in the shadow lines i had drawn out and touched up the letters.
- Pleased with the outcome of drawing over my photograph and combining two themes together (Graffiti and music) through the formal elements. I decided to create a GIF like video on Premiere Pro.
- I intend on using this style of production in my final piece
- I then added shadowing to the letters i had drawn out on photoshop.
- I then added curved lines around certain parts of some letters, making the letters look like they should be moving
The development process:
The Final Product:
LOST IN THE MUSIC from George Bennett on Vimeo.
Evaluation of response:
- In this response i have successfully responded to the work of will Robson-Scott's work using the technique of drawing over a composition.
- i have also used a quote and developed that idea further.
- In the final piece i intend to use quotes.
Further Response in the style of Will Robson-Scott:
- After printing the image off i began to apply silver marker pen to the background of the image, leaving only the foreground untouched.
- The marker pen brings an element of juxtaposition of light and dark within the composition and also brings focus to the foreground.
- The marker also relates to the context of this image which was taken when i was exploring graffiti. This is because these types of markers are used by graffiti artists.
Evaluation of development 2:
Starting with the above image i set about applying the techniques used in Will Robson-Scott's video. Using a silver marker pen i drew a series of patterns over the image which i had printed off. I then scanned it back into the computer.
Using some white acrylic paint and a brush i then began painting over the patterns, leaving the individual in the photo unpainted.
Whilst the paint was still wet i used a craft knife to etch in the phrase "Living With Insanity" twice into the page, as well as adding in scratches to the page. I added this phrase as its the title to the video i produced, inspired by the following quote from a graffiti writer from Los Angeles.
"People rob banks and hold people up because they gotta eat and make money. People steal because their hungry. People sell drugs because they're trying to feed their family. You know, they take these risks, they risk their freedom, they risk their life.. For a reward.
Whereas with graffiti theres a huge risk but no reward. So obviously there got to be something going on psychologically, beneath the surface to motivate people to do things like climbing a bridge and risk falling and dying, or go out and do a crazy amount of graffiti in a city like Los Angeles where they will send you for prison for 5 years for just painting your name on a wall. Obviously there some real emotional, psychological motivation behind that. I think for me personally..sometimes you understand it sometimes you just don't but it always makes sense."
I found this quote to be really powerful, to an extent it made many of these graffiti artists seem insane to want to go to such lengths to write their tag on something. "
Whilst the paint was still wet i used a craft knife to etch in the phrase "Living With Insanity" twice into the page, as well as adding in scratches to the page. I added this phrase as its the title to the video i produced, inspired by the following quote from a graffiti writer from Los Angeles.
"People rob banks and hold people up because they gotta eat and make money. People steal because their hungry. People sell drugs because they're trying to feed their family. You know, they take these risks, they risk their freedom, they risk their life.. For a reward.
Whereas with graffiti theres a huge risk but no reward. So obviously there got to be something going on psychologically, beneath the surface to motivate people to do things like climbing a bridge and risk falling and dying, or go out and do a crazy amount of graffiti in a city like Los Angeles where they will send you for prison for 5 years for just painting your name on a wall. Obviously there some real emotional, psychological motivation behind that. I think for me personally..sometimes you understand it sometimes you just don't but it always makes sense."
I found this quote to be really powerful, to an extent it made many of these graffiti artists seem insane to want to go to such lengths to write their tag on something. "
Using a black pen i began to write the same phrase on top of the page in the style of a graffiti tag. This is done to link the graffiti aspect of the image to the image by using this second form of media.
I also used graffiti style techniques to highlight the presence of the individual in the photograph, demonstrating his isolation in this particular scene. This was done as i wanted to portray the isolation of a graffiti writer in this image showing this individual completely on his own.
I also used graffiti style techniques to highlight the presence of the individual in the photograph, demonstrating his isolation in this particular scene. This was done as i wanted to portray the isolation of a graffiti writer in this image showing this individual completely on his own.
Using cut outs of newspaper style letters i began cutting out letters to form the words "Insanity" and "Vandal" to make reference to youth graffiti perception by the media/newspapers. Media label many of these artists as vandals.
