Exhibition : Shades of Oscar (StreetLevel Photoworks)
How does the flyer/poster advertise the exhibition?
Asides from the information that was handed to us, i didn’t really see anything in the ways of flyers or posters for this particular exhibition. The video that streetlevel posted on youtube however was very informative and was and did pique my interest to go and see the work for myself.
What is the suitability of the gallery space? How is the space laid out?
The Images at Street level were printed to an A4-A3 size, all framed the same way and mounted to the walls. There were also a few larger prints of his contact sheets which i thought was interesting as they had coloured lines on a few of the images, showing Marzaroli’s thought and ideas on how he wanted them cropped. Although they were all of the same general topic, a few images were grouped together as apposed to all being individual throughout the gallery.
How has the work been mounted? is it appropriate for the work?
All the images were displayed in a thin black wooden frame with a white border and protected by glass. I think this way everything was displayed compliments the images well. The frames go with the mood of the images, it has a natural and simple feel to it and doesn't distract from the image itself but adds a clean sharp look.
Who made the work?
All images seen at the gallery were shot by Oscar Marzaroli.
(Image Source)
Who did they make it for? who is the audience?
There was no sign of an obvious target market, but it’s implied that these images were mainly shot for himself. I think he wanted to record the community that was Glasgow and the constant changes that were being made during his life time.
How does it make you feel?
At these images made me feel some sort of nostalgia. Although i wasn't born when these particular images were taken it makes me think of how much Glasgow (and Scotland it’s self) has changed from when i was a kid, it’s not something i had ever though about until now. If i were to try and describe the feeling it feels more dream like than memory.
if the work has a title does it make you think about the image/s differently?
I don’t think the title of the images/exhibition change how i see them at all. An example would be “Shades of Marzaroli”, i feel this gives a clear idea of the work in the exhibition as a whole. I said in one of the previous questions these images show the reality of an ever-changing Glasgow and that was where Marzaroli felt more connected. All the images were reality through his eyes.
How would you describe it to someone later?
Asides from stating the obvious of it being old school black and white film, I’d describe them as very clean and well times images. For me the first word that comes to mind is ghostly because of how the majority of my favourite images were lit (landscape, working and construction/buildings). i would describe them as clean but noisy and very in the moment. As a weird example looking at the images makes me thing of the into footage and music to ‘twin peaks’.
Does the photograph make you want to ask questions?
Was there a plan to any shoots in particular?
Which image was his favourite?
Why was the Castlemilk image so popular and how did it get recognised?
Is the photograph valuable? How do you know?
I couldn't find any links or sources to say that this any of this work in particular was valuable. However, Due to the use of some of these images on things like album covers, it’s safe to say that there is/was some definite value to his work.
Is the work for sail and who might buy it?
I couldn’t find any consistent information of any of this work being for sale but with a quick google search you can find out that his work has been put on auction before and has had offers from £523 to £4470. Price however will always depend on the size of the work/print.
What information is available about the artist(s)?
(Sources : Video)
Traveled back and forward from Italy and Glasgow often.
Parents set up businesses in Glasgow during his childhood.
Confirmed for Tuberculosis at 18.
Has two daughters (Nicola and Marie Marzaroli)
Strong socialist view, very egalitarian.
Glasgow was his chosen home.
Who organised the exhibition and who selected the work?
The exhibition it’s self was organised by Malcom Dickson at streetlevel photoworks work as part of a regional screening that he had done over summer during lockdown. The images used were selected by Marie-Claire Marzaroli.
