Quote of the month:

To me photography is about capturing unexpected moments. I think Andy Warhol is a great example of an visual artist who successfully experimented with art. 


Source:
http://thisisnotareality.wordpress.com/category/quote-of-the-day/page/2/#

My London, in different shades of grey.

Herbert List - The Bird

“Another London” exhibition I recently went to see at Tate Britain made me think. Am I ready to leave London? The showcase is about London, captured by international photographers between 1930 and 1980.

But it wasn’t just another photography exhibition. It made me think what I would miss if I were to leave the place I leave. The spontaneous stage, the passersby with whom there is no need to interact but who will always be here. A studio you would never have to pay for. Yes, the weather is not fantastic here, but just like other photographers have done, turn the disadvantage to your advantage. 

Herbert List - Love in Capri

As an immigrant myself I found out that this showcase provided a great insight to the local life in London. Because the exhibition focused on international photographers it was fascinating to see London from a different perspective than Nick Knight’s or Martin Parr’s. London, the melting pot, and how style and culture evolved after the war.

Going through my notes I read ‘this exh. makes me want to pick up my film camera and head out’. Have I ever had this feeling when I am at home? Not really. Because Estonia is a small place. A lot smaller than London. It’s a place where locals are more inquisitive than the crowds. It’s not a multicultural hotspot. Despite that home will always have a warm spot in my heart.

Eve Arnold - One of Four Girls Sharing
an Apartment

When entering the spacious white rooms I encounter Bill Brandt’s (1904-1983) work through crowds of people scattering by. It’s not my first time seeing his imagery but on this occasion it is in a different genre. I am more aware of his fashion photography, abstract nudes (and highlighting shapes) in high contrast. The ones that always leave me puzzled with its abstract and exquisite monochromatic style.

But here, also in his earlier work, Brandt combines surrealism with society’s everyday life. He records on his film camera the lives of a working class in high contrast, which really highlights the grim and gloomy side of life during London Blitz. War-time London provided ‘inspiration’ for many international photographers. An image of a people sleeping in a tube station captures my eye. I am fascinated by it’s depth, grey-scale in such conditions. The image also provides an insight to the kind of circumstances people had to face. It’s a historical record.

There’s a French photographer Jean Moral (1906-1999) who I had never heard of before. I sense a notion of mystery and playfulness embodied in his images of people. He was influenced by the new vision movement, which emerged in the 1920s artists experimenting with light and different techniques. The use of double exposure and unusual angles make his work unique at this exhibition. 

Jean Moral

Walking by the images, and passing the observers chatting amongst themselves, I spot the iconic features of London again and again: pigeons, black cabs, curry specialties, markets, the gloomy weather and the curious eyes of passers-by. Many of the artists have played with reflection. Also the moody weather, so characteristic to London, has been featured in the works of many photographers: adding a kind of playful characteristic/element to their images.

In the middle of room one an elderly man wearing glasses leans over a glass box catches my attention. I find him reading E.O. Hoppe’s (1878-1972) book London Types Taken From Life. His images of 70s London have a subtler style to Brandt’s. Hoppe specialized in portraits of society figures and influential personalities in literature and politics. As a German educated banker, he was particularly interested in characters of high society.

By follow the curious observers in room two I spot photographs by ‘my master of shades of grey’, Irving Penn. I have admired his work ever since my college years. During my first year in university I wrote a piece about his retrospective exhibition for an assignment (first ever blog post, 5^th May 2010). Usually I approach photographs by observing the scene but with his portraits it has always been the naturalness and his sitter’s characteristics that fascinated me. Each of the portraits embodied a different story and I think this is where he’s work stands out in photography. It’s his way of telling stories, as Tim Walker, a contemporary photographer, does in fashion. 

