The Photographic Image: Taken or Made - Lecture Response

Dr Laura Jackson-Willis hosted this lecture, which studied and explored whether a photograph was taken, or made. She started the lecture questioning 'When is a photograph made into an image?' An interesting and unanswerable question. When does a photograph get made into an image? Is it dependant on Placement? Production? Changing the context of the photograph itself? There is no right nor wrong answer.

Dr Laura went on to showcase her photographs of beach huts, a different one in each image but in the exact same frame in the camera. This provided her project with visual evidence to analyse and gather data. She used the same style that Edward Ruscha used in his artist book 'Twentysix Gasoline Stations' which displayed a sequence of visually similar images in a sequence of, you guessed it, twenty six photographs.

'What changes the meaning of a photograph?' As well as the first mind boggling question, Dr Laura debated more in depth questions to the students. I believe that the way a photograph is interpreted or even viewed can change the meaning of the artwork entirely. For example, if you were to look upon an image on a crowded wall filled and compacted with many other images along side (almost collage like) I would believe it is assumed to be interpreted with a chaotic perception. However if the image was displayed upon a empty, plain wall the image could be perceived as isolated. Location can play a big factor in how the meaning of a photograph can be changed entirely.

I also learned that truth is a extravagant word in terms of photo graphical images. Images often tell stories visually rather than using language. You may believe a particular image has been taken without any construction and conveys the complete truth when in fact, looking behind the scenes could change the whole perception and story completely. For example, Robert Capa's 'Fallen Soldier' image was used in many advertisement about war and was believed to be a truthful image for many years until it was studied in depth and further which was when it was concluded that the image itself was constructed due to the unlikely location and many other factors.

Dr Laura stated that 'Time is forever moving' whereas an image once taken cannot change, but what can change is the meaning behind that image, and how it is perceived. Which is what I believe was the importance of this lecture, to realise that not only can something mean one thing to yourself, but may be looked upon in a whole different concept through someone else's eyes, an open mind is key.

Bright Lights, Brilliant Minds. A Tale of 3 Cities: Paris - Lecture Response

"The bash before the crash" Paris was the place to be throughout the late 20's, after being rebuilt into the most attractive city in the world where everything was cheap with no limit to what you could achieve, it was hard to realise why people wouldn't want to live there. Paris was seen as a magnet, drawing people from allover the world, inspired and envious of the success everyone seemed to receive there.

1928 was a extremely successful year for many artists in Paris, one being young american composer George Gershwin, who moved to Paris in the mid 1920's. Overwhelmed by the noise and pace, which he used as inspiration to create one of his famous hits 'An American in Paris' which captures the elegant and romantic spirit of Paris perfectly.

Andre Breton is known best as the founder of surrealism, which would seem an unusual thing to hear from a previous Doctor from the First World War. Andre had a revelation after working this occupation which changed his perception on reality itself. He believed that Europe was rotten to its core due to capitalism. And the antidote needed for this revolution was to celebrate the obscurity of the human experience. He sat himself at a desk between 4.30-6.30 everyday inviting members of the public to confess secrets, lusts, crime, unsettling dreams or nightmares however, not many people took up this offer to confess deep secrets to a random stranger. Although the downfall of this experiment, he did not give up. He then founded the idea to create a surreal fantasy of his own 'Nadger' published in 1928. This novel was a complete hit and turned Paris into a great surrealist dream state.

Another surrealist, (or under cover surrealist I should say) is Rene Magritte who's first exhibition was in 1927 in Brussels which unfortunately was rather unsuccessful, which is why he decided to move to Paris in 1928 where he made over 100 paintings in the year, almost 1 every 3 days! Rene played with a bazaar and amusing tension between dreams and reality within his artwork, his most famous being 'Ceci n'est pas une pomme'.

Salvador Dali and Luis Bunuel are two more successful surrealist artists who are both very flamboyant characters from Spain. They collaborated to make a surrealist film, 'Un Chien Andalou' which became extremely popular and famous and had the likes of Pablo Picasso in the audience.Although the film did, it wasn't directed to shock people, the scene where a woman's eye is cut open owns a symbolic message; you do not need your eyes, as Salvador and Bunuel are taking you into a world of your own imagination. The film was an unforgettable combination of surrealism.

Ernest Hemingway was a hard drinking journalist turned novelist, yet to be a world class one. His second and greatest book, 'Farewell to Arms' was published in 1928. Based in the First World War the powerful tale was stripped back to the bone with short sentencing with no room for any sentiment. As the novel develops the two main characters fall in love, escape the war, fall pregnant, and then tragedy. One hemoridge after another. The simplicity of the writing and language makes it so unbelievably powerful with a sudden and compelling ending, which took 47 attempts to perfect.

I really enjoyed receiving all this knowledge, helping myself become more aware of the amazing artists before my time which I may not have come across before hand.

Moschino - Mini Brief on their SS15 show, a designer I admire greatly.

Jeremy Scott who started his fashion design career in the late 1990's at Paris Fashion week, is not afraid, nor shy to show off his wild and extravagant creative style. Which was once again clear to us all as the Moschino SS15 show opened to the track of Aqua, Barbie Girl. Making is very obvious where his head was at.

Moschino displayed real life Barbie dolls styled with big blonde curls, the classic Dolly Parton/Barbie hair. From business woman Barbie dressed in a sparkling pink skirt suit to roller skating Barbie in a two piece bralet and short set, Moschino wowed the audience with every look in their flamboyant and fun show.

It was a frivolous, colourful and wild show, pretty much everything this house stands for.

(Images sourced from: http://www.vogue.co.uk/fashion/spring-summer-2015/ready-to-wear/moschino)

Mugler - Mini Brief on their SS15 show, an designer previously unknown to myself.

