Artists Statement

In my work, I reference magazine advertisements and alter the stylization of gender to explore the emotional and psychological effects it can have on my viewer. I take existing imagery, and switch the subject’s gender. This concept is subtle, but once it is recognized the image is read very differently.

The series is framed around the concepts of gender and oppression that form a part of our popular cultural landscape. I call attention to these issues by focusing on gender identity within my imagery. I transform gender roles through the acts of my models, and force the viewer to think about the often opposing view of the male and female body in mass media and in society.
This is in conversation with the trend of other advertisement/fashion images that challenge preconceived ideas of gender roles. Except I use strange non-scenarios to reference the tropes of fashion and deal with gender stereotyping, but without my images reading as a specific advertisement.

My inspiration comes from our cultures view that “sex sells,” which often leads to a forced connection between a sexualized female figure and a product being marketed. This is the crux of my series, but I exploit the male figure in my work in hope that these disempowering images make the viewer ask “what is this trying to tell me.” The same response I have when looking at the oppressive ads I am referencing. I hope this series makes the viewer walk away not only more aware of gender representation in advertisements, but also their own gender role in society.

Art photography after Photography (just the intro had be asking questions)

Does art photography have to be pushed to perfection in "performance, conceptual, critical, and directorial strategies" so it can be considered fine art? To stand apart from the mediums use in everyday society. ..
Personally I was unaware of how far photography can be pushed (narrative, fantasy, performance, history, memory,identity) and even do a better job than other "fine art" mediums. Before this class I had an under appreciation for digital photography. I wonder how many others do to, and how this can be changed?

I have a better understanding of postmodernism photography. But the question I left with: " What do images refer to based on how their put together" ....what is past the surface?

After last Critique

My artwork being focused on gender roles is still there. I am getting closer to why I am drawn to this subject matter, and why I create the images I do. I mimic high fashion magazines so my viewers have a reference point with my work. They recognize the formal elements of my photos and a familiarity with them, but are still questionable on what they are seeing. After further investigation of the image the viewer realizes how the gender roles of our society have been switched, and than read the image completely different. I chose this technique because images surround us everyday and it was a way to connect with my audience in a subtle way. This is why my images will be sized like that of a magazine page. By referencing fashion magazines, a product predominately bought by females, I am pointing out how woman are still being portrayed negatively. And accept it as the social norm.

The concept of gender and oppression of woman in our cultural landscape is a complex issue. It has been tackled by many before me, but I am trying to find my voice in the issue. The ability to use photography to draw my viewer in, and than confuse them by the subtle difference of having a strong woman in the image is shocking to me. When as a culture we are so numb to seeing males as the dominant sex.

How I compose these images are still a struggle. I am getting closer and have some really strong ones, but still need more. The compositions where scenarios take place between the male and female work best. The female needs to be dominant, strong, independent, but done in a positive manner. I want this to come across as normal and common. I pay attention to details (nail polish, back muscles, clothing, color, stances) and do not like being forward. That is boring, but some of my images do have humor. Another device I use to tackle a serious topic. The repetative use of the same to models, and the lack of facial exposure helps my series flow.

Quiz 3

Make a posting to your blog reflecting upon the artists/ideas presented in your textbook, and surrounding discussions. Summarize the content that was of most interest to you and/or most relevant to your own studio work – the posting should include at least two images.

I found Rinko Kawauchi’s discussion part in the book of interest. It speaks about how important editing and sequence are with a body of work. My camera is not the best quality and when dealing with a modest set of production it even enhances the selections made. It should be able to tell a narrative with no aiding text. The viewer should be fully nourished after. I need to work on this, but not overcomplicate things.

I also really liked An-My le. This is when I really realized that although we live in a digitized world, the process of photography is very important. The material and physical aspect, because it can alter and direct the way a viewer interprets an image. It helps us remember/learn about the past, and expand on contemporary photography today. I like her link to historical landscape images of war and the aestheticization while drawing attention to the lack of contemporary depiction today. I had never thought of using an historical style to get at a contemporary message. This is a technique I can use in my senior study. I am working on the issue of our current economic issues, but exploring how to do this in a historical style relative to times of other economic downfalls is inspiring.

My most recent images where I am getting closer to the style that best represents my comentary on negative female depictions in our societies media.