I put the letters in this broken newspaper format as i wanted to link the idea of insanity to the style of lettering. The lettering is almost like a ransom note often seen in films involving psychopath murderers, using broken letters of different font size and colour.
I put the letters in this broken newspaper format as i wanted to link the idea of insanity to the style of lettering. The lettering is almost like a ransom note often seen in films involving psychopath murderers, using broken letters of different font size and colour.
Further Development: Experimenting with photoshop brushes.
- In response to my previous development using white paint on the image, i decided to experiment with the same technique but digitally applying paint.
Experimenting with photoshop brushes:
I wanted to recreate the effect of the brush which i used to paint over the original image, using photoshop. After doing this i could then make a comparison between the digital and manual versions, acting as a process of elimination.
-I tested 4 different brush tools on photoshop as shown above.
-I then decided that the last one i used was the most fitting and realistic looking, this is the brush mark on the far right.
NEXT I WANTED TO EXPERIMENT WITH THE OPACITIES OF THE PAINT COLOUR:
-I tested 4 different brush tools on photoshop as shown above.
-I then decided that the last one i used was the most fitting and realistic looking, this is the brush mark on the far right.
NEXT I WANTED TO EXPERIMENT WITH THE OPACITIES OF THE PAINT COLOUR:
100% Opacity
80% Opacity
60% Opacity
40% Opacity
20% Opacity
Conclusion to experiment on opacity:
Evaluation of development:
- In conclusion i believe that an 80% opacity is best suited for my work.
- 80% Opacity is well suited, it adds a layer of a different medium onto the composition whilst also allowing the foreground the be partially visible. Using a lower opacity will not provide enough of an impact on the original composition and a 100% opacity will leave too much negative space.
- However, i preferred using actual paint on paper rather than digitally applying this effect.
This image is a little bit too chaotic. The scratching is too rough and the pen writing is un-necessary.
Therefore i will create more negative space, making the quote "Insanity?" stand out more and have a bigger impact.
Therefore i will create more negative space, making the quote "Insanity?" stand out more and have a bigger impact.
- The Quote "Insanity?" is extremely effective in this composition.
- It's acting as a though provoking rhetorical question, asking the reader to analyse the image further.
- The fact that I didn't completely paint over the quote "Vandal" completely on the bottom left corner was so that it almost acted as an answer to the question. The two juxtaposing phrases work extremely well together in this composition.
- Painting over the scratching has been effective in this piece and the increase negative space has benefitted the image, allowing the viewer to pay attention to the key parts more efficiently.
Further development and Response:
I first started by attempting this effect using a white pen, a pencil as well as a pen over printed images of some of the work i have produced in this unit.
I began experimenting with exagerrating the shapes and lines within the image using this technique and made the photo cartoon-like similar to the video.
Stop-motion/ Gif style Development:
In response to "A NEW PLACE 2 DROWN", the video made by Will Robson-Scott, i have decided to experiment with the idea of having moving drawings over my video and photo's. To begin with i have decided to research a method of producing the sort of work that was seen in the video.
- This video is a tutorial to create this animated effect seen in Will Robson-Scotts video.
- I started by searching up "Moving drawing over video" in which i came across this tutorial.
- I then set about using this technique to produce my own work.
- Using both edits i then decided to make a Gif.
- i created the gif in photoshop using the motion setting.
- Using this drawing process similar to Will Robson-Scott's video i drew a series of curvy lines over this photograph from one of my shoots.
- In this particular composition i wanted the drawing to interact with the photograph, for this reason i made the lines signify noise coming from the individual in the foreground of the photograph.
- The lines coming off the individuals head signify them paying attention to what the MC is saying through the microphone.
Artist and I:
Both me and Will Robson-Scott have made use of layering, a well known formal element. This technique is effective in adding a new dimension of media to an image and combines traditional art with photography.
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After effects development:
- First, i loaded a clip from the living with insanity video into ADOBE AFTER EFFECTS CC.
- I then ensure that "BRUSHES" and "PAINT" were ticked on after effects.
- I then double clicked the video screen itself, causing a new layer to open, this is the layer i was then going to paint on
- I then selected a brush size and changed the duration of the paint to 1 frame per paint. This meant i had to draw a new painting over the video every frame.
