Capturing 2012 Series

    These are self-portraits, that were taken with the use of a digital camera. I am the subject of these pieces and I was shot both close and far away. These pictures do not follow the rule of thirds. These works are figurative, rather than abstract.

     These images were taken outdoors, in a dirty, sandy area in front of the dumpster. I chose for such a background to stir interest within these pieces. The shapes of my figure, the grass and the letters written on the dumpster also help to create interest in these artworks. These photographs are made up of dark, light and middle values. These portraits were taken in focus, without purpose. 

     Through these pieces, I was to capture the ideas and attitudes of young people in 2012. In 2012, young adults value works that they feel to be aesthetically appealing. Throughout the ages, popular art has been that which evokes never before seen ideas. Such ideas have, in the past, revolved around religion, race, rebellion and other such things. In 2012, shock value has taken the place of these ideas. A handful of modern artwork is, in no doubt, aesthetically interesting. Though, many of these works fail to illustrate any facet of the human condition. A number of these pieces are promoted through websites including Tumblr. While leaving meaning to the interpretation of viewers can be a powerful tool for artists, it is my fear that emerging artists will not take care in conveying messages through their work. 

    I feel that these pieces are, ultimately, successful, because I was able to capture the ideas of the youth in 2012. 

"Toy" Piece

     This is a photograph of Caroline, that was taken with the use of a digital camera and tungsten lighting. Caroline is the subject of this piece and she is relatively far away from the viewer. This picture was taken in focus. This artwork is figurative, rather than abstract. 

     This portrait was shot with the use of a black background fabric. Shape, including those in Caroline's book, toy and shoes helped to create interest within this picture. While this work is made up of light, medium and dark values, it is lit poorly. I chose to focus on lighting the left portion of Caroline's figure to emphasize the condition of her toy. Though, this was a poor decision, because the shapes of Caroline's legs and the whites of her eyes are lost. This photograph was taken in focus intentionally, to ensure that the viewer would be able to spot Caroline's toy easily. 

    Through this piece, I was to capture Caroline's internal struggle to keep hold of her adolescence. I felt that this assignment posed a tricky challenge; to illustrate such a theme in a subtle manner. I chose to place Caroline's toy underneath the ottoman, in hope of drawing the viewer's attention away from it, to some extent. 

     I feel that this piece is ultimately successful, because I was able to capture Caroline's struggle to hold on to her childhood.