Sunday 22 May 2016

Research Log

Cynthia Connolly


Cynthia Connolly has a selection of images of people and their cars. Cars are considered a very import item to own especially within the age bracket of old teenagers/ young adults. This is because this is possibly the first thing they have owned which has such high value and has given them a sense of independence. Also it is a stereotype that most males are interested in cars and speed, this stereotype is why it is seen that cars are such a import possession for male. I find these images interesting and like how she has not only used males within the pieces. The way in which this artists has challenged stereotypes provides inspiration in how stereotypes and society could be involved withing images based on this project, Helping to create unique and usual pieces.

Peter Menzel


Peter Menzel is a good photographer which identifies materialism within his pieces. The Images which he creates allows people to see the difference in what others have and how people are happy with what they have. Showing how people in developing countries have less compared to other countries however may appreciate these few personal items more than other places appreciate their belongings. I like the composition of his images and the contrast which they can provide between one another.

Jason Travis


Jason Travis is a extremely interesting person which I have looked into before. His worked could be used to inspire people looking at people and possession in a variety of ways.  The two images above show two ways in which he has explored different ideas. On the website for this photographer there is a section labelled persona, This is full of images similar to the image on the left. Using the same idea however, with different people. Showing this contrast between what other people hold on them when going somewhere or keep safe in their bags. I find it interesting how Jason Travis has used so many different people with a variety of items showing every ones individuality and how they are unique. I also selected the image on the right from his work as this shows an area of the project I would like to look into, The emotions side and emotional struggles. I like the idea that People hold onto bad or good times? which may change or effect them as if a valued possession and without intention. This is an idea and area which i would like to explore in further depth. 


Foster Huntington


Foster Hunting has worked on a project called the burning house. He asked a variety of people if their house was burring what would they take with them. I find this project extremely intriguing as people could be torn between sentimental pieces and items with a large value. Also with each image details are given about the person, this being gender and age. This reflects a contrast between males and females and between ages groups and what they may find more valuable. This project allows people to think about the possessions which are most important to them, this could shock people as they may find a photo which they pass everyday as one of the first items they would pick. I like how in the image on the left there are very few items and the dog takes up most of the space. Showing how important pets are to given individuals. Many pets are left outside or people would assume the pet would leave the house anyways but this person has made a conscious decision to insure their dog is included.

Darragh Casey


These pieces were created by Darragh Casey. He has a few pieces that are similar to these but they contain different objects and people. Darragh Casey carried out the projects when he was a student and I find this interesting because of the unique way he positioned the shelves that hold up not only the belongings but also the people themselves. Due to the positioning, the image could be interpreted as people are seen as possessions which others can move from one shelf to another without their consent or even thought about their well-being. However, due to the complex layout of the shelves also challenges this and goes against this idea as a lot of effort would be needed to move the people. I feel Darragh Casey's input into the topic People and Possessions was very relevant and important because of how he has shown people and possessions in a unique way with different messages. His approach to the topic is unlike any other photographer that I have researched, reflecting the variety of ways in which people interpret the idea of People and Possessions.

Gabriele Galimberti


The series shown above are by Gabriele Galimberti are very creative and fun. I like how she has used both the child and their belonging in the images above. The way in which the items and model are placed within a natural background where you would except to find them appeals to me because it is not as staged and faked as some other images. In my opinion the items show not only the boys hobbies and interested but their future aspirations. The vast amount airplanes present within the image to the left would suggest to me the boy wishes to be a pilot or work with planes. Where as the music equipment in the image to the right suggest to me the boy is naturally gifted and can play multiple instruments and wishes to work within the music industry when they grow up. The possessions which the boys have and their surrounding would suggest their personalty, for example i would expect the boy on the right to be very loud and outgoing whereas I would expect the boy on the right to enjoy his own company and be a more shy boy and prefer playing with his toys and imagination. I gather these interpretations  from the boys possessions and expressions which the images.

future desires / aspirations
interests/ personality

Cassia Arellano


I chose to look into Cassia Arellano's work due to how she represents materialism. Showing how people can be seen as possessions which are easily controlled and labeled. This image shows the women as a item which can just be given a bar-code and a number and be seen as a possession and not an individual person. These images represent materialism and how it affects people within everyday society. Showing how people often lose value for other and lose respect. In my opinion these two images could also be linked to how women used to be seen as a mans possessions from their father to their husband. Also a deeper interpretation of this work could be linked to illegal trafficing. Showing how people are still sold illegally and are viewed as peoples possessions. 