- This became very lengthy as there are 24 frames in a second.
- After drawing on 20 frames i the exported the video.
testing from George Bennett on Vimeo.
Evaluation of experimenting with drawing:
- Overall the outcome was OK. i used a range of different patterns, with each one interacting with certain details in the video footage, similar to that of Will Robson-Scott.
- In future i will make each drawing last for more than one frame as they change too quickly. i will experiment with this in future.
- I will also use a range of colours and draw more complex patterns. This is because the patterns drawn were simply for testing purposes to see what worked well and what didnt.
- I may also try and draw some patterns out on paper and scan them into the computer, then load them onto after effects, This way i am not limited to drawing the patterns using the trackpad of my laptop.
Development + experimentation:
tester2 from George Bennett on Vimeo.
- For this development i experimented with the duration of each drawing. As well as the type of drawing i did.
- Experimented with different shapes and patterns
- Found that it was really difficult using a laptop trackpad to produce clean drawing.
- Using longer frames is better aesthetically as the drawings last longer.
Evaluation of development:
Overall, i found that the video form of this drawing technique was less effective than with photographs. This is due to the fact that multiple drawings need to be drawn in order for the video to work. This means that the quality of the drawing are not as good as with the photographs.
In my final piece i will not use video because of this.
In my final piece i will not use video because of this.
Conclusion of experimenting:
The outcome of these images has been amazing. By using the formal elements as well as a range of media and processes i have created a new dimension to the photographs.
- In the process i have both juxtaposed and combined areas of youth expression into one and ideas have merged into one.
- After reflecting on the work i had produced and then undergoing process of experimentation, development and refinement i have formed a series of compositions as a part of my youth expression, freedom and rebellion idea.
- My next steps will be working towards the creation of the final piece.
Development:
Youth: Synonyms perception and connotations
Perception: "The way in which something is regarded, understood or interpreted"
Final Piece:
- The final piece should be a demonstration of my thought process throughout the unit showing how i reached this final idea.
- My initial ideas was to produce a video showing all the areas of youth culture i have explored and how closely they link to one another.
- The video would feature some of the techniques i used whilst experimenting with the formal elements.
- Instead, i decided on a new, revised idea which is much better and shows the links in a clearer and more accurate way.
The new final piece idea takes on all of the ideas of the video but in a different format, using a range of media both physically and digitally.
Photo Selection: The Final piece.
I decided upon these images as i feel they are most relevant to my exploration and development into youth culture and expression. These compositions have been formed through my process of refinement and experimentation, i selected these as i feel they best represent my journey through this project.
Inspiration for the final piece:
- The idea for my work has mainly been about youth today, its influences, the links between youth cultures and London.
- I decided on creating a "crime detective map" inspired piece. The piece will show my thought process behind the project and how its developed.
- I will be able to annotate the map and draw links between areas of London and areas of my work via string and pins or drawing arrows and circling areas.
- The map will be a map of London. This map will be annotated with my images as well.
- I decided a tube map would be more relevant. This is because locations would be clearer to see as opposed to a normal map which viewers may not understand as well due to a lack of annotation.
- Each photograph will have string linking it to the geographical location it was taken in London, like a detective piecing together a mystery, i will be piecing together my exploration of youth expression in London.
- Below is a plan of how i will create this final piece.
Planning, development and experimentation:
- The Tube map will be on a board that is larger in size than it.
- Using string and pins like a crime detective map i will draw links between my work and annotate the work.
- The idea involves using a Notice board or a "pin board" as the base of the piece.
- I may paint, draw or add quotes and keywords to the notice board which link to the images shown on it.
- Centred in the notice board will be a London tube map.
- The map will be annotated and drawn on, whilst also having quotes on it.
- Each of these will also have pins and strings connected to them almost like a crime detective map, these strings will connect images to other images or quotes to images to signify the link.
GIFs : Experimentation
- I want to use a number of gifs i made in this unit.
- In order to use these gifs ill have to print out each frame and put them onto the board manually as there will be no digitally moving image.
Brainstorm of GIF ideas:
- I decided to draw out some ideas of how i could show some of the GIFS i've produced earlier on in this unit if i was going to have a physical final piece rather than a digital one.