Suddenly I see photographs I seem to remember but then again not quite. Herbert List’s (1903-1975) work reminds me of Herb Ritts’s (1952-2002) photography. Actually it’s the other way around. Hints of erotic and surrealism, flowing from dream states to fantasy with elements such as shape and texture reflect Herbert Ritts’ work. Emerging from the mysteriousness of his abstract and erotic scenes emerged Herbert List’s early fashion photography. However, if there is a photo I would buy it’s the one with a small puddle. The framing and angle makes the image pretty and natural, depicting London inhabitants’ shadows on a sunny day. It reminds me myself on rare sunny days during the chillier season, what it feels like catching shadows. In street photography a good image depends on an angle and framing.

E.O Hoppe 

“On the street people are most themselves, most honest in their behaviour, in their own way of being.” This quote in room 4 by Lutz Lille (b. 1922) also reflects my fascination about metropolitan cities. When you go to smaller places, yes it depends on the sitter, but in majority of the cases you might lose the moment if you aren’t fast enough. I remember when I applied for a photography course I had to tell a photo story of the Global Recession. I remember sitting at a bus stop and talking to this Russian lady. After we gotten to know each other a lot more, I subtle pulled out my compact camera (given to everyone) and tried to photograph her. She turned away. I never got that shot. I was interested in people and their expressions. Still am. Only these days I don’t ask but capture accordingly.   

The photographs in the last two rooms focus on portraiture and street style. Dorothy Bohm (b. 1923) is a Prussian born photographer whose work I saw for the first time. It reminds me a lot of contemporary street photography. How we dress up or don’t, who we stare and who we don’t. She captured interactions on London’s historical background but in a very unique way. I like it that her work isn’t only about clothes, it’s about London, the streets, the inhabitants and the state of the city. At all times. It reflects my version of a stage. Where people are in control, not you.  

Eve Arnold’s (1912-2012) imagery persuades me with a touch of elegance and naturalness. Her best known images are of female sitters such as Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor who are attractive but captured in natural situations and embodying grace. There are emotions, and it’s the subtle approach I like in her work. An image depicting a woman in a bath, stocking handing over the shower rail titled ‘one of four girls sharing an apartment’. It’s my absolutely favourite. It evokes so much emotion and power.

Al Vandenberg’s (1932-2012) stunning portraits of London’s inhabitants and the periods’ versatile fashion put a smile on my face. His work indicates locals’ mood and lifestyle during the after war period. Also he is one of the few photographers in this exhibition who has captured younger crowds, the ones who hang out on the streets. Vandenberg is a fantastic portrait photographer, who I admire for his photographic eye and bringing out characters’ personality in his imagery.

Many of the artists’ work at Tate Britain praises London for its diversity and picturesque scenes. They are spot on about that. Reflecting my own experience for my final project during nighttime I explored North, South, East and West, where they all vary in styles, crowds and lifestyle. This is London. Can I experience this somewhere else? Maybe, maybe not.  

But the real question is, am I really ready to leave London? To be continued…

Picture sources:

1) tumblr. Herbert List – the Bird http://www.tumblr.com/tagged/herbert-list?before=1307368373

2) tumblr. Love in Capri. http://www.tumblr.com/tagged/herbert-list?before=1307368373

3) http://imageobjecttext.com/tag/eve-arnold/ ever Arnold ‘One of four girls who shares a flat in Knightsbridge, 1961’

4) http://i12bent.tumblr.com/page/1495
5) Londres_image Hoppe http://es.paperblog.com/londres-en-imagenes-fotografias-de-eo-hoppe-en-la-sala-azca-de-la-fundacion-mapfre-984377/

30-Day Gratitude Photo Challenge

should probably print it out and stick it on my wall as a reminder :)

This is my first time to take part of the 30-Day Gratitude Photo Challenge organised by Positively Present. I'm really excited because I love new challenges, and it's a great chance to share what I'm most grateful for!

Plus challenges are great motivators and ways to unleash inner creativity. Especially during the chilly and dark month, as November tends to be!

For my first image I decided to share the phrase from my card I got for my graduation. This will always remind me the hard work and sweat from university years. And my family's support. Thank you guys, I could've not done it without you! You simply rock! :)

In English the phrase sounds something like this. 'Luck doesn't search you, if you don't search for luck.'

