visual/non-visual collection

Annotated visual and non-visual sources that represent my area of study and research interests. By Nikolaeva Daria.

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Blue Valentine. 2010. [film] Directed by D. Cianfrance. United States: Hunting Lane Films; Silverwood Films.

On one hand, the film explores the way the love relationship changed in time. It does not supply us with the explanation of what led to the supposive brake up. Rather, the viewer gets to see the samples of their attitude to each other from the time they had just started the relationship and from the moment they could not be together anymore. I suggest that the gap is made intentionally in order to intensify the distinction. We get to see the woman being in love, appreciating the moments together and his support, but some time later she can not stand any of his manifestation of life. The man, who believed that a marriage means you had chosen the girl you can not live without and you should be together forever. Yet later on in life he struggles to keep up with his beliefs, he is absolutely lost. They begun as the closest souls and ended up strangers, roughly saying.And we are here to see that the most tender couple could have a depressing future, and the most depressive couple could have had a tender beginning.

On the other hand, the gap could be for the viewer to fill it with personal experience. Many people have experienced similar withering or had seen it done by their relatives or friends, and they are all different. To have a conversation with the audience and hook on their feelings, the film could be structured to suggest the beginning and the ending point, and the viewer is left to fill up the gap.

Another way to understand the film, is that it only says about the unpredictability of life. That sometimes seemingly perfectly matching people do not have a bright future. Overall, it is a sad story about how people are unfortunate and vulnerable, and you do not really get the cure or any life hack to avoid a wailful ending, since there is a gap between you feeling happy and finding yourself in a miserable state.

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Dareev, A.,2013. My Window, Oil On Canvas. [image] Available at: <http://dareev.ru/picture/> [Accessed 8 April 2020].

Exploring a pall scenery by painting. It makes us pay attention to the details which seemed obvious, yet intangible.  Painting the same scenery within some periods of time creates a bond with the painted place, tells a story of change. Especially curious project would be studying the scenery in different types of weather or seasons, even the time of the day, since it changes the image drastically, but the cityscape remains the same in our eyes.  It allows to study certain details, from a certain angle, and it is interesting how just these details remain familiar.

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Dorland, K., 2015. Go Back – Oil And Acrylic On Linen Over Panel – 60 X 72 In. [image] Available at: <http://www.kdorland.com/portfolio-item/go-back/> [Accessed 8 April 2020].

Acid pink complements the scribbles. They (such scribbles) are mostly considered to be “dirt”, yet this painting elevates their visual characteristics (layers, plain color, aerosol spray lines, “signs”). I guess the acid pink complements the culture to which such drawings belong, a youthfull riot.

The painting preserves an ever changing set of details of the scenery. Suggesting that it is painted from a reference, such graffiti tend to be layered or painted over. Hence, this piece depicts a real scenery, which probably does not exist anymore. And it feels like piece of life, torn out from it’s sequence. Something which is not in it’s final shape, but at that point - it was. 

The piece looks like a photograph presumingly due to the difference of used media. The background is painted and it has no intention to be realistic. But with the addition of spray paint, the real-life texture and feel of sprayed lines together with familiar scribbles create a feeling that it is real.

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Sultan, L., 2001. Off Sepulveda. [image] Available at: <http://larrysultan.com/gallery/the-valley/> [Accessed 7 April 2020].

Intimacy through window. Spying on people? Since the photographer is visible in the reflection, and it looks like he stands outside the house - we think that he took the photo because he saw something happening insight. Looking insight strangers’ properties is considered to be at least improperly, so that is one point of why this photo looks disturbing in a way. The second one is the subject. We see the people, who obviously have an intimate moment, they are living their lifes, and we get to see it without them knowing. Due to that, the moment seems to be “relatable” in a way that they do not pose or try to show themselves as someone they would want to be.

On the other hand, it could be a semi-staged photograph. The reflection shows the location behind the photographer, and it looks like a balcony of the house.  However, this fact does not destroy the intimacy, it rather shows artist’s intentions. I believe he is mostly producing documental photography, so he might be thinking about capturing a moment more that about making a flattering photo. In this case, he might have left the room, so that the people do not get confused by the camera and start posing in a sence.