Jimmy Nelson


Although Jimmy Nelson is a photographer which has no direct work relating to people and possessions I think he has displayed the possessions by showing what different cultures have as their belonging. Jimmy Neloson has traveled and whilst traveling has photographed different cultures and people from different locations. I think this images show how people possessions can change depending on their location. The two image demonstrate how people have clothing based on their environment, the men in the left image have many layers of clothing on however the women  to the right have minimal on. Showing the contrast in weather and how the possessions are different because of it.

Mario Testino


Mario Testino is a famous portraiture photographer who has worked with a variety of celebrities. I decided to looking into her work as I think some of it related to people and possession. I think the possession people have within photographs help us made a judgement of the person and create out initial impression of the individual. For example, the image of the left shows a women with a leopard. This shows the women as having great power, also based on her clothing would suggest she is very wealthy. I like how the man within the images has been used to help create a contrast on the stereotype of men being seen as having more power. The image to the right also shows how people possessions can demonstrate their personality. By showing the women with a sweet and fluffy dog it may suggest to views she has a very gentle and kind personality. This reflects how the possessions which a person hold can alter a persons initial judgment on a person.

Jess Morgan


Jess Morgan is an interesting photographer who has explored people and their relationships. She manly works on people and their family's/ children. I like how she has demonstrated children innocent and creative minds within her images, one example of this it the left image. I think the ideas which she portrays are impressive and I like the way in which she makes people wonder what the children has created with their imagination to be playing in such a way. She also has a selection of work showing the bond between parent and their children. The images to the right shows the care and love between a parent and their child. In my opinion people and possession can be seen as the relationships people, therefore her work shows a unique and creative side of people and possessions.

Henrik Bonnevier



I chose to research into this photographer due to how he displayed some peoples basic possessions I like how he has used a multiple imagery to contrast some peoples belonging. The organisation which is represented within Henrik Bonnevier is what a peals to me the most within his image. I really like the composition of the image to the left and how the items all fit within one colour scheme. I think the way in which he positioned the objects within his images relative his creative yet organised personality. 


Lee Jeffries


I decided to research into this photographer due to his work displaying strong emotions and problems some unfortunate people face. Lee Jeffries has a section of work which displays homeless people I think this is an interesting and powerful way to show people and possessions. Lee Jeffries has tackled a key issue within today's society through the strong images displayed above. He has captured strong portraiture images to show how lack of possessions have such an impact on some people. A home is a large possession, however an essential on and these images demonstrate how some people are not even fortunate to have a home which is an essential in life. I like the composition of his images and how the angles of his images help to create more effective images.

Don McCullin


Don McCullin is a famous war photographer. I felt is was essential to include a war photographer as war causes so much destruction and lost of belongings. The images above show how possessions can be destroyed and family can be lost. In my opinion relationships can be seen as a possessions, therefore war restores possession through the loss of friendships. I think this photographer has created powerful images with dark and serious tones. The images show how people lose everything and have no where to be so must try and recover what they can from their destroyed belonging. 

Jim Golden



Jim Golden has a variety of images displaying peoples collections. I decided to research into him as i wish to display collections within my exam. I think the way in which he positions the belongings is intriguing and unique to the items being displayed. The image to the left shows some of his work which displays people extensive collections which have been added to over time. I think this is an interesting way to show what someone has spend so long collecting. the image to the left also displays a person collection however it also represent someones hobbies. The items are placed in an order which the person may put them on, from left to right. I find it intriguing how the items are placed on a wooden block linking to the outdoors equipment begin shown as well as hanging my sturdy rope, again linking to the equipment. I think this is an interesting way to link the items together and to Incorporated them into the set up and background. 

Tobias Lang


I randomly found Tobias lang and was pleasantly surprised. The main selection of his work which intrigued me was a series called 'your pet and you'. An example of this series would be the image to the left. He used diptychs to express people and their animals. Some of this images involved more then one animal or unusual animal. Many of his image challenged stereotypes of what animals you would expect a particular person to have. I like how he used a lot of black and white within his images which enhances the tones and provides greater depth to his images. The image of the dog shows a playful side due to the teddy resting on his back, this happy nature is also reflected within the image of the owner. Showing how when it is often suggested that animals pick up trait from their owners to be true. Possession could include something which you have a responsibly for, animals are see to be a large responsibility and require a lot of care. Tobias Lang's selection of images on this project show how animals can be seen as a possession which is important within peoples lives and brings them joy. I also included a portraiture photo from Tobias Lang to show how he use a variety of formal elements to make incredible piece. He enhances people emotions though particular techniques and effects. I think both of this images are important to research within my project. This is due to how I wish to explore showing peoples 'emotional baggage' and how they deal with it. I wish to look into this to show a variety of possessions, similar to what Tobias Lang has done.