Inspire:

1 Artist 

David Hockney

 

2 (Intent) and 3 (Style): 

The images I’m focusing on from David Hockney’s creations have a photo collage style that pastes two or more photographs together. He liked this style and went on to create many works that utilized this technique. This method of piecing together different photographs to form a cohesive image challenges and transcends traditional perspectives in both photography and painting: “By fragmenting and then reassembling the visual field, Hockney’s joiners disrupt conventional viewpoints, inviting a deeper exploration into the intricacies of perception and representation.”

David Hockney’s photo collages, often referred to as “joiners,” represent a significant evolution in his artistic exploration of composition. This technique embodies a unique intersection of photography and allows for a multifaceted representation of reality. :”Hockney’s initial inspiration for the joiners came from his observation of the way we perceive the world around us—not as a single, frozen moment, but as a complex amalgamation of views, perspectives, and moments.” He was intrigued by the idea that conventional photographs could only provide a limited view of a subject and sought a more dynamic method of representing the fluidity and multiplicity of a subject. Therefore, his intent in creating these collages was to challenge the conventional limitations of photography; and he disliked the fact that traditional photography presented a singular viewpoint, capturing only a moment in time without representing the dynamism of human.

By employing multiple images taken from various angles and at different times, Hockney aimed to replicate the way humans naturally perceive their surroundings—through movement and transition. The collages allow viewers to experience a scene as if they are moving through it, engaging with the complexities of the environment.

 

4 Justify your choice

I really liked the style of these photos and the intent of capturing fluidity of human nature from different perspectives and time. The photos appear to look good in their appearance in an interesting composition and is a new technique I haven’t really seen before. In my photograph, I will mimic the style by taking pictures from different time and movements and piece them together using PS in a collage style. By doing this, it creatively represents my chosen subject of humanity’s complexity by depicting different facial expression and photos taken from different times.

 

5.Include 4 of their images that inspire. Use visual language to describe similarities in the images (No need to critique at this stage)

These four pictures are all David Hockney’s collage style of artwork, they are all several different pictures depicting different emotions and time fragmented, them reassembled back together to present a sense of fluidity and complexity.

 

Critique:

Characteristics:

• Appearance: The man has light-colored hair and wears glasses, probably a scholarly or professional demeanor. His attire includes a suit and tie which indicates a formal or business environment
• Expressions: His facial expressions vary, reflecting a range of emotions, from contemplation to frustration
• Accessories: A cigarette is visible in one of the images, which could imply a casual or relaxed aspect of his personality, perhaps indicating stress relief

Actions and Intentions:

• Activity: The fragmented nature of the image suggests he might be multitasking or dealing with multiple thoughts simultaneously. Reflecting the fluidity of human nature

Aesthetic Elements:

• Pose: The pose appears natural and candid, which adds to the authenticity of the moment captured. The overlapping images create a sense of complexity, mirroring the complexity of emotion

Details:

• Color Palette: The image likely has muted tones typical of business environments, emphasizing seriousness
• Composition: The fragmented style draws attention to the different kinds of his personality and thought process

 

Style and Genre:

• Fragmentation: The image is composed of multiple overlapping sections, which creates a sense of disarray and complexity. This fragmentation changes the viewer’s perception, encourage them to piece together the narrative or emotions conveyed
• High Contrast: The use of high contrast enhances the visual impact, drawing attention to the details of the expressions and textures. This stark differentiation between light and dark areas amplifies emotional intensity and adds depth to the image
• Color Palette: The choice of colors, while vibrant, is balanced to maintain emphasis on the forms and emotions represented rather than overly distracting from the subject matter
• Dynamic Composition: The arrangement suggests movement and fluidity, as if capturing multiple moments in time. This dynamic quality engages the viewer, encouraging them to linger and interpret the various expressions and their implication

 

Photographic Attributes:

• Lines: The edges of the fragmented images create jagged, dynamic lines that guide the viewer’s gaze across the composition. These lines contribute to the sense of movement and tension
• Patterns: The repetition of facial features creates a chaotic yet rhythmic pattern, emphasizing the diversity of expression
• Shapes: The shapes formed by the different segments are angular and fragmented, adding to the overall sense of disunity while simultaneously forming a cohesive whole
• Colors: The colors are rich and varied, with a mix of skin tones and clothing that contrast against one another. This variety helps to highlight different emotional states and contributes to the vibrancy of the image

Pattern of Light and Shadow

The lighting is likely to be soft yet defined, creating gentle shadows that add depth to the features. The light accentuates certain areas of the face while leaving others in shadow, drawing attention to the nuances of expression, such as the contours of the mouth and eyes. This interplay of light and shadow enhances the emotional weight of the image.

Focus

The areas in focus include the central features of the face, particularly the eyes and mouth, which are critical to conveying emotion. The clarity in these regions contrasts with the softer, blurred edges of the surrounding fragments, emphasizing the intensity of expression.

 

Meaning:

The photograph evokes a sense of introspection and complexity. The fragmented faces and varied expressions suggest a range of emotions, from contemplation to anxiety

• Lighting: The interplay of light and shadow adds depth, creating a somewhat somber atmosphere that invites reflection.
• Colors: The use of rich, contrasting colors enhances emotional tension, making the viewer feel engaged and curious.
• Shapes: The angular, jagged shapes contribute to a feeling of chaos, mirroring the complexity of human emotions.
• Texture: The texture of the fragmented images adds a tactile quality, making the composition feel more immediate and personal.

Intention

The photographer’s choices are intended to provoke thought and evoke a deeper understanding of identity and emotion. By using fragmentation, the photographer aims to illustrate that individuals are not defined by a single expression or moment; rather, they encompass a range of feelings and experiences.