Assignment 5: Creep

One subject, three intentions.

Realism

Formalism

Expressionism

Subject: stairs

Creep stands for: height phobia (shots angled downwards from higher level)

Realism:

Is the notion that the photograph offers a straightforward "transparent" view of the world, subscribing to a tradition that considered pictures to offer "a window on the world': close to what we would have seen had we been there at the time the photograph was taken.

as this is meant to be a "window on the world", i took the shot by positioning my camera angled downwards, just like how we would look down at our feet and stairs when we're descending. the shot will be the straightforward view of the person who has height phobia.

Formalism:

Considered the photograph as an aesthetic object. The view holds that while the photograph may offer a limited view of the world, it is primarily a flat surface that supports a pattern of light, shade and colours. In this context when we look at a photograph we are always aware of the properties of the photographic medium.

i particularly like this shot alot (: the lighting from the small openings at the sides works well with the rough gradient of the ground to give texture to the photo. the unlit parts of the photo gives a dark and creepy feel. the railings clean straight lines and sharp turns pulls the viewer's attention to the middle of the photo - the blank black triangle. there is a never-ending feel, as though we are really drawn into and falling through that opening into that black space. repetitive patterns (notice there's no circles only lines?) give aesthetical value to the photo. also, the simple white and "black" composition is pleasing to the eyes. i agree with my class that there is bound to be overlaps of the 3 interpretations in the photos, as while this is meant to be an aesthetic object, it still speaks a little of "heights".

Expressionism:

Implies the use of the photograph to express the feelings or ideas of the photographer that may go beyond the initial appearance of the image and its material qualities. In this context the photograph may express the photographer's emotional feelings or a strongly held political viewpoint or social comment.

this shot was taken with the camera positioned to almost touching the ground, angled downwards. the steepness of the stairs and the focus on only the stairs give audiences the feel of fear to descend. i attempted to give a jitterish feel, like "i'm taking a step next, and next, and next?! and next??" the railings were left out of the photo to give it a more unstable feel.

evaluation:

my favourite is chew yue's. i think that her photos falls clearly into the 3 catogories of realism, formalism, expressionism. there are comments that there are overlaps in her photos, but comparatively with some of us, i think chew yue's shots are rather obvious in showing which goes to what category. as mr. reddy and my classmates has discussed, it is inevitable that there will be a mixture of two or more of aesthetic intentions in each piece. that aside, i like her unique take on creep, especially her effort to bring across this social issue through her photos.

using hers as a perfect 10 work, i rate mine an 8.5/10 :)