Object Research

My chosen object is a bonnet mascot that was manufactured for the Standard Vanguard Phase 2, the car was produced by the Standard Motor Company in Coventry from 1953-1956. The “Vanguard” took its model name from a warship and was the first model to carry the new Standard badge, which was a heavily stylised representation of the wings of a griffin. The styling of the car resembled that of a pre-war Plymouth with a sloping "beetle-back".

The mascot in my possession was found by my father and his friend, while in their teens, attached to the bonnet of a Standard Eight, which was left abandoned in a dilapidated garage behind a boarded shop. After playing in the unlocked car they attempted to remove the mascot, which had seemingly been added in an attempt to improve the looks of an otherwise unimpressive vehicle, after finding that it had completely rusted onto the bonnet they removed the bonnet itself and had his father help remove the mascot later.

Despite the objects pickled and dirtied surface, the chromium shine and its sleek rocket-like lines give an immense sense of movement and power and despite its age, still holds an iconic and impressive look that evokes memories of a better time, that you need not have experienced to feel and understand.

 

Below are images of the object, alongside photographs of the Standard Vanguard Phase II to display the object and its original context.

Collage Creation and Refinements

Above is a collage I created using pieces of newspaper which were layered with glue then partially ripped to expose the paper beneath, atop this I drew in charcoal, the image of an opened book, which I believed looked rather effective and striking although the subject did not relate to the theme I was following. To amend this I painted over the drawing using emulsion paint to obscure the lines but not completely mask them, this created an impressive texture, reminiscent of that of an old billboard.  

This collage is again created using a method of sticking pieces of newspaper down and then drawing on top, in this the pieces were larger and crumpled to created a more three dimensional texture, this proved difficult to draw over and the lack of variation caused by the large surfaces of one tone give a monotonous background.

 

The two photographs above display two collages I created, both using tissue paper which was over-layed and glued,  over this I painted the collage completely with white emulsion then ripped parts away to reveal the original colour. I believe the lower one to be more effective due to the use of a lighter colour allowing the drawing to be seen more clearly and creating a more high contrast, striking image.

Above is displayed the progress of the observational studies I have completed of the object I have chosen, which have gone from simple outlines of the objects to a shaded study of the object to show the reflections and tone of the object.

Examples Of Compostion

The four photographs below are the few I believe best display the values of composition.

 

The photograph below displays the rule of thirds with the centre of the object falling on one of the main focal points. It also displays large amounts of contrast between the monochromatic object and the colourful and harshly patterned appearance of the background. There are many tones throughout the image, with the main variation about the object from dark shaded tones to sheer white where the light source has been reflected. There is also a variation in texture, with the reflective sleek surface of the object contrasting against the background.

The photograph below displays a large range of tones with the reflection of light and shadow all across the cylindrical form of the object, there is also a change in the tone of the background to offset the object from the background and emphasise other areas in comparison to other areas.

There is also a use of a dramatic perspective, as the photograph was taken from a low angle to again emphasise the objects shape.

The photograph below displays a machine made object's conformity to a naturally occurring shape, created on stone by weathering. The image shows a use of converging lines within the image, but the horizontal lines within the image keep the attention on the subject, the use of a low aperture leaves the background out of focus as to draw the eyes away from it. There is also a variety of tones within the image to create an interesting and multi-dimensional quality to the photograph.

The photograph below demonstrates the use of aperture to create a shallow depth of field so that only the object is in sharp focus and the middle and background is not, the position and stature of the object emphasises similar shapes that can be found in the background, there is also balance within the image with the dark lower and right side of the image being compensated for by the light negative space of the sky in the upper right area.

Criticism and Replies

Criticism and Replies 

"Amazing photographs and detailed definition of composition. :-) I like the way you already started looking at artists works that will relate to your theme.”

“You used lighting in an effective way to produce interesting photos. You have also considered how you have composed your images, which means each photograph has a unique perspective.”

“Great photos with interesting analysis displaying relevant information.”

“Well composed pictures with a good range of backgrounds and angles. Maybe try a different object for a different look.”

I do not yet believe I have explored, to its full extent, all aspects’ and contexts’ of the current object although I agree that another object with dissimilar properties would allow for various other photographs and compositions and change completely the nature of the photographs, even with similar backgrounds.

“Well composed photographs, good use of the compositional skill moving in close and dramatic perspective. The use of aperture on the photographs is also very well executed. To improve you could pick 5 or more photographs and explain them in detail.”

The recognition is greatly appreciated and analysis of the best images, I’m sure, would be of huge benefit to my compositional skill as it would permit me to better understand the nature and components needed to create a well composed image.

“Your photographs are really good, and are a good example of composition. You also have given information about your photos which shows you have a clear understanding of the project. Continue to add photos to your blog.”

I will add more photographs, perhaps of various objects, or of the same object in better suited contexts to display its conformity despite its age.

“you have demonstrated a great use of contrast with your close up photographs to improve you could try to use a wider range of effects.”

The term “effects” is quite ambiguous without context, I assume you mean to incorporate various other methods of artistic composition, which I believe I have shown within these images, in many the contrast is less to aid the objects appearance in conforming to the background.

“Very interesting and professional photography, and very detailed evaluations. Maybe some more variety of backgrounds”

A greater variety of backgrounds would further explore the object in varying contexts and allow me to understand the object more clearly, so I agree and will be sure to increase the number of photographs taken of the object in more fitting and bizarre surroundings.

Futurism and Cubism (With Image Comparison)

Futurism and Cubism

Futurism was an Italian art movement of the early twentieth century that aimed to capture in art the dynamism and energy of the modern world, art that celebrated the modern world of industry and technology. Futurist painting used elements of neo-impressionism and cubism to create compositions that expressed the idea of the dynamism, the energy and movement, of modern life.

Cubism was inspired by the representation of three-dimensional form in the late works of Paul Cézanne. In Cubist artwork, objects are analysed, broken up and reassembled in an abstracted form. Instead of depicting objects from one viewpoint, the artist depicts the subject from a multitude of viewpoints to represent the subject in a greater context.

Nude Descending A Staircase No.2 – Marcel Dechamp

Comparison of the Images

To compare, firstly the painting is based upon the photography of Étienne-Jules Marey who created images, similar to the one I have taken, as studies of movement with overlaid images created with long exposures and multiple flashes of light. The painting displays the descent of a person down a staircase in an incredibly abstract manner, not only displaying the overlaid motions and various stances but also various angles of each stance to create the full image. In comparison my image shows the motion, in many stages, each separate but overlaid to create the full motion over the seconds it was taken. It was effective due to the strong light on the subject re-exposing the black background at each motion stance. They are comparatively similar in the way they depict an action through many overlaid images creating the effect of motion, but the photograph lacks the ability of expression of mood and to display various angles of the subject.  

 

Composition

Composition defined - Within atheistic arts composition is the placement or arrangement of visual elements or ‘ingredients’ in a work of art, as distinct from the subject of a work. It can also be thought of as the organization of the elements of art according to the principles of art.

My Photographs
I believe the photographs I have taken to be well composed wholly, with each angle and the background the object is against revealing something different about the object, or in the case of changing its context, displaying it in a more artistic method and highlighting parts of it which may otherwise be disregarded.

One limitation on my composition of the below photographs was the inability to have the object suspended without my holding of it, with my hand limiting what could be included within the shot and the distance from the object the photograph could be taken from. Perhaps without restrains of these and also of location and with no control lighting, a better set of images may have been produced, a hypothesis I wish to explore soon.  

Still Life Photographs