My concept for this project was to clash two different time periods together. Thus, putting the new within the old to achieve an ironic appeal. I chose to do this by photographing my friend wearing a graphic t-shirt and holding a brand-name cup; two things that weren't around in the past. I put her in this photograph I found in the Library of Congress of New York City back in the day. Today, if you were to walk past this person, you wouldn't think twice. Graphics on clothing are a big part of today's culture, they may reference a hot topic or even stylize everyday objects: such as this stylized 8-ball. Brand names and big corporations like Starbucks are also a major part of many lives. However, put into this setting, makes the viewer do a double take, recognizing the familiar in an unfamiliar environment. I tried to enhance this effect by placing a large crack through my subject, referring to the time shift. As well as, placing blemishes, fogging, and scratches around the rest of the image to completely place my subject in this setting.
This work by Hunter Iller depicts a modern-day woman standing in the street of an older, historical setting with a horse-drawn carriage in the background. The piece's tone feels slightly eerie as the subject is just standing in the middle of the street, which creates a contrast between the modern day and the past. This makes you stop and question why the subject would be there, looking out of place. The subject is holding a Starbucks cup and wearing current/trendy clothing. The distressed elements around the edges, along with scratches and what appear to be marker marks, add texture and depth to the composition.
ReplyDeleteThe juxtaposition of modern elements (the subject's clothes and cup) against the old-time backdrop highlights the clash of two different periods. The figure's placement in the middle of the street with ample white space around her draws the viewer's eye directly to the subject. The figure is standing alone in the middle of the street with ample white space around, this makes the subject even more in focus. The distressing marks give the photograph the appearance of a damaged wet plate, which adds an interesting historical texture to the work.
The work displays the techniques of the wet plate through distress marks, scratches, cracks, long exposure time, and color. I did notice that the glass breaking/crack is very light and appears white or grey. The examples of wet plates shown during class had black crack marks due to the breaks, to make the photo look more realistic I would change to black. The blurring of the carriage in the background added to the original technique appearing to have a long exposer. The sepia tone looks consistent throughout having consistent lighting. The shadow of the subject could be adjusted to make the piece look more realistic, it almost looks like they are in a puddle. Adjusting the can increase the amount of focus on the subject.
The distressing and overall digital composting came together well to create a story about a modern, out-of-place subject in an old town. Throughout there are elements that make the piece consistent with the wet plate technique. The carriage in the background pushes the wet plate technique further by reiterating the long exposure time. Overall the work combines the technique of wet plate and the concept of new and old well.
Overall, the distressing effects and digital compositing successfully create a narrative of a modern, out-of-place figure in an old town. The piece is cohesive in its use of wet plate techniques, and the blurred carriage reinforces the long exposure time. Hunter's work effectively combines the visual style of wet plate photography with the concept of blending the new and old, creating a thought-provoking piece.