Photo Challenge #6: Near | Far — Photo Diptych

Writing by Simon on Thursday, 25 of September , 2008 at 2:04 pm

Photo Challenge #6: Near | Far — Photo Diptych

Ends: Wednesday, October 15th, 2008

Brief: Create a pairing of two images. The images together should suggest the theme of "Near | Far". It could be that the diptych reflects literally that which is in close proximity and then a more distant version of the same scene. We are, as always, also looking for some interpretation of these instructions!

Instructions: Tag your photo with “glocalproject” and “photochallenge6″ and add it to our flickr pool. Need help? Email us.

Most of us, as photographers, have experimented with both macro (close-up) and long-distance perspectives. Brought together, these different points-of-view reveal a sense of movement and a shift in perspective that suggests a cinematic (film-like) view. Traditionally, scenes in documentaries and feature films have been revealed through the re-sequenceing of several angles: an established or ‘master’ shot, a mid- range shot and a close up. In this photo challenge, we’d like you to use these shifts in focal distance to create a sense of tension between two images.

Eve Sonneman: Cannon Balls By the Dozen

Eve Sonneman: The Docking of Marietta Cannes

Contemporary photographers like Eve Sonneman have been working with diptychs for years. Sometimes the pairing suggests a drastic change in perspective. Other times, like in time the diptych below, the shift between near & far becomes more subtle.

Eve Sonneman: Coney Island Couple

Of course the structural pairing of two images or panels has been going on for a long time. Diptychs played a significant role in early religious iconography – take for example this 17th century Deesis where the combination of two images helps the narrative of a sacred moment in history. These early diptychs were hinged, and often depicted living figures on one side and the departed on the other. When contemporary artists choose to work in this way they are often referencing these early artifacts – think of how Andy Warhol plays with another "sacred icon" in this Near | Far pairing.

In Marilyn Diptych, 1962, Warhol was in some ways playing with this religious connotation, but also bringing together his fascination with death and celebrity status. We perceive the left side advancing towards us because of its vibrant colours and the right recedes due to its muted greys. This explores the fading memory of this star and perhaps the artist himself.

As well as side-by-side, diptychs can also be presented on top of each other like this Andreas Gursky photograph of the aisles of a supermarket that has just been noted for being the highest sellling photograph ever. Feel free to experiment with different ways to present your diptych.

Andreas Gursky: 99 Cent II, Diptych

We’re look forward to seeing what you all come up with. The challenge is on!

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