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Boiangiu, V., n.d. Abstract Structures Project. [image] Available at: <https://www.valentinboiangiu.com/Abstract-Structures> [Accessed 7 April 2020].  Claesz, P., 1643. Still Life With Lobster And Crab. [image] Available at: <https://artchive.ru/artists/870~Piter_Klas/works/509416~Natjurmort_s_lobsterom_i_krabom#show> [Accessed 7 April 2020]. 

Deep black brings out the light spots. It allows to play with transparency of objects and use lines to suggest voluble objects. Is it only because of the black, or any background color could do that? It could work on any solid background in theory, but the black color is probably winning in being a neutral for intense color accents as well as subtle ones. White is also neutral, but in that case the accents would have to be darker.

This work seems to be an exploration of Dutch still lifes. It is noticeable in the accurate way of constructing the composition and it has the subjects of such paintings (fruits, tableware, etc.). Comparing this work with the painting by  Pieter Claesz - there is likely a referenced detail - the half-peeled lemon. Supposively, the predominant dark colors is a link to the still lifes of that movement as well.

Re-using the canvas, but keeping the parts of previous works. In a way it keeps them  part of the new work. We can see that there used to be something else, but now they serve as a part of the top layer work, complement by color shades.Suggests layering, a freedom from being attached to something. 

The fact of painting over the previous works is usually taken as the artist hating on their art. While keeping the evidence of the overpainted work actually says more about the ability to let go, move on and rethinking their practice in order to get better. It also shows how much it takes to get to the work which you are satisfied with. As well, as it presumes that this work is also not going do be here forever. 

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Boiangiu, V., n.d. Abstract Structures Project. [image] Available at: <https://www.valentinboiangiu.com/Abstract-Structures> [Accessed 7 April 2020].

The original abstract work elongated by the additional pieces. The painting slips into 3-dimensional art, becomes a sculpture. Additional pieces provide the abstraction with new horizons and supports it’s potential. Such way of approaching a painting suggest that an idea should not be fitted to a canvas, but a canvas should fit the idea.

Merging into 3D, the painting should be viewed from different sides, because it works on different facets. Usually, the paintings are seen from the front, and that is how artists work with them. The from surface appears to be the most significant. However, until it is on paper, a painting has at least 5 facets being done on a canvas. The sides usually ignored, in the best scenario - they are covered in paint to get rid of the white. But these sides could be useful, providing a surface for additional detail, which would sophisticate the major painting on the main surface. 

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KangHee, K., n.d. [image] Available at: <http://www.kanghee.kim/> [Accessed 6 April 2020].

The photograph accepts the hung wires as a part of the image. Usually, they are considered to be spoiling the view, whilst on this photo keeps the lines and uses them as a part of the picture.

It is also similar to the way we usually see things with our eyes. Looking at the sky in a city, we do not tend to notice the wires, because they are a given fact. They are not an additional decorative element, they are an essential part of keeping the location supplied with energy, and since that such details are automatically ignored. So, we see the objects behind the obstacles, without the obstacles.

The cloud comes through the net of wires, as if we would try to ignore them in real life. But the black lines remain on the photograph. They merge with the tree blanches, and pretend to be their prolongation.

It is interesting how the wires suggest a city scenery without actually showing any buildings. Especially the range of them makes us think that it is a developed location. Hence, the details usually taken as negative or unneeded actually affect the image of “true reality”. It suggests setting, complements the composition.

Another interpretation could be the merge of modern technologies and nature.  The world humans building and the reality we have no ability to adjust.

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pixelchan, 2016. Fine Art Archival Print On 350 Gsm Hahnemühle Museum Etching Paper.. [image] Available at: <https://pixelp.me/store/done-cooking> [Accessed 6 April 2020].

The colors of this illustration are muted, which is irregular for paintings. Usually, the artists would play with contrast, and it tends to be one of the key controls to apply in order to create a good visual. In this case, the painting seems to be dull. However, by reducing the attention to the contrast and concentrating on the subtle differences in color, we get another accent, which appeals to the eye. 

The shades at first seem to be similar. But the color sections are not just plain color, they have color gradations as well, and bright accents. All of which sophisticated the image. It is driven by the exploration of shades and how they could be compiled in a way to still portray an image clearly, but without outlines, dark shadows and highlights. 