GIF Idea Experimentation:
TUBE MAP EXPERIMENTATION:
- I decided to experiment with the idea of the tube map acting like a detectives crime map.
- I first began by printing out a copy of the tube map and annotating areas of the map where i took photographs for some of the areas i explored.
- I decided to try and replicate what the final piece would look like but on a smaller scale so i can make adjustments before i begin producing this piece on a larger scale.
This is an experimentation with annotating locations and labelling them as points of interest to my work. The areas i annotated are areas which i have photographed for these areas of youth expression.
Development:
- In order to fit a number of the images which i have produced throughout this project i need to have a large map, like a detective would when mapping out a crime across a city.
- I purchased an A1 sized copy of a London tube map, this is going to be the map i will use to act as the base of my work.
- My first decision was to experiment with how i would annotate the board once the images were in place.
- I decided that i would place images near or around the locations they were taken in.
- Using cling wrap i covered the map and began drawing to experiment.
- I used marker pens to draw circles around the locations of interest to my work. these were places where i took photographs for this project.
- I wanted to experiment with the idea of having a map that has been vandalised by youths. In order to do so i applied a small amount of red paint to the map and smudged it around. As well as this i completely washed it off in areas to make it look like it has been badly cleaned. This is to link the idea back to graffiti, one of the areas i chose to explore in relation to youth expression.
- I experimented with the idea of creating small drawings which relate to the image such as Music notes near the location of the radio station i photographed as well as a drawing of a boarded up window reading "Do not enter" for the area where i explore an abandoned building
Evaluation:
- From this experiment i tested a few ideas of the map without actually drawing on it directly (Used cling wrap)
- I want to further this idea of annotation as i think it will help to draw better links between locations and images.
- Although i liked the idea of the vandalised map. it was a bit too chaotic, therefore i wont use this idea in the final piece.
Artist link: Ben Watts, Big up:
- Ben watts uses similar techniques in his publication "Big up", a collection of portrait he began taking in the 1990's around New York city. He too explored youth in this book.
- He printed each book to look like a scrapbook. with rough cut edges and masking tape over images as well as annotations drawn on by his subjects.
- I like how he produced this book in this way. The scrapbook design indicates he wants it to show progress and development. He wants viewers to see it in this rough way, almost getting a glimpse of his mind whilst creating it. Watts publication shows how he interacted with his subjects, by getting them to actively take part in the creation of the scrapbook.
- i will aim to use similar techniques when i complete my final piece.
- After mounting the map on the black foam-board, i began planning how i would place the photos down onto the map.
- The gifs are mounted slightly over one another and next to each other in order for the viewer to see them as gifs manually.
- Each set of images will be placed next to the area they were taken on the map.
Development:
- After thinking about what i would draw onto the pages relating to each shoot and area. I came across an idea.
- Young people use lots of "Emojis", small cartoon images that are a part of a smartphones keyboard. they are used to convey ideas and emotions.
- I realised i could apply them to the photographs mounted onto the tube map.
- I decided upon these "emojis". The microphone and speaker will be stuck next to the images taken at the radio station.
- The Female in a red dress will be used for the fashion photography style photographs.
- The eyes and the pen will be used for the graffiti photographs
- The Alcoholic drinks will be used for the Images at a club and house party.
The Final Piece:
- Inspired by Ben Watts' scrapbook style of Presentation i added masking tape to the map and photographs. This formed a more rough-cut style of work, something i think works extremely well and links to my theme of youth and expression. Nobody is perfect, and everyone has their imperfections, and in peoples youth many become insecure.
- The idea started off as being a crime detective style map, but has instead resulted in being more of a mood board style piece of work demonstrating my path of development,
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To carry on my exploration in youth freedom and expression i endeavoured on a fashion photography like shoot.
In response to this i decided to produce a fashion drawing sketch, mounting it besides the photographs i mounted from that shoot.
This in itself is a form of youth expression.
In response to this i decided to produce a fashion drawing sketch, mounting it besides the photographs i mounted from that shoot.
This in itself is a form of youth expression.
