The introductory session into video art and fine art
photography opened my mind to the various ways video and photography can be
forms of art. I also considered these two mediums as a whole and found
connections between the photography artists and video artists. For example, I
found similar themes between John Smith’s video and Jeff Wall’s photography of
presenting the artificial side of a camera, whether that be in film or
photography. John Smith’s 'Girl Chewing Gum' 1976 shows the artificial side of
film as he records people passing their day and voices over their actions to
present the role of a director in a film. Similarly, Jeff Wall’s 'View from an
Apartment' 2004 shows how staged imagery and photography can be, in the media
for example, by setting up spontaneous moments of mundane life.
I also found that many of the video and photography artists
link to the theme of duration. One particular piece that stuck with me was 'The
Passing' by Bill Viola. In this, Viola plays with the speed of the video using slow motion, showing how the
duration of the video can be controlled and manipulated by the artist. Following
the introduction session I began my own research into what links to the theme
of duration, where I found the photography artist Michael Philip Manheim
who explores duration through controlling exposure time and who influenced me
in my own piece of photography.
The visit to the Collection Museum to view Danica Maier's
solo exhibition also had somewhat of an impact on my approach to the theme.
Maier contrasts the traditional values of tapestry and the innocence of
children with the use of sexual and vulgar language. I found this use
of juxtaposition very interesting as it made me consider the
alternative concepts involved with tapestry and, in the wider context, the
alternative concepts that can be found in all art.
