Tuesday, March 20, 2007

Stephen Gill - Flower Photographs, Kind of





British artist Stephen Gill is working with/on/around the photograph. Gill is using images from Hackney and then uses different flowers found in Hackney to create a kind of new, fictional landscape. He then re-photographs the final product and returns the physical disruption to the good old fashion, flat photograph. His pictures of Hackney Flowers have an interesting mix of whimsy and the subversive and are a unique way to also speak about Hackney as place itself. Stephen never lets a photograph get away with just being a photograph.


On a side note, another series of works of Stephen's was referenced in the blog I Heart PHotograph which is a blog i check frequently. It consistenly shows fresh, interesting and definately unique photographic work from around the world. Laurel, i like your style.

Friday, March 16, 2007

Dashwood Books


It is of little surprise to me that the majority of photographers I am aware of has much to do with the exceptional relationship between photography and books. I often find, although not always, that the presentation of artwork in books is sometimes stronger and more effective than a series sequenced on a gallery or museum wall. Everyone can attest not only to the invaluable privacy provided by books, but also to their endless inventiveness in presenting artists and promoting their projects.
Recently, on a relatively cold weekend spent in Manhattan, my girlfriend and i stumbled upon a warm, wooden enclave of monographs at 33 Bond Street. Dashwood Books, situated in the East Village, inevitably casts shame upon all other like-minded shops that proclaim to have an eclectic and substantial inventory. Although Robert Frank's "The Americans" can be found, it will most likely be situated between some obscure saddlestiched collectible, and a brilliant Japanese hardcover. Both of which will blow your socks off. After some time spent browsing the shelves, you'll notice that the titles you don't know far outnumber the ones that you do.
Hopefully, any visitors to this wonderful basement shop will find themselves inspired by their supporting of artists big and small, as well as the realization that there exists in the world a wealth of photographers making remarkable work.

Checkout:
www.dashwoodbooks.com

Thursday, March 01, 2007

Photo Echo

Photo Echo
Aperture Magazine

“Do you have an idea for Photo Echo? If so we’d love to hear about it” reads page 88 of the current issue of Aperture Magazine. I regret to inform you that originally I passed right by, and if it hadn’t been for the combination of Julia Roberts and George Clooney, I wouldn’t have given Photo Echo so much as a second glance. The unfortunate truth about advertisements is they too often get overlooked, especially when placed toward the back of the magazine.

As a senior in the art department at Lamar University, professors here are supportive and constantly encourage students to enter competitions. As both a student and an artist, I am always looking for ways to be involved in the art community.

Photo Echo is a competition sponsored by Aperture to gain readers and support. The prize of this competition is a free one year subscription to Aperture. (Students love “free”!) From a graphic design viewpoint, Aperture is utilizing this strategy to gain readers and support, I don’t feel the annoying pressure experienced when bombarded by internet pop-up ads for magazine subscriptions. Actually, quite the opposite occurs, my interest has been piqued.

Photo Echo is a comparison of one historical photograph with one contemporary photograph. Not only does this approach benefit Aperture but it also promotes awareness of Art History and familiarity with Contemporary Art, thereby, benefiting the readers as well.

That said, I am interested in submitting to this competition, however, I am confused. How often is this feature published? I noticed in Aperture Magazine, Issue no. 185 that Photo Echo was not included. What is the deadline? Also in the current Aperture, Issue no. 186, the published comparison is of both a book and a magazine cover: What are the criteria? Obviously submissions should be mailed, but I am unclear as to exactly what should be included (tear sheets, jpegs, tiffs). I have searched online to no avail for more detailed information. If there is more information online this should be stated with the address information in the excerpt.

This is a wonderful idea, and I might add a lovely layout, however I would like to participate but remain confused.