David Koma, an ex student of Central St. Martins, who recently was appointed artist director at Mugler, succeeded Nicola Formichetti with his body hugging silhouettes decorated elegantly with cut out sections and highlighted contours.

Creating a clean and sexy slate, the show was dominated by monochrome looks with orange flamed prints thrown in to add that extra heat needed amongst the neutral and occasional contrasting blue shades.

Koma whipped away all of the belts and accessories favoured by the previous designers before him. He added his own spin of sophistication to the designs making each garment unique and elegant, it was no surprise that he was the right man for the job after building his name on all things svelte and sculpted, which is everything Mugler lives up to.

(Images sourced from: http://www.vogue.co.uk/fashion/spring-summer-2015/ready-to-wear/mugler)

Visiting Camden for the first time..

                          

I travelled to London to visit my friend Luca Westwood on the 28th October, who is currently studying Graphic Design at Middlesex University. Whilst staying there, he escorted me to different shopping centres and markets, which was extremely advantageous seeing as he knows everywhere in London like the back of his hand. Two of the places he took me to was Brent Cross and Camden Market. I have never experienced either of these shopping communities before, which I found extremely refreshing and exciting.

Brent Cross was your typical shopping centre, similar to many designed with such modernism of marble floors and high ceilings which flooded the thoroughfares with daylight from the substantial skylights. However Camden Market was quite the opposite, it withheld a huge open plan design which populated the whole of the town with stalls and shops. The area was edgy and hinted Middle Eastern vibes throughout the stalls displaying extravagant tapestries, jewellery and incenses,

During our wandering around the various shops, I used my knowledge on primary research from the previous lecture hosted by Sean (Investigating Cultural Landscapes) and photographed various clothing and seams which I will use in my Studio Module file as research relevant to my seam and zip sampling.

 

                                     

Although this trip was not part of my degree or coursework, I felt it is relevant to my learning, experiences and influences which are constantly being portrayed throughout my work.

The Four Fashion Cities

The four fashion cities are New York, London, Milan ad Paris. The seasonal shows originated in New York as a trade only event which then progressed into a must see entertainment and media event which attracts people from all over the world. As known as one of the most populous cities in the United States and located in the East of North America, New York withholds a simplistic, commercial yet wearable style which has been presented throughout many years. Fashion designers such as Tommy Hilfiger, Zack Possen, Marc Jacobs and Calvin Klein are almost always showing in New York every season.

Paris Fashion Week is held semi-annually in Paris with Spring/Summer and Autumn/Winter events each year. The schedules of fashion week begins in New York which continues on to London, Milan and ends with a 'bang' in Paris. In addition to ready-to-wear shows, there are also menswear and Haute Couture shows held for the S/S and A/W seasons. Couture originates from Paris, which is one of the main reasons for its hand made, extravagant and expensive pieces. When Paris was first hosting fashion week, the designs and designers were strictly French couturiers however, French couture started to suffer in the 80's which was when the Chamre Syndicale invited designers from Hong Kong in order to boost marketing and buying as the Middle East came into money from the oil industries with the many clothing factories adding to this wealth.

London is the capital city of England and is situated in the South East Region of the UK. The city, like the fashion styles are described as fresh, creative and very well known for the edgy and avant-garde designs with artists such as Burberry, PPQ, Vivienne Westwood and Galiano who display this style immaculately. To be invited to display at London Fashion Week the critera is as follows:
- Have a collection of ready-to-wear womenswear
- Should have been in business for at least 3 years and have a minimum of 6 stockists, 1 of which must be a UK retailer.
(more information is found at www.britishfashioncouncil.com) Applications are reviewed by an advisory panel comprised of leading opinion formers, press and retail representatives.

Milan's shows involve OTT, stylish and sleek designs which match the modern and simplistic architecture featured around the city, which is found in the North West of Italy. The style in Milan has also been described as qualitilistic, flamboyant with that stylish and luxurious feel which represents the wealth of the church.

For a fashion designer to present their collection in New York Fashion Week, they have to go through the fashion board, The Council of Fashion Designers of America, a trade organisation which works with brands with an eye towards helping them to expand. Once they are accepted and invited by the CFDA, the houses/designers go through the process of organizing and paying for their venues, models etc.

An example of a fashion designers bill:
Venue: $15,000-$60,000
Styling: $8,000 (up to as much per day)
Production: $10,000-$20,000 (typically)
PR: $5,000-$15,000
Hair and Make-Up: $5,000-$15,000
Models: $150 (Per average model per day) $200-$500 (for bigger companies) and $800-$1,000 (for international brands)

Whilst also paying for Celebrities, Live Streaming and Disclaimer Contracts. Meaning the grand total, excluding celebs is averagely:
$200,000

It is rumored that Marc Jacobs' fall 2011 show cost at least $1000,000. Which is roughly $1750 per second. Can you believe it?

Investigating The Cultural Landscape - Lecture Response

During this lecture hosted by Sean Odell, we learned how research is such a key component to successfulness in our work and how we may come across such research. Primary research is a assortment of original research collected by the researcher themselves, which can be found in places such as National Archives, research offices and newspapers. Secondary research involves the summary and synthesis of existing research where the data is collected from research subjects or experiments, such as books, journals and the internet.

As well as this new knowledge to what research we may use and how to use it, we were also informed on his own project, Investigating The Cultural Landscape, which documented the change and development of post-war working class holiday homes. He used primary research like photographing the buildings and landscapes to document as evidence to back up his textual research. The photographs he took clearly represented the change in holiday homes which were decayed, overgrown and lost within the decades compared to the restored, modernised versions of these classic 40's architectural designs.

Although the subject of his project wasn't a huge interest of mine, I did find his examples of documentation and research extremely useful to myself and will without doubt use these techniques in the future.