Photographic Criticism and Analysis
This is one of the modules I am working on for my MA. The aim is to critically research, compare and analyse the work of two or three photographers of my choosing. If I can find links between their work and artists using other mediums, great.
Some notes from the first lecture:
• The essay has to be a comparative analysis of the chosen photographers’ work, not a biography of the photographers.
• Alongside my key figures I should also refer to others with similar styles. I need to demonstrate the ability to make connections. These threads can be fuzzy; be speculative when writing.
• My choice should stretch me and not be ‘just what I know’. I should be looking for details that shift me enough to react; something interesting and engaging. Don’t go in knowing what’s happening, yet be aware photographers can never escape what they know.
• When looking at the images consider how it is depicting its’ message; how does it exist in context with other images; is the photograph a result of chance vs. control? Mark the differences and note the similarities.
• The time of when the photographs were made is very important in writing. Be aware it’s too easy to add too much when you know things now. Look around the area: find the [broader] context. Consider current debates.
• Don’t go down traditional paths. Be innovative and original.
• If there are strands I feel are important but do not go with the chosen topic, mention in the essay areas of further interest or progress I still want to make.
• Most importantly: HAVE A POINT OF VIEW and FIND MY VOICE.
One thing I have realised: a photograph needs to come from a word based standpoint. It needs more substance than something to just look at. This is missing from the images I take. I don’t have stories behind them. All my photos say are I love colour, shape and patterns. That isn’t enough, they don’t provoke thought and they don’t allow the viewer to bring / add their own view points.
Posted in Masters, Photography | 3 commentsWhere have I been?
Long time, no entry. Things surely have changed since the summer. For starters, after finishing my degree I was promoted (not in my job as Mac Artworker, another job). It’s different. Lots more responsibility; people depending on me. I’m enjoying it.
I also started University. What a culture shock. So far there have been three sessions. The first challenge was just turning up. The second was not destroying my car in the multi-story car park 
I was expecting it to be hard, I’m not referring to the modules, and it’s as I expected. Although it’s getting easier each week, it’s also getting harder. By which I mean, I’m more comfortable turning up now than I was three weeks ago but what we have to do is becoming more difficult. Therefore I’m more likely to embarrass myself by saying something stupid.
The course structure I love. The lecturers are wonderfully enthusiastic, each with their own quirks and qualities. There are some lovely students and an emphasis not to compare but to follow your own photographic path. It’s exactly what I needed.
There are two modules running back to back at the moment. So, I’m putting my learning journal back out there and will be posting notes here to clear my thinking.
Next week I’m giving a seven minute presentation on where I am with my research. Public speaking is not a strong point and I’m dreading it. I’m hoping by preparing well that will be one less thing to worry about.
Posted in Masters | No commentsShowcasing New Talent: Graduate Shows
Over the next month I hope to attend some Photography Graduate shows.
First stop will be next week at Free Range: Europe’s largest showcase of graduate art & design. Filled with work from more than 3000 arts graduates from 45 of the UK’s finest Universities. It has been open since the end of May but most of the photography shows are on display from yesterday until 23 June.
I also want to go to De Montfort’s Focus On The Future and Birmingham Institute of Art & Design’s summer show.
Posted in Photography | 1 commentWonderland
I love whimsy photographs and Korean artist Yeondoo Jung has captured this genre in a way I never considered.
Jung has turned a collection of children’s drawings into photographs.
I can not pick a favourite, they are all too good.
See the series here.
(Images from Yeondoo Jung).
Posted in Photographers | 2 commentsI’ve Moved
‘An Acquisition of Knowledge’ has moved.
As I embark on my MA, I’ve decided to keep my learning journal / blog going but its’ home at ultraversityresearch was no longer suitable.
All my old posts are still here but the categories have been streamlined and I imagine will be changed again over the coming months as I fit into a new blogging routine. It will be strange not writing about UV. Of course I will still be posting my final results and degree classification on July 4th, eekkkk.
I’ve also given the place a new look.
Watch this space as I start to explore new ideas…
Posted in General | 1 comment