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Hornstra, R., 2013. Chelyabinsk, Russia. [image] Available at: <https://earthred.tumblr.com/post/613110375370653696/krasna-devica-chelyabinsk-russia-2003-rob> [Accessed 6 April 2020].

The visuals are common, but the way they are captured makes a different sence of the visuals. Since they are a part of the unfortunate reality in Russia - such locations and people are considered to be dysfunctional. Yet on this photograph, the author seems to be viewing the scene from a different perspective. He is curious about the details, textures, color blocks (the color spots are almost “pure” in the way that the contrast is dull and the textures do not stand out). Probably, someone who is used to viewing such scenes would not be as creative in exploring the composition more than attempting to capture the reality of this world.

At the same time, the photographs Hornstra produces - are at least semi-documentary. Not attempting to capture the exotism of foreign country, he rather mummifies the life. Hence, it is still curious to see for the local citizens, since the photo does not make fun of anything, does not suggest a comprising to the way some country is better, it is not trying to entertain the foreign people by showing them how strange life in Russia is. 

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Lepore, K., 2017. Hi Stranger. [video] Available at: <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDetXuXJz_0&list=PL1ZmQ9jXEH3Cb-r4JC5fau4BFMZPqLsHb&index=32&t=0s> [Accessed 6 April 2020].

In just 2 minutes this video manages to make a bond with the viewer. As people say in the comments - it is scary to watch at the first time. As a suggestion - it could be due to the straightforward intimacy. It is in everything - the naked body, the tender tone of voice and the fact that the video tries to have a conversation with you. Lets call it a he. He acts like he knows you, and seeing the video for the first time - the viewer will naturally intend to have a look at his butt. It is hard not to look at least. The character “notices” and says he does not mind. That tricks the viewer into thinking that it is a real person, which affects the following content. 

Believing in his existence, his reflections gain matter. He talks about the sunset, how it is beautiful, how he missed you, which are still not that impressive. But then he tells the things which are really not common in the real world. They are the words of support. Those words are hard to say out loud, they could be too intimate even to express and even more impossible to hear from someone, who matters personally. But in that video, they are said in a very tender, friendly and supportive way. Remembering that the character seems to be real, the words like “don’t be hard on yourself” - make an unusual emotional impact. It is a kind of a tric, because the character is not real, the script is carefully written, yet it is philanthropic one. It speaks to the viewers, makes them feel better or experience a new feeling.

It also feels like you are the only one who he talked to, and watching it on ppl was a strange experience, because he felt personal, but I knew that there are more people who are watching with me.

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Shabanova, A., 2019. Jimmy Stofer — The Trembling Giant (Official Music Video). [video] Available at: <https://vimeo.com/groups/613176/videos/351361818> [Accessed 6 April 2020].

The initial soundtrack, in the fusion with the animation, gains a new perspective. The video bases the timing on the sound, which has a repetitive pattern. Without the animation, personally, be sound remains bleak, even with slight changes in saturation of depth in the sound. Yet, with visuals - the repetitive parts become justified, because visually they work as step-by-step storytelling.

The animation, as well as the sound, does not work in the same manner. On it’s own, the parts of the story would still be visible, but they would not go as smooth as with the sound accompaniment. Additionally, it would be hard to present the story on the same emotional level, since music adds more sence to the story and the sequence of actions.

Finally, the issue is not about how sownd is important in animation. Since it is a music video, it is not about making a good animation. This example might show how a well adjusted set of visual and sound complement each other, creating a valid piece of art, which works on it’s full.

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Carrilho, A., 2010. Vladimir Putin. [image] Available at: <https://www.flickr.com/photos/andrecarrilho/5068677011/in/album-72157630142450982> [Accessed 6 April 2020].

This artwork is significant in the way the combination of visual elements is composed to make up the absence of background or storytelling. The digital textures in this work create their own pattern which does not require an additional layer of information, because it would be too noisy to notice the subtle proportions. 

The overall shape of the figure is simplistic and has no connection to the person portrayed. Usually with a caricature art the initial proportions are manipulated to absurd and can keep the recognizability of a certain person. Here, the main means of detecting the character are the facial features. The structure of the head is heavily simplified, keeping the essence. It is also influenced by the nose which together with the eyes and the proportion between them makes 80% of the recognizability. The face could be replaced, and there would not be enough evidence to find the reference to the initial person. Hence, the actual facial details and their proportion have the biggest impact in portraying a particular person.