Day 1 - WORDS

Thoughts on William Klein, 

the father of street photography. 

Before I went to see William Klein & Daido Moriyama’s joint exhibition I noticed Tate’s question on Twitter one day. There it was inviting me to answer. “What inspires you about urban photography?” And this is what I came up with that afternoon: “Streets are like a stage, where people around you bring the space to life. You never know what you might take home with you.”

I thought about the nights I spent searching for queues, when I was working on my final creative project at university. But I also thought about my life in London for the past seven years. Everyday I am surrounded by masses of crowds. And this is why street photography is such an exciting area to get into. A capital city like London is a ‘stage’, where millions of people blend in. Each and every one of them goes through its own path with a mission in mind. People pass each other often not even noticing what takes place around them. From a photographer’s point of view this is like an ideal set to enter. 

One of the Twitter users replied to my tweet, answering ‘memories’. I have to admit it made me think. It was an interesting way of thinking about it, but it wasn’t my way. Ever since I got involved in ‘amateur’ street photography I have always aimed to blend in, not engage with the passersby.

Why would I? What would be the whole point? And creating memories? Whose memories? I remember some incidents when I was capturing the queues for my nighttime project. But I would rather categorize those thoughts as experience. Perhaps, because my project also included research into women as street walkers and me reflecting my experience. But memory? I just couldn’t work around that thought. So I replied to her: “I don't reflect thinking I was there. Do you? I see it as a story, the city and people completing each other.”

Few days later when I visited Klein & Moriyama’s exhibition, the old feelings emerged again. I was eager to hit the streets, pick up a camera and stay out until 2am in the morning. Why? Because during night time it’s less busy and people only gather at certain places. They wouldn’t wander around the streets. The majority of them would have an aim and be heading somewhere. And this is exactly what fascinates me the most. You could probably call me a stalker but I don’t see the point to hide. Anyhow back to the exhibition.

Photograph by Daido Moriyama

At Tate Modern, I realized what I like the most about street photography. The freedom. The spontaneous set. The way different characters blend and engage, or not. The facial expressions. I like to look at photographs and think back in time, how life was back then. How much time people spent on the streets. The carefree childhood. The endless parades and protests.

I first encountered William Klein’s work years back when I was studying photography. I found his style very interesting, especially his fashion and street photography. The scenes are playful and quirky, each of them embodies a story. And now, years later I finally had the chance to see his work in a gallery. I felt as if the spacious white rooms echoed of power emotions.

There were moments when I felt the immense graphic prints and enlarged black and white photographs brought the scenes on the photos alive. Tate Modern really is a great space for art.

Klein’s early photographic practice began on the streets. He started off by documenting the streets, which I like for its rawness, high contrast and graininess.  

To an extent I feel close to Klein’s approach to photography. He describes New York as the city he hated and loved. The Big city. Gritty. Children’s innocent laughter. As he said: “It’s not my story but I create a story.”

On his images you can see he has engaged with his subjects. The neon city signs, tags, newspapers. NYC itself seems like a large set or a theatre. In one room I encountered his earlier abstract work. This technique of exposing photographic paper to light has applied in his later work, especially in fashion photography.

When I exit the last room of Klein’s exhibition I see where the resemblance between his and Moriyama’s work lies. High contrast, silhouettes, close-up’s of people at parades. Capturing the notion of freedom. 

 . 

Picture credit: 

http://lectures-antonia.blogspot.co.uk/2012/01/lecture-seven-photograph-as-document.html

http://www.tate.org.uk/visit/tate-modern

http://www.lifelounge.com.au/photography/gallery/william-klein-is-the-father-of-street-photography.aspx#gallerytop

http://weheartit.com/entry/34294275

The last night of Tartuff love film festival

The first film of the night was Chico and Rita (2010) by three directors Trueba, Mariscal and Errando. It's an animated feature film about music, connecting a Cuban piano player and a beautiful latino singer.

