This week we had the privilege of hearing practicing artist, Steve Rood talk to us about his work. He mentioned that he has worked in documentary, fashion, advertising, still life, food and portrait photography, as well as interactive media and design. Wow! =)
I really enjoyed Rood's talk and found his approach to photography, as well as his work fascinating. I also loved the fact that he addressed photography and digital technology throughout history, where it has come from, how much it has changed, and where it is going to. This is something that I myself am quite interested in, and often wonder where technology will take us.
Rood's interest in photography began when he was a child. His first photograph was of a simple compost heap, which afterwards spontaneously burst into flames that same day. This incident sparked an interest in the 'power of photography' and the image that a photograph can capture.
Rood has very cleverly used this story as his 'brand story', which he has placed on a mini fire extinguisher. This is his very unconventional way of producing business cards, which he gives to prospective clients. No doubt this would leave an awesome lasting impression. How clever. =)
I was fascinated by the style of his overexposed, and out of focus fashion photographs. I have never seen photography like this before where the subject matter has been reduced to its simplest form, almost to the point where its hardly there. The figures are so simple, yet mysterious, ethereal and romantic.
A series of his work that really stood out to me were his 'Shadow Making Machines'. These works explore the shadows of the object and materials that they are constructed out of. Instead of giving light, this series of works focus on the shadows.
Each piece is made out of everyday objects and materials, such as a rake, post it notes, jars, wire, plastic bag, and even jelly etc... These are then lit from the inside to cast unusual shadows and patterns on the walls.
"The Shadow Making Machines bring the darkness in everyday life to light.They urge us to closely look within the shadow to ascertain the light." - Patricia Rood, 2008 (htp://www.shadowmakingmachines.com)
What I found most interesting out of Rood's talk was when he began to address the journey of photography and how it has changed so much over time. One angle he addressed was the journey of portrait photography through photographs ranging from 1835ish, or thereabouts, up to more recent styles of portraiture.
Robert Cornelius, 1835.
Cornelius is said to be one of the first people responsible for the first 'daguerreotype' photograph of a person. 'Daguerreotype' is an early photographic process where the image is made on a light-sensitive silver-coated metallic plate. (http://www.answers.com/)
Diane Arbus, Black and White, 'Identical Twins', 1967.
Richard Avedon
Martin Parr
Loretta Lux, 'The Drummer', 2004.
"Stare into the eyes of a Loretta Lux portrait long enough, and you're bound to feel both completely mesmerized and completely spooked" -Time Magazine, 2008. (http://www.lorettalux.de/)
It is remarkable when you look at the grunginess of the photographs from the earlier years, compared to the very manipulated and photoshopped version of some of today's images.
I find that the speed at which technology moves today is sometimes overwhelming. It's interesting to just take a minute to step back and look at just how far we’ve come. Rood's talk brought me some perspective on where photography and digital imagery has come from and what it's all about. Seeing the huge changes that have occured, it makes me wonder what the world will achieve in the next few years.
Bibliography:
http://www.rood.co.nz/talk
http://www.steverood.co.nz/
http://www.shadowmakingmachines.com/2008/02/01.html
http://www.rood.co.nz/rood/index.html
http://www.answers.com/topic/daguerreotype
http://www.lorettalux.de/
Thanks Bonnie,
ReplyDeleteAn excellent summary with some further research to flesh it out.
Cheers,
TX