THE OBJECT

Create a large format photograph of a still-life that I have created, inspired by a social issue that concerns/interests or motivated me. Take inspiration from the traditional still-life painters.

My Photo shoot:
Lighting
Positioning
Realism
Symbolism
Colour Palette
Layered Meaning
Chosen objects (their symbolism)

I have been researching current social issues, by looking online, reading newspapers and watching the news. There have been a few in particular that have really stuck out for me and that I have a lot to say about. However, with all of these ideas I have not been able to think of a strong enough way of displaying my thoughts on them when creating my photograph.

Money- Inflation etc

Unhappy British Children- materialism  

Education- university fees, high school drop outs increasing etc.

911 The 10^th Anniversary- American politics, human ethos

London Riots- social differences, police force

I have a great interest in the symbolism within paintings and photography. Therefore, for my project it is important for me that there is a lot of symbolism and layers of meaning in my photographs. The four initial ideas above have all sparked thoughts about what I can do in and for my final image so that my opinion/comment on the issue comes across strongly. My only concern at the moment is the possibility of my ideas becoming cliché or trivial. 

The Object and The Body

Deadline: 17^th Jan

The Object:
Create a large format photograph of a still-life that I have created, inspired by a social issue that concerns/interests or motivated me. Take inspiration from the traditional still-life painters.

The Body:
Construct a portrait of a person you don’t know either who lives of works in medway or studies/teaches in UCA. The person in the photo must be unknown and the photo must be shot in the studio using black and white film, medium or large format.

The Object

LECTURE
THE STILL LIFE: An introduction to style and symbolism

The Medieval Era, when still-life painting is first recognised, was very much about representation, and making things look as realistic as possible.
During the Renaissance was when, within still life painting, illusion became much more mathematical, and the paintings were all focused around mimicking reality.
Nearing the end of the renaissance period, during the 16^th Century, the Flemish still life painters became very prominent. These still life paintings, that were often commissioned, celebrated luscious nature and prosperity. From what we know about the history of this period it is interesting to note the conflicting themes of the paintings and what was reality at the time.
This is the time when the Flower Paintings became a genre. It became fashionable to collect these exotic, exclusive paintings, to show wealth and style. These paintings were exuberant and laced with bright, bold colours. The use of light and shadow throughout the paintings provided an accurate and realistic appearance, along with creating a sense of narrative via symbolism.

SYMBOLISM

The theme of religion and death is constant with some of the later still life paintings, therefore a lot of the objects and scenes reflect a religious notion.
Every detail in a still life painting has immense meaning and reflects a great deal about the paintings historical and social context, even down to the positioning and angle of each object.