Bye Bye Blues

Hey there. I'm feeling much better now. Not going to worry. It doesn't count.I trust I'll do better next time!

Red Heifer here I come!

Exhibition of the month- One thing done two ways

Presented by my studio group Still Unresolved .


Tuesday 9th- Friday 12th February 2010

Private View: Thursday 11th February 2010, 4pm


One thing done two ways examines two aspects of photography; first, the
approach when acquiring an image and second, the material strategies
involved between this and the final presentation. It is hoped to reveal
the intrinsic properties of photography and to extend its 'framing' as a
mechanical reproductive form. It may also provoke questions about the
classification of visual arts.

The acquisition of an image in conventional photography incorporates
rules of composition, focus and technique. It also involves recording
the visual world, be it formal portraits or documentation of events.

Material approaches to photography can be traced back to Dadaists. They
transformed the technological attributes imposed on photography that
restricted its creative potential so that photography adopted varied
forms such as collage and photo-montage.

Conventional photography and material photography have established and
evolving histories. They have different codes of representation. How
these two facets amalgamate is this exhibitions concern.

The communicative function of photography has been engaged by Marnie
Watts. A recurrent theme in her work is the absence of the voice. By
embossing codified text onto the surface of the photographic paper, she
enters a new realm of visual semiotics. Rose Harvey's presentation is
similar to this approach as codes in mathematical sequences are
translated into photographic form.

Photography as a mechanical form of image making is embraced in Joe
Rowles' photographic books. The book-making process involves meticulous
scanning and photocopying of found images aesthetically compiled. The
cheap production alludes to commercial photography print making
machines. The array of these books in the context of the exhibition
renders an abundant illusion as in commodity. This will play with the
response of the receivers in their desire to take.

Zoe Gray's 'Blind Photography' questions the claim made by Walter
Benjamin that photography makes 'optical unconsciousness' aware. Her
method involves recording the process of acquiring potential images in
note form; the latter interactive blindfolding performance 'displaces'
the traditional sitter/photographer relationship, and investigates 'whether
we can take photographs without seeing.' The final display of this
project will measure whether a 'tangible' photograph is necessary as
other forms of documenting can lead one to conjure an image in their
mind.

The piece by Kat Bricknell brings to light the political power of
photography in an electronic communicative arena. This is realised
physically through the clash of material 'cultures', as the images sit
on acetate or light photo sensitive paper, and in the subject of the
work. The iconic flag from the Russo-Japanese war has been juxtaposed
with present day war images and Anime military characters using digital
manipulation.

One thing done two ways wants the viewer to absorb the spectrum of
diversity in photography despite existing within a landscape saturated
with images.

Last night was saccharine sweet

Went to see Medea. It was refreshing to a black female as the protagonist. My response is miscellaneous.The combination of modern and old. Greek attire for the female characters and traditional British suits for the Males? Something I didn't see fit. Unfortunately, I don't have enough time to write down my thoughts right now.

Another dampener on the evening, that I envisoned a delightful affair, was dinner here. Commonplace.I definately do not want J.O's culinary disasters to brush my palette again! Sorry. J.O what's the bloody hype? It was down to a 'vote off'. I sometimes wish democracy didn't exist.

I was in sweet company and that was my only saving grace.

A,B,C,Deleuze seminar- This Friday

I'm leading a seminar on Deleuze this Friday. Above is my 500 word post-seminar hand out. I'm ill prepared and slightly worried at this point in time as I thought I had another week to go. I need to douse the level of procrastination in my life. Well good luck to me.