It is possible that it happens due to a saturation of details on a face, whilst the bodies, unless they have unique tattoos or dressed in recognizable clothings (which are additional features, but in case of being associated with a character - essential) might have minor impact in identifying someone. 

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Leyva Leon, M., 2019. [image] Available at: <https://weheartit.com/entry/327637914?context_page=13&context_type=user&context_username=angelofscribes> [Accessed 6 April 2020].

One of the goals in having a manicure is to cover the natural nail, because is perceives as something groomy, at least not beautiful, which is a preference in taste. On the other hand - the modern tendency aims towards natural look. “Lighter” make-up and simplified silhouettes with neutral colors is something which seem to be a go-to. However, event called natural, a make up still covers the imperfections. But in this case the artificial layer does not mask anything. It keeps the natural nail visible whilst adding a pop of color.

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2016. Undercover Collection. [online] Available at: <https://www.vogue.ru/collection/spring_summer2016/ready-to-wear/paris/Undercover/> [Accessed 6 April 2020].

This look shows that separate pieces of clothing should not have restrictions in terms of usage. It suggests that an interesting practice could be to value clothing for it’s cut or color, texture and thinking about the whole silhouette when compiling a set. And this particular one is guided more by the matching shades and color accents, like shoes and the check pattern. It also plays with layers.

The combination of clothes which intends to belong to different events extinguishers their purpose, making an evening dress with shoes on heels - casual, as well as an office outfit - less regular.

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Berrito, J., 2019. [online] Available at: <https://www.instagram.com/p/B0oNp8EpGtx/> [Accessed 6 April 2020].

Shiro, E., 2019. Chupa Boobs. [image] Available at: <https://www.behance.net/gallery/74506399/Chupa-Boobs> [Accessed 6 April 2020].

This illustration is kind of a juxtaposition or fusion of objects, which feel like they might have a message about environmental issues. Suggestively, it is because the suppositive apple is actually a balloon, and it has a sticker with a skull which usually suggests danger. Yet essentially this image’s major purpose seems to be just merging random objects with similar geometry, so that they could fit each other. This kind of art making suggests more creative freedom for the artist and as a result - a pleasing view without calling on anything.

With the second example by Emir Shiro I believe the initial idea seems to be the same - juxtaposition of imagery with similar outlines. However, it might work differently due to being actual photographs, collected from somewhere. Since they are borrowed, they might as well be well recognizable on their own, in case of which the juxtaposition would lead to a new meaning\statement. Additionally, he uses female body, which already has raised discussions in society. He takes a screenshot from a porn video, supposively, and puts it with a candy which has sexual undertones in some cases, but it is also childish (innocent?). This could be a different level of reading the collage, or an overcomplication. 

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mothmeister, Wounderland: Surreal World Of Imagination, Nightmares And Taxidermy. [online] Available at: <https://www.boredpanda.com/author/mothmeisterinstagram/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=organic> [Accessed 6 April 2020].

The interesting thing about these artworks for me is the way they play with the concept of beauty. 

First of all, these are some high-quality photographs. The images are well composed in terms of conversation between the subject and the surroundings. They appear as solid pieces of art, because visually the elements fit each other by color, combination of texture, etc (+ the weather places a major role in the way the atmosphere is portrayed, and it guides the viewer with the feelings they are supposed to get from the characters). It could be a convincing point to appreciate the works on the first place. 

Yet, the photographs have replicas of somewhat dead corpses and taxidermy animal bodies.These are some subjects people tend to avoid, because it is perceived as something deathlike (of course) and hence scary, negative and disturbing. In the society it has nothing to do with beauty. But eliminating the discussion, the taboo subjects do not stop existing, Moreover, it is a part of life, not the happiest one, yet still. And I believe that Mothmeister make a sapid point in trying to embrace this “ugliness”. 

They actually claim to be playing with the modern standards of beauty and attempting to warp them. I do not really see the connection with those standards of human body, personally it says more about the fact that beauty should not be standardized and can be found even in something supposingly disturbing.