The tale begins in 1940s Havana and follows both of the main characters careers throughout the years from Havana to New York and Las Vegas to Paris. All the locations and cities are beautifully drawn on with resemblance to reality and producing great cinematography. Graphically the film is superb. Even the nude are full of detail making it a definite adult cartoon. The tale also illustrates the peculiarity of the history of racism in the jazz era.

In the film various incidents and Rita’s excellent career opportunities tear the two apart. Over the years it is their love for music and each other that keeps Chico and Rita going. Their intriguing journeys throughout the film prove that their love is everlasting, even after being 48 years apart.  

As a whole the film combines an amazing story of jazz music and a passionate love story.

The festival’s last film was Cafe De Flore (2011) by a French-Canadian director Jean Marc Vallee. His previous films include the highly successful C.R.A.Z.Y.(2005) and the Young Victoria (2009).

The name "Cafe De Flore" is famous in many ways. According to the director his inspiration for the film was the clubbing hit and his own experience as a DJ.

I had mixed feelings throughout the film, from odd to melancholy. But it is the soundtrack that mellows the emotions in the film. The two separate love stories are portrayed in contemporary Canada and in 1960s Paris. In Canada, a handsome father of two and successful DJ Antoine (Kevin Parent) hits a mid-life crises. There is his wife whom he considers his soulmate and there is another younger women he falls for. While in Paris, Jacqueline, a single mum (Vanessa Paradis) is determined to raise her child, who has Down syndrom, to be as normal everyone else in the society.

About thought I kept thinking, where is the connection between these two love stories? On one hand, the film is confusing. On the other hand, the film's crosscuts and flashbacks add an intriguing twist. From a psychological angle it is interesting to observe the soulmates. Does the notion of soulmates exist or even last? At the same time Antoine’s mum Jacqueline tries to separate his son from Vero, a new girl from school also with Down syndrome. The children are inseparable since the moment they meet. Could they be soulmates at the age of six?

The tale becomes a mystery when the mother of Antoine’s daughters goes through a spiritual healing and connects with Jacqueline’s suffering in her dreams. Juxtaposing the heart break of the two women immerses the viewer in this emotional clash even more. However, there is light shining at the end of the tunnel, in the end they all let go. 

CAFE DE FLORE was RATED THE PUBLICS FAVOURITE FILM AT TARTUFF LOVE FILM FESTIVAL (2012)

Last Thursday was the first night when I officially started volunteering. I was working at Genialistid (Gen) club in Tartu, part of the Tartu Music Week. Because this year’s film festival included the "Prima Vesta" literary festival and Tartu Music Week, the volunteers also had a chance to pick and choose between events. For a week every night gigs took place at the Paulig coffee tent and in many other eccentric cafes and lounges in Tartu.

Before heading to work I thought to myself, what am I suppose to wear? Wherever I have worked at there has always been a dress code or a uniform. Luckily it turned out that there wasn't a dress code. Excellent!

When I arrived at "Gen club" my colleague was already present. An intelligent and sweet looking girl studying English literature at the Tartu University. 

Our table was positioned between two floors, dim lighting exposing the black graphic figures on the bloody orange walls. There was such a chilled atmosphere in the club. We were given a box of CD’s of the artists’ performing at the Music Week. It was my first experience selling and promoting emerging and already established Estonian musicians. When I checked out the schedule I spotted only one familiar name, Mimicry.

On Thursday night there were three bands: Galvanic Elephants, Elephants from Neptune, Barthol Lo Meyor. It was also a chance for us, the volunteers to enjoy the festival. My lovely fellow volunteer was familiar with some of the bands music. No wonder she was eager to attend the first gig. I stayed behind our little table with a friend of mine, listening to the gig and swinging along to the funky electro beats.

Galvanic Elephants was the first band performing that night. The band of four played a mix of punk, electro and chillout. At one point it was confusing to figure out what type of music it is as it varied from one song to another. But Galvanic Elephants were the public's favourite band of the night! We sold quite a few of their CDs.

