Final Visual Poem

Class Exercise 3-Gradient

Class Exercise 2- Photoshop Three Scanned Images

Class Exercise I- Illustrator Clipping Mask

Self Visualization Triptych

Illustrator Vector Playground

Project 1 Photo Alteration- Duck Soup

    Click on me!

I plan to create an irreverent peripheral feast out of these three images. The "interior" signified by the soup bowl, the "exterior" represented by the steamy swamp outdoors and the "human interaction" involves my own hand spooning the so called soup. This snappy duck will add to the tongue and cheek commentary evoking an amalgamation of a playful celebration of "Duck Soup". I am trying to achieve a sentiment of pop-surrealism to make this work successful.

Definition-Duck Soup

Any undertaking that is easy to do 

I am hoping this project is not the antithesis of the definition

Photoshop class exercise 1

Artists Analysis

It was interesting to read the class reviews on the four artists that we were assigned. There was diversity in the reactions of my classmates, however the general tone is reflected here in my analysis.

Based on group reviews Gregory Crewdson was seen as the most difficult to decipher because of his vacant and desolate images filled with questions and very little answers. He piqued our interest with his use of rich tones and use of light which created a cinematic feel. Many saw his work as highly detailed and meticulous which gave him respect and held our interest. One student observed the use of perspective and visual depth which funneled into a shrinking portal in which she further observed Crewdson's melancholy subjects.This observation was incredibly insightful.

Classmate's reaction to Jeff Wall's images were the most varied.They ranged in descriptions from most compelling and successful dynamic composition to dark, boring, lacking subject matter which vanishing points and interest in his creation of false realities.

Cindy Sherman was generally appreciated on the commentary she provided  in her lost but not found persona. Most agreed on her varying perspectives of fictional women in stereotypical scenarios was a statement on iconic women in society. A good number compared her as an actor acting out a variety of her scenarios for her film stills. However, one review felt she was boring and uninteresting.

The class favorite were images of Tuen Hocks. His whimsical style with a surrealist quality left many of us with the desire to engage with these unique photographs that have been manipulated and painted over in a unusual technique. Most of the subject matter was lighthearted, creating a captivating composition where reality is transformed and absurdity and fantasy are embraced.

Artists Reviews

CINDY SHERMAN

Sherman's film stills are made exclusively by using black and white stills. She creates compelling compositions using specific lighting in vintage and classic situations. She is the main focus in these feminine scenarios which gives an intimate look at Sherman, who is very aware of the cameras presence. Some of the stills have an eerie quality, some have more of a glamorous feel, while others seem to make a statement about how we as a society defines women and how the media portrays women in iconic subjects and themes. Sherman relies heavily on the use of props and make-up to change her persona in every print. I found her work to be very interesting.

 

JEFF WALL

I have been exposed to Wall's work in Art History classes of the past. Many of his compositions have been completed on a very large scale. He seems to have a dark organized chaos about his imagery. Wall's use of color in very muted tones suggests the seriousness of his subjects. His work appears to be thoroughly staged to create false realities. It is then left up to the viewer whether or not to appreciate his extensive detail embedded in a documentary style and sometimes awkward compositions.

GREGORY CREWDSON

I found Crewdson's work to have a cinematic feel, many with desperate and lonely overtones. His use of cool hues and textures held my interest and made me reexamine many of his compositions. During this process, I found his work to be very intricate with attention to every well thought out detail. He appears to be telling an unfinished story in much of his imagery. This enables the viewer to try and put the puzzle pieces together for a final resolution. His contrast of scale contributes very much to the feel of his work which has very sad and desolate view of life... but interesting none the less.

TEUN HOCKS

 I enjoyed Hocks whimsical style in a very thought provoking way. He challenged me to search for a message he may be trying to convey. I found his technique of using a photograph and painting the surface of the image to change the tone and texture very unique. Hocks use of color and subject matter is pleasing to the eye, yet isolated as the backdrop goes into infinity. Hocks features himself in his work which urges me to reflect on what narrative his images signify in conjunction with his self portraits. His compositions are simple with a fresh comedic undertone. Tuen Hocks is my favorite out of the group of four artists.