Duane Michals (who created two pieces we have looked at in class – “Necessary Things for Writing Fairy Tunes” and “Things Are Queer”) manipulates photos in order to question the perception of self and time. Though we are focusing in class on Michals, the article went into in-depth detail on other photomontage artists and how their work allows viewers to think critically.
When analyzing Michal’s photomontages, I find the issue of identity as a reoccurring element in his work. More specifically, article shows the image “The True Identity of a Man”, which toys with opacity in order to create question on gender. The article discusses how in Michal’s pieces we are “looking at an illusion”, which can confuse the viewer. In order to grasp Michal’s artistic concept, I had to understand why he uses photomontage techniques such as opacity and “perspectival space”.
A concept I found interesting in the article was the discussion of syntax (usually associated with grammar and language) and its relation to photomontages. Constructivist El Lissitsky is described by Edward Tufte in terms of an artistic syntax in order to emphasize the order of his image.
An image I found very disturbing was Val Telberg’s Untitled piece. The tone of the piece is set by its dark color and emphasis on the silhouettes of what seems to be people. The photomontage uses its color and lack of orientation to its advantage in order to create an eerie feeling in the viewer.
The following piece is by Michals which explores the idea of identity, evident through its title – “Who Am I”
Duane Michals really does seem to focus on identity. I also find it interesting how he does primarily black and white photography, which can reflect a person's identity. He truly shows how it can be difficult a person to find himself/herself.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your statement that Michals does tend to focus on identity alot. I find that to be the most intersting thing about Michals--that he is questioning something that we all ask ourselves everyday. I feel like the piece that you have included is so complex. Not only is he questioning our society's perception of beauty, but he is also questioning our own perceptions of beauty. Finally, he is getting at the age-old question: Who am I? Is there more to me than my physical appearance? Is there something else inside of me?
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