Last up was Barthol Lo Meyor who plays raw electronic clubbing beats, which has also been categorised as "trash electro". Enjoyable if you like dance music and clubbing!

Galvanic Elephants

http://www.galvanicelephants.com/

Elephants from Neptune

http://soundcloud.com/elephants

Barthol Lo Meyor

http://www.fluon.blogspot.co.uk/

The line-up on Friday night: Machineries of Joy, Mart Avi & Ajukaja feat. Steve Vanoni and Mimicry.

This night attracted a different type of crowd. More adults, professionals, the capital’s "big wigs", DJ’s and fashionistas. It was a great experience catching up with the music scene in Estonia and not just the mainstream artists. I sensed quite a few bands had a progressive electro vibe in common.

"Machineries of Joy" performed an interesting mix of funky electro acoustic rhythm. At times it felt so surreal I thought it was Sunday even though it was a Friday night. I was eager to go out later and not straight to bed. 

"Mimicry" was the only band whose music I had heard before. Their video "Heat" is one awesome video. To me this duo’s performance was the highlight of the night. Upbeat, mind-blowing punk and electro mixed together. I could see the vibe in the room really reached the band's aim – to evoke emotions never felt before. Superb! 

During these two days I volunteered in the Gen club I realised that festivals are an excellent opportunity to enjoy the music and films for free. Cannot wait for the next opportunity!  

Machineries of Joy

http://soundcloud.com/machineriesofjoy

Mart Avi

http://soundcloud.com/martavi

Ajukaja

http://soundcloud.com/ajukaja

Mimicry

http://mimicry.varjend.com/

My Estonia on Instagram

My second night at the Tartuff love film festival.  

Previous memories of warm summer nights in Tartu had been replaced by a rather nippy weather. Many eager film lovers were present early again but this time wrapped in thick rainproof coats and blankets. 

Ever since I saw the program of Tartuff festival I was determined to see this particular film. Mainly because it is a foreign film depicting elements of real life situations in Arab countries. 

Where do we go now? is an excellent production by a female filmmaker who also stars as one of the main characters in the film. Nadine Labaki, a Lebanese director collected many awards with this film that portrays suffering and optimism in this isolated village where Muslims and Christians live together. It is a heart-warming and a humorous tale where a love interest emerges on the backdrop between a local bar owner, a beautiful widow and her charming decorator.

The film’s title was always in the spotlight telling the story how the wives joint forces and try avoiding violence occuring between the two religious parties. To me the most suprising moment was seeing one of the eldery widows washing his son with his daughter present in a rather modern bathroom. 

As a whole it is a long film. But the amusement brought by wives, widows and daughters to the remote and scenic location maintains a constant flow and viewers interest. Despite the religious conflict the film illustrates how faith and collectivism preserve life hopeful in this village. 

To me this film was definitely one of the best choices in Tartuff with a different approach on love. 

Interview with the filmmaker about the film. 

http://www.sonyclassics.com/wheredowegonow/presskit.pdf

Some moments of the love film festival Tartuff.

Love is in the air, was my first thought when I arrived at the town hall square in Tartu. The air felt slightly humid but pleasantly warm for a night out. It was the first day of the festival and I was off duty from volunteering. But to be honest I would have made my way to the square anyway, whether I was working or not.

The atmosphere was bustling, people everywhere: some singing on nearby benches, some eagerly waiting at the seating area for the film festival to kick off while others induldged themselves with a drink or two at the cafe bar lounges. 

In contrast to last year, the attendance at the opening night was incredible. An hour before the first film screening majority of the 1600 seats were already occupied. The employees at the cafes and bars located on the square were bringing out extra tables and chairs which I noticed being reserved already. Sharp at 10pm, the director of the PÖFF festival gave a brief and joyful speech. I was observing the violet shades of sunset behind the projection. It was an idyllic atmosphere for an open air cinema. 

