I think the lack of colour is effective as the differing subject matter appear to work well together. Other people would describe her work as unique, fantastic and strange. By looking at the work of Mari Mahr I will experiment with putting different subject matter together, and taking photographs of objects placed on printed images.
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Mari Mahr
For the theme fantastic and strange I have chosen to look at the work of Mari Mahr, who places objects on printed images and photographs them to create interesting, unique photos, that feature subject matter with varying sizes to the background. The photograph to the left features cutlery, carefully placed upon a printed photo of stairs, creating the illusion that the knives and forks are moving up the stairs. By placing the cutlery on a small photograph, they appear enlarged, a similar size to that of a person. The old style of the photograph suggests that the black and white colouring is due to a filter (or lack of choice) rather than editing. By photographing the image from above, it is less obvious that the 3D objects have been placed on a 2D picture, and the edges blend into the background better; the lack of colour also helps with this. The straight lines of the stairs contrast with the curves and shape of the cutlery. The lack of colour and dark tones focus on the subject matter rather than the background colouring, allowing you to appreciate the different shapes and unique image. This photograph doesn't appear very spacious as the different tones of the stairs create a more complex background, leaving no open space. After looking at Mari Mahr's work I have discovered that she uses varying objects within her work, often some that wouldn't usually be seen in that setting. It's because of her unique approach that her work is described as fantastic and strange. This photograph focuses on presenting enlarged objects in comparison to a smaller printed background; the subject matter is unusual, and captures your attention. I think the artist was attempting to present differing objects that wouldn't usually be seen together in order to create a unique piece of work. |