Artist Research

Alexey Titarenko

Alexey Titarenko was born in Leningrad in 1962, he is a Russian photographer known for his black and white photographs that explore themes such as time, memory, decay, and the passage of time. He developed an interest in photography at an early age and conducted academic research at the Leningrad Academy of Film, Drama, and Music. Titalenko captures the landscape of post Soviet life through prolonged exposure and motion blur, creating ghostly and dreamlike characters in urban environments. His groundbreaking series of works, such as “City of Shadows” and “Black and White Magic of St. Petersburg,” document the disintegration of the Soviet Union and the immortal spirit of his hometown. Through his poetic yet unforgettable imagery, Titarenko deeply contemplated the brevity of life, earning him international acclaim and exhibiting at renowned institutions such as the International Photography Center and the National Library of France. The photo in the top left corner depicts a black and white theme of portraying long exposure technique, capturing motion blur in the movements of people. The contrast between the blurred movement and sharp focused objects adds depth and a sense of motion to this photo. Compared to blurry characters, the central character appears slightly static and may attract the audience’s attention in chaos. The black and white format enhances the atmosphere, endowing the image with an eternal and contemplative quality. This ambiguity evokes a sense of transience and impermanence, reflecting the fast-paced modern urban life.

 

Trent Parke

Trent Parke is an Australian photographer born in Newcastle, New South Wales, in 1971. He joined Magnum Photos, celebrated for his cinematic and emotive style. He then transitioned from photojournalism to creating deeply personal and artistic projects that explore themes like memory, identity, and the Australian experience. Notable works such as Minutes to Midnight, Dream/Life, and The Black Rose showcase his mastery of light, shadow, and narrative, blending documentary and fine art photography. Known for his dramatic contrasts and surreal compositions, Parke’s work has been exhibited globally, earning him multiple awards and recognition as a visionary storyteller in contemporary photography. The photo on the top right corner is one of his most famous piece of work. This black and white photo depicts a strong visual juxtaposition between stillness and motion. By using long-term exposure technology, blurry characters around the subject are captured to create a sense of motion. The blurry movements of people passing by or rushing by may be achieved through prolonged exposure. By reducing the shutter speed of the camera, photographers can capture striped or blurry motion while still objects remain clear. This technology creates a sharp contrast between static subjects and dynamic environments, emphasizing themes of isolation or introspection. The subject is clearly focused, while the blurry characters around provide a sense of depth and movement. This selective focus directs the audience’s gaze towards individuals. Depth of field is carefully managed to ensure that the theme stands out in busy backgrounds.

 

 

Citation:

“Alexey Titarenko.” Alexey Titarenko, www.alexeytitarenko.com/#/cityofshadows.

Magnum Photos. “Trent Parke • Photographer Profile • Magnum Photos.” Magnum Photos, 26 June 2024, www.magnumphotos.com/photographer/trent-parke.

Photography West Incorporated. “Alexey Titarenko – Photography West.” Photography West, 29 Oct. 2023, photographywest.com/artists/alexey-titarenko.

Wikipedia contributors. “Trent Parke.” Wikipedia, 14 Aug. 2024, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trent_Parke.

 

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