summer 2010
FACTION proposal. BILLBOARD
Heel plates are clicking, voices are vibrating, ranging from whispers to aristocratic discussion form. By following a photograph after another, each of them is more seductive than the previous. There is certain magnetism within the room. The simplicity, shabby atmosphere on the photographs allows the sitter to breath and own power for eternity. Some are looking, others starring, some talking, discussing, others trying to brainstorm his techniques perhaps. A young girl dressed in a Bohemian outfit whispers to her friend: “He does not look very comfortable. What do you reckon he might have on his mind?” Two girls standing close to each other are sharing a giggle over Truman Capote’s photograph.
A middle-aged gentleman is walking past them gracefully. He stops slightly away from the girls observing the photograph of Capote and then the youngsters. It is art to create something so magnificent, whereas a photograph can imply many stories. He decided to keep his story to himself and make his way to next one.
“Look at this one! I love it! The style, the lighting, I can almost read his mind.” In a good spirit, she was referring to Pablo Picasso’s portrait, as he is looking straight towards the lens. The lighting is so beautifully exposed that it only reveals one side of the sitter as if it was designed. “Yes I have to agree, however can you imagine being in the same room with Irving Penn and Pablo Picasso, both famous, great artists.” It was 1957 when Mr Penn captured Picasso. The characteristic strong lighting, which creates moody shadows whereas the same grey backdrop touching the floor and a piece of carpet is sitting in the corner waiting to be used again. Meanwhile, during 60s Mr Penn moved closer to his subjects, revealing characters, only every sitter had his own story to tell. His new approach had a remarkable philosophy to it:
“ A good photograph is one that communicate a fact, touches the heart, leaves the viewer a changed person having seen it. It is in a word, effective” (Irving Penn)
The tour guide takes visitors on a tour. It is apparent how devotedly she has studied Mr Penn’s work beforehand, tried to get on the same wavelength where he was shifting. Captured moments, carefully composed photographs are the only proof people still have for observing at. The guide hopes she can convey the story like Penn presumably captured them. Switch off from that deep, disturbing strolling noise and envision; it is you on the same level where she is.
Three men, all very distinctively dressed are moving through the rooms on rapid pace from a portrait to a portrait. They are standing currently in 60s room of Penn’s work. One of the younger male figures, indie type artist, carries on the conversation stating: ” I like him, but his work is very formal, a bit repetitive. I guess that's because it's mostly in the studio, also his trick of putting people in a tight corner, I like it, but once you've seen it a few times it's all the same… ” Silence. ”His work is distinctively minimalistic and simple, very much in contrast with the world of fashion and celebrity in which he operated. There seems to be a revival of this approach happening. Some of it is to be attributed to a reportage crossover. “ Their companions opinion, either a close tutor or family friend, seemed to make the younger guys smirk for a moment.
On the wall, between Helmut Newton and Nicole Kidman photographs, is a portrait of Gael Garcia Bernal, which gets a pleasing compliment from a woman with a grin on her face. She is talking to her mother; as it comes out she refers to her friend who would love the particular photograph.
Irving Penn was one of a kind photographer, what will always remind him is ‘less is more’. In the likelihood he reflected his essence on his photographs, which made them so profound in storytelling.
The tour guide takes visitors on a tour. It is apparent how devotedly she has studied Mr Penn’s work beforehand, tried to get on the same wavelength where he was shifting. Captured moments, carefully composed photographs are the only proof people still have for observing at. The guide hopes she can convey the story like Penn presumably captured them. Switch off from that deep, disturbing strolling noise and envision; it is you on the same level where she is.
Three men, all very distinctively dressed are moving through the rooms on rapid pace from a portrait to a portrait. They are standing currently in 60s room of Penn’s work. One of the younger male figures, indie type artist, carries on the conversation stating: ” I like him, but his work is very formal, a bit repetitive. I guess that's because it's mostly in the studio, also his trick of putting people in a tight corner, I like it, but once you've seen it a few times it's all the same… ” Silence. ”His work is distinctively minimalistic and simple, very much in contrast with the world of fashion and celebrity in which he operated. There seems to be a revival of this approach happening. Some of it is to be attributed to a reportage crossover. “ Their companions opinion, either a close tutor or family friend, seemed to make the younger guys smirk for a moment.
On the wall, between Helmut Newton and Nicole Kidman photographs, is a portrait of Gael Garcia Bernal, which gets a pleasing compliment from a woman with a grin on her face. She is talking to her mother; as it comes out she refers to her friend who would love the particular photograph.
Irving Penn was one of a kind photographer, what will always remind him is ‘less is more’. In the likelihood he reflected his essence on his photographs, which made them so profound in storytelling.
