Sustainable Prospects Oral Presentation

Naming the series

Finding the right name for this series has become quite tricky. With my other series during this MA I have found a name I feel represents the series well and (generally) guides the viewer quite quickly. 

How authentic should the work be?

How does digital manipulation affect authenticity?

In trying to create images that work best in terms of the intention of the current project, I have been working to make portraits of people that are blurry. They should be recognisable as people and recognisable in terms of the sort of clothes they might be wearing or things they might be carrying, but their faces should not be in focus.

What is a Londoner?

In the introduction to his work of interviews with Londoners, Craig Taylor says (on his return to London after a brief exit to renew a visa) “I didn’t dare call myself a Londoner. But around that point I began to ask, who is? Who gets to choose?” (Taylor 2011, p.8) Who does get to choose? And what criteria might they use?

Why back to figurative?

In Paris, during our portfolio reviews, I was encouraged to see that the photographs I took with my 35mm camera were positively received. My module tutor was particularly taken in online webinars with the images of shadows.

Issues of blur

I have been considering why I have been so attracted to blurring people in my images during this module. My intent has been to use people as archetype or examples of people in London, rather than focusing on them as unique individuals. By blurring the people I have been removing the sharpness of their individuality and turning them into a ‘type’ instead.

Paris Photo – works of interest – architecture/other

This is a continuation of a record of the works I found interesting and influential on my practice at Paris Photo 2018.

Current work feedback – night shots

In continuing my experimentation with film and slightly longer exposures, I decided to do some work later in the day around dusk and early evening.

Paris Photo – works of interest – people/motion

A recent trip to Paris for the Paris Photo weekend opened my eyes to a number of photographic artists I wasn’t aware of.

Portfolio review in Paris

One of the activities on our recent face-to-face trip to Paris was the opportunity to participate in portfolio reviews. These were done in small groups of around 8 students with two tutors.