Photo Challenge #5: Photo Within a Photo
Writing by Jessica on Monday, 8 of September , 2008 at 5:11 pm
Photo Challenge #5: Photo within a Photo
Ends: Monday, September 15th, 2008
Brief: Pick a photo in the Glocal flickr pool, print it out and create a new image by superimposing your chosen image on top of a backdrop that you have created. You can decide how to manipulate or interpret that backdrop, but please provide a link to the original image in your images’ description.
Instructions: Tag your photo with “glocalproject” and “photochallenge5″ and add it to our flickr pool. Need help? Email us.
Our photo challenge topic this week was borne out of comparing historical references from the modernist photo movement with cool web art references. We’ve been inspired by the work of Kenneth Josephson and the always entertaining web art of sleeveface.com. The contrast between the historical art reference and the web art reference seems to be a relevant challenge for Glocal, given that the project examines the history of photography while experimenting with the potential for mass collaboration on the web. We also like the concept of superimposition as a means to think critically about the uses to which photography is applied, both artistically and in popular culture.
Kenneth Josephson’s photos-within-photos create visual statements that prompt the viewer to think critically of photography, both as an art form and as a representation of reality.
This simple photo of a boat, held against the backdrop of the ocean, reminds us that an image is little more than a representation of reality and never reality itself.
On sleeveface.com, the concept is similar and repeatable. Contributing photographers select an album sleeve of their choice and re-create the scene outside of the borders of the album sleeve:
This beautifully positioned album sleeve lines up nicely with the newly created backdrop. It creates a new image that alters the original context of the album art. Like the Josephson image, the arm holding up the album both adds humour, and suggests that we are supposed to be aware of the layers between the images.
Unlike photographic re-creation (Photo challenge # 3 (re) Create), where the new image is a single layer and a re-interpretation of an earlier image, superimposing an image creates a new narrative that reminds us of the distance from reality that we experience as viewers.
Have fun!
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Comments (3)
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Comment by leafar
Made Tuesday, 9 of September , 2008 at 4:00 am
I’ve just made this one.
To bad the original is not in the pool, because it’s pretty neat:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ulikleafar/2830495150/
Comment by Erica
Made Friday, 12 of September , 2008 at 12:44 am
Gorgeous picture leafar. I think you should add it to the contest thread anyway, so that other people can see your work.
Comment by leafar
Made Saturday, 13 of September , 2008 at 9:13 am
Done.
Thanks erica for your kind comment.
