Lets go to turn this default cube to something
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Lets go to turn this default cube to something
Theme Project: The Cinema
Originally, I wanted to take pictures of the architecture of movie theaters around the Fresno Area. However, what it turned into was me noticing the lives of different people around these building. Just as I had hoped, people of all different types of lives flocked to these cinemas to enjoy the movies playing at them. For more information see my artist statement.
Here is the positive photo I developed in Art 30. It took me multiple tries to get the contrast right. It still doesn’t look the way I would typically want it, but it’s the first negative I developed into a positive on my own. I hope there are many more opportunities like this one. Developing this photo was a great experience and I would like to continue doing them.
A Picture of my Friend Rosa
Rosa and I had went to a pumpkin patch do just hang out, pick out some pumpkins, and enjoy the carnival. I had not had many chances to photograph night events, so I figured this would be a good chance to get some test shots. I did not take many pictures do to the amount of people at the pumpkin patch. Kids were running around, girls taking selfies, and general hustle and bustle of people walking around limited my shots. But, as I mentioned, this one one my favorite pictures from the evening. Not bad if I do say so myself.
Brassaï
Brassaï, originally named Gyula Halász, was a renowned photographer, born on September 9, 1899, in Brassó, which is now known as Brașov in Romania. His early endeavors included studying painting in Budapest and Berlin, where he developed a keen artistic sensibility. In 1924, seeking broader horizons and new opportunities, he moved to Paris as a journalist, a city that would profoundly shape his creative vision.
In 1929, Brassaï began his exploration of the nocturnal world, borrowing a Voigtländer camera to capture the essence of Paris by night. Over the ensuing three years, he ventured through the city’s empty boulevards, gaslit squares, and hidden corners, confronting the technical challenges posed by low light and long exposure times. This intimate engagement with the city at night culminated in his landmark book, Paris de Nuit, published in 1932 (Brassaï | Artnet). This work interwove stark cityscapes with candid portraits of the city’s “night owls”. Usually tramps, prostitutes, lovers, and dancers, illuminating a diverse tapestry of human experience under the glow of street lamps and the shadows of the night. Throughout the 1930s, Brassaï actively contributed to various Surrealist journals, notably Minotaure. During this vibrant period, he developed meaningful friendships with influential writers and artists within the Surrealist movement, enriching his own artistic journey. In 1937, he forged a significant relationship with Harper’s Bazaar, where he created elegant photographic essays that celebrated literary and artistic figures, merging high fashion with the avant-garde spirit of his time(Brassaï | Artnet).
After the poignant passing of his patron, Carmel Snow, in 1962, Brassaï gradually stepped away from new photographic endeavors. Instead, he dedicated his later years to meticulously printing his extensive collection of negatives and issuing new editions of his most influential works, ensuring his legacy continued to resonate. Brassaï passed away on July 8, 1984, at his residence on the picturesque French Riviera near Nice. He was laid to rest at Montparnasse Cemetery in Paris at the age of 84. His work masterfully blended documentary precision with poetic sensitivity, crafting a unique photographic language that transcended simple realism. Rather than adhering strictly to surrealism or straightforward reportage, Brassaï’s artistry celebrated the enchantment and enigma of urban life. His evocative images have profoundly influenced our collective imagination of Paris at night and remain timeless references in the annals of modern photography.
“To gauge my shutter time, I would smoke cigarettes - a Gauloise for a certain light, a Boyard if it was darker. The policemen on patrol wondered what kind of crime I was in the midst of committing. They had never seen anyone take pictures at night and for good reason. To clear myself, I always had some prints with me to show them. I have noticed that policemen are always very interested in photography. So they immediately became friendlier.” –Brassaï (Brassaï, 1899 - 1984 (Getty Museum))
I have a deep appreciation for Brassaï's work, as it brilliantly captures the essence of Paris after dark. His photographs exude a captivating blend of mystery and intimacy, drawing viewers into a cinematic realm that immerses them in the enchanting whispers of the city's nightlife. Each image captures the soft glow of streetlights casting shadows along cobblestone pathways, while the subtle play of light and darkness reveals fleeting moments of life in the twilight. This artistic vision not only evokes a sense of wonder but also invites audiences to explore the hidden stories waiting to unfold in the nocturnal tapestry of urban life. Through his lens, Brassaï transformed the streets of Paris into a captivating stage where beauty, danger, and desire intertwine seamlessly. Each image not only showcases the urban landscape but also evokes a sense of intrigue and emotion, inviting us to explore the stories hidden within the shadows. His ability to portray the complexities of nightlife in the city is truly remarkable.
Elliott Erwitt
Elliott Erwitt was a renowned photographer whose work provided insightful commentary on the human experience, capturing life’s ironic, comedic, and often absurd moments with brilliance and an element of surprise. Born in Paris in 1928 to Russian-Jewish parents, Erwitt's early years were spent in Milan, where he developed a keen sense of observation and artistry. In 1939, amid the tumult of World War II, his family emigrated to the United States(Magnum Photos).
While residing with his father in Los Angeles, Erwitt began to explore photography as a means of income, taking portraits of locals and developing his unique style. He honed his skills in a commercial darkroom, where he spent countless hours printing images of Hollywood actors and learning the intricacies of the photographic process. This foundational experience fueled his passion for photography, leading him to further his education at Los Angeles City College, where he engaged in more experimental approaches to the medium.
After completing his studies, Erwitt moved to New York City, where he enrolled at the New School for Social Research, focusing on film between 1948 and 1950 (Magnum Photos). His time in New York proved pivotal, setting the stage for his future success as a freelance magazine photographer, which flourished in 1953. This period followed his military service, during which he also worked as a staff photographer for Roy Stryker at the Standard Oil Company of New Jersey, a role that further developed his eye for compelling imagery (Magnum Photos).
Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Erwitt’s documentary photographs gained significant recognition, appearing in major U.S. magazines that showcased his ability to capture candid moments of everyday life with humor and poignancy. His association with the Magnum Photos agency allowed him to publish impactful work and collaborate with other influential photographers of the time. Erwitt was not just a member; he served as a dedicated officer within the organization, even assuming the role of president in 1966, where he contributed to shaping its direction.
Elliott Erwitt continued to be an influential figure in the photography world until his later years. He passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home in New York on November 29, 2023, at the age of 95. His legacy remains as a testament to the power of photography as a medium for storytelling and human connection.
“You can find pictures anywhere. It's simply a matter of noticing things and organizing them. You just have to care about what's around you and have a concern with humanity and the human comedy.” –Elliott Erwitt
I have a deep appreciation for his work as it offers a profound and insightful commentary on the complexities of the human experience. He has a unique talent for capturing the irony, humor, and often the absurdity of life’s moments, weaving them together with a brilliance that resonates with many. His ability to reflect on our shared vulnerabilities while highlighting the comedic aspects of our existence makes his work not just entertaining but also thought-provoking. Each piece invites the audience to explore the intricacies of everyday life, revealing truths that are both impactful and relatable.
Final Theme Project
Final Theme Project ART30 | Spring 26 Created and presented by Isabella Gomez A look into a day of a student lab Assistant working for the S
Best two photos of my Themed Project. :)