- I marked the tube station for each part of London in which i took the photographs on the map. I circled them multiple times and then placed red pins on the circles I had drawn so that they stood out on the map.
- Shoreditch high street station was marked as the relevant location for these two images. Shoreditch is the area i took these images.
I also made a replica of an oyster. i did this by scanning in my oyster card on either side and printing it onto photographic paper. After this, I cut the from part of the oyster and re-assembled it, similar to the way i manipulated one of my images on the map.I then attached the oyster card to the map via a string and pin.I used the oyster card as an artefact of London to some extent. All the youth of London have one of these and its almost a key to the city. The oyster card enables you to move around the city with ease and reach your desired destination at any moment.
- This is essentially like providing the viewer with a key to this project. By mounting the oyster on the string in this way its suggesting to the viewer to take the oyster card and begin exploring London in the way i have.
Using spray paint, i applied a small amount to the foam board next to the graffiti related images. I also used two “Emojis” One being a pair of eyes and the other, a pen.
This can be perceived as the eyes of a young graffiti writer, looking around before using the pen on a surface.
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- This section was made to link to the idea of youth rebellion. The cross over the oyster card signifies how some youth refuse to pay for their train fares and instead rebel and jump over the train barriers rather than ‘tapping in’ with an oyster card
- Using some red and white tape as well as a white marker pen i produced a small illustration next to these photographs taken in an abandoned building.
- The drawing is related to this shoot, its an imitation of a sign telling people not to enter the derelict property and the red tape has been mounted in a way so that it looks like its been pulled down.
- I used "Emoji's to further this idea.
- The area of interest to these images is Watford, which is why it is marked on the map. This is where i took these photographs.
- Using alcohol "emojis" linked the idea of alcohol with youth freedom through dancing and going out.
- The areas relevant to these two images are Crouch Hill and Kings Cross, this is because these are the locations these two photographs were taken.
Conclusion:
This project started with the exploration of youth culture and expression. Whilst Photographing a group of young individuals at a radio station expressing themselves through music i was led to the work of will Robson-Scott, an artist i explored in my curatorship task. In a second response to Will Robson-Scott i quickly found similarities in my work with Vicky grout, a fashion photographer who also documents grime events. This is when i was led into fashion photography, but more importantly the idea of youth freedom and rebellion in expression. Whilst on the subject of freedom i began to photograph a friend of mine who explores abandoned buildings, exercising his freedom and rebellion through this act. I made this switch because of the underlying themes being the same. From this i moved onto the likes of Molly Macindoe a photographer who documented the free party scene for about a decade. These free parties often took place in locations which my friend would explore. These free parties are also about freedom and rebellion against the system through holding these events without government permission. In response i began documented the process of a group of youth going to a nightclub and then progressing onto photographing a group of young people at a house party to catch this idea of youth freedom and rebellion in a more personal manner, capture emotion in the process. From this shoot i realised that i had captured a lot of youth expression but not the impact of this expression on society. This led me to explore commercial street culture and how youth culture has been marketed by business. This led me to a dead end although it broadened by knowledge of youth expression and impact more.
Graffiti then caught me as something that seemed to encapsulate all i had explored up until that point. After lots of development and the production of a video i soon realised that there was an underlying theme beyond graffiti, this was youth identity in terms of expression.
In order to demonstrate this effectively i experimented with my work up until that point through a process of experimentation, development and refinement until i reached a point where i was able to begin creating a final piece for the project. In the process i combined and juxtaposing areas of my work through the use of different types of media, using the formal elements and a range of visual techniques.
This resulted in an idea that encapsulates all i have explored, researched, developed and refined during my investigation into youth expression.
Graffiti then caught me as something that seemed to encapsulate all i had explored up until that point. After lots of development and the production of a video i soon realised that there was an underlying theme beyond graffiti, this was youth identity in terms of expression.
In order to demonstrate this effectively i experimented with my work up until that point through a process of experimentation, development and refinement until i reached a point where i was able to begin creating a final piece for the project. In the process i combined and juxtaposing areas of my work through the use of different types of media, using the formal elements and a range of visual techniques.
This resulted in an idea that encapsulates all i have explored, researched, developed and refined during my investigation into youth expression.