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My idea was to specifically do a wet plate collodion portrait of my mother and me, the past and the present. I wanted it to look as if we were the same person but noticeably different. I based this off of how often people have confused me for her before. I constantly strive to be like her, as she's my biggest role model, and her influence is why I took my academics seriously and learned to pursue success. Back during the 1900's Black Americans could rarely attend college, let alone black women. My mother would actually graduated from college when she was pregnant with me at 37. Now I am a college junior because I started college classes at 17, an entire 2 decades younger. For the 2 of us to be able to
She's been my biggest cheerleader, and I feel proud to look so much like one of the people I love so much.
Links:
https://www.loc.gov/pictures/collection/anedub/item/00651764/
https://www.loc.gov/pictures/item/2017896046/
https://www.loc.gov/pictures/item/95507126/
https://www.loc.gov/pictures/collection/gld/item/2010647770/
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The photograph I am taking a look at is by Sage Lewis. This piece contrasts two people side by side in a symmetrical frame. The background and clothing are identical which further highlight the figures as the one element that changes between the two frames. The border along with the texture on the photos have a hazieness that works well with the strong sepia tone to create the collodion look. The photos also have a lot of grain and grime that work well to make many of the layers feel more cohesive.
ReplyDeleteWith how symmetrical the two sides are, what becomes the focus is the two people on each side. Without any further context, the framing feels like a family photo meant to highlight a mother and daughter. This essentially places the focus and interpretation on all the small similarities and differences between the two. Despite the photos being taken two different times, they feel very intentionally connected by the collodion format that highlights the family features in the same way that people will recreate their family photos from years prior to highlight the similarities and differences. And a really well done element is the faded smudge on the left side which works well with the content of the image by making the photo on the left look older which works with how the left photo is the older photograph. Another element that adds a small but impactful feeling to the photo is the text on the sides which lend some more authenticity to the old photo feel.
This work does a great job at feeling very old fashioned and capturing the collodion look. The border and framing helps the image a lot as it doesn’t feel like it could come from any other era. The texture overlayed adds a lot to make the photo look old and falling apart. The scratches and grime on the photos also feel well done without feeling overbearing or overdone. When looking at the frame animation, I can really see just how many overlays and textures were added which thankfully don’t overpower any elements of the design and feel integrated very well. The one element that could have gone further would be the backgrounds of the photos having a stronger depth of field.
The mother/daughter relationship shown through the photo comes out really strong. The same pose, clothing, and background specifically captures the recreated family photos to honor both where you came from and who you are today.