George Melier's silent film A Trip to the Moon opened this year's love film festival. I remember glimpses of Melier's filmmaking career from Scorsese's film Hugo (2011). At first it seemed as if I was watching a theatre piece on a projection. For an early pioneering flm made in 1902 it was funny, accompanied with magical and multiple experimental elements. Melier was known for embedding illusions and fantasy in his work. A Trip to the Moon may not be everyone's cup of tea but the soundtrack does make the film more enjoyable and light-hearted even.

Next up was Naked Harbour (2012) by a Finnish filmmaker Aku Louhimes. Quite a few Estonians actors starred in this metropolitan love film. About half a way through the film I felt like I was watching a TV series. The central theme was love and hope portrayed in contemporary Helsinki. Fragile relationships, insecurity, money issues were all in the spotlight, making the film too realistic. Afterwards I heard a comment about the film: 'it was as if looking into someone's home.' Strange but this is exactly how I would describe it. I cannot say it was boring but rather dull. To me, Naked Harbour was a replica of Love Actually (2003) about relationships and love in a urban city.

The last and the third film of the night was The Beginners (2010). I had waited to see this film since it was released and I was disappointed. The story was told in a rather peculiar way with the scene selection going back and forth introducing new characters and events. I found the most fascinating seeing how the main character Oliver (McGregor) had grown into the person he was. As a love story it was sincere, even fragile at times emphasisng the beginners element in the film. To me this film was the highlight of the night even though I am not a big fan of Hollywood films.
  

Tartu love film festival Tartuff returns for its 7th year

6.-11th August 2012

"On love, with love. We can always dream, and sometimes, when you know how to put the vision into words, it’s said, dreams come true…... So, then, let's all set our minds to thinking about love – with love." 

It is a beautiful time to gather in southern Estonia where the annual love film festival takes place. During the warm and long summer nights the country's second biggest city, Tartu attracts many locals and visitors to enjoy the open air film festival. The program features over 24 films screened mostly at the town hall square. It is my second time at this festival, only this year I will be part of the volunteers brigage!

"With the help of leaders and visionaries in their respective fields, we’d like to turn it into a city wide cultural festival where the various fine arts would meet on the streets, squares and back lots. This year is the pilot project, with Town Hall Square and the films screened there still at the centre, but thanks to the leadership of Helen Sildna, we will also see youth ensembles (mainly from Tartu and vicinity) perform in courtyards and cafes. Berk Vaher has been invited to the Paulig tent to lively up Tartu’s summer literary life, and the city’s own stand-up comedians will take the stage. Young landscape architect Mari Rohtla will enrich the cityscape with her interactive landscape and urban architecture installations,"
says Tiina Lokk, Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival's director.

Earlier this sumer I took part of the Isola International Film Festival in Slovenia. I founded it a rewarding experience mainly because of the festival's low key exposure and relaxed atmosphere. Over the 5 days I watched many great films from vivid Bollywood cinema to documentaries about urban life, met few film critics and chatted to some of the filmmakers.

In a way Tartuff embodies a similar notion of a film festival as the one in Isola. Tartu is a relatively small university city, where many interesting art and culture events are being hosted for various age groups. This year the Tartu Music Week and Prima Vesta literature festival will also be part of the overall program. Georges Méliès science fiction film, A Trip to the Moon will be the opening film at the Tartuff.


For further information about the festival and program

http://2012.tartuff.ee/eng/home

Estonia

An abandoned house in Estonia

Final Creative Project

Over a period of 4 months on Friday and Saturday nights I travelled across central London looking for queues and people in crowds. Reflecting from personal experience as a street walker, alone at nighttimes where I joined the crowds and travelled with them. I observed how people behaved during late nights at their leisure time and followed some of them until early morning until they all went separate ways. At night the main streets of Camden, Clapham, Shoreditch, Leicester Square were flooded with people wandering on the streets, where flaneur’s, street walkers also melt in.