PHOTOGRAPHY
In her latest project photographer Wilma Hurskainen addresses foundations of feminism within the juxtaposition of contemporary photographic art vs. the tradition of family photographs. “Growth – Kasvu” explores these ideas by recreating photographs of Hurskainen and her three sisters taken by her father in their youth and placing the original alongside the recreation, taken by Hurskainen.
Changes in the scenery or landscape over the past however-many years are an easy indicator of Hurskainen’s failure at replication, as is the obvious growth of the four sisters as they overpower situations they had once been so diminutive in. On closer inspection, however, one can see a deeper appropriation of the artist’s achievement and expectant failure within the poses and characters of the four sisters themselves.
StrutType, a new iPhone app, gives both amateur and professional photographers the ability to turn their photos into turn-of-the-century works of art. iOS app developer Christine Summers of Ultimate Chemistry and media relations guru Neil Alumkal, and President of Stuntman PR, collaborated to bring this unique app to life. The app recreates dry-plate photography between 1875 and 1920. It features a range of 20 filters, black & white, gray tones, sepia, greens and cyans combined with period-specific canvases, textures, watermarking, vignettes, light-leak effects and frames. “The wood and brass Strut folding camera introduced the first portable, dry plate photography in our history. It was actually the flaws of the process that gave images of that era a character that’s been lost ever since,” explains Summers, President of Ultimate Chemistry. “The light leaks, the vignetting, the canvas, the frames, the random blurs and the tinting culminated to create a certain magic that’s almost unachievable now. This is the first time in a century where you can get that look without an extreme amount of antique shopping.”
As the work week winds up, you’ve probably got a lot on your mind. Anticipating the weekend can make the hours go slower. We promise we won’t tell that you’re sneaking a peek at the internet to pass the time. In fact, we’ll introduce you to a great artist who also has a lot on her mind too.
The subway system in New York is the great unifier. It’s the only place in the city where people from all walks of life, with entirely different destinations, and not one word to say to one another are in a pretty intimate space. It’s not just complaining about train delays that bring people together, however. According to photographer Ourit Ben-Haim, it’s the worlds we escape to in a good book on those trains that brings us together as well.
Ben-Haim loves reading and she loves seeing others read. There’s something magical about a person engrossed in a good book. The image was inspiring enough that in 2008 Ben-Haim snapped a photo of a person reading on the subway with her cell phone camera and it spawned a project that’s been going on for years and now has a huge following of people who check daily for more. The idea is simple, but it captures so much about Ben-Haim’s subjects, and about New York itself.
There are plenty of photographers whose work can catch our eye in an instant. There’s nothing quite like the world viewed through another person’s lens. Even the most simple photo tells a story, reveals parts of the photograph bit by bit. Kylie Woon, a brilliant young photographer, tells more through her camera than words could say. Her work is an exploration of emotion through a surreal filter.
Banksy is perhaps one of, if not the, most celebrated street artists of our time. Even for people who hate his work, one or two pieces stand out as favorites. Well, brace yourselves, readers, because things are about to get meta. Meet Nick Stern, a Los Angeles-based British photographer. His photography has taken him all around the world, to over 45 countries. Right now, however, he’s known for bringing the world Bansky’s created into fleshy, spongy life.
When you think fashion photography, you think Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott. The team is best known for their stunning magazine covers, ads, and spreads of famous leading ladies. They have photographed the likes of Kate Moss, Jennifer Lopez, Madonna, and Penelope Cruz, just to name a few.
Family photos are are a disaster and major pain for all the years we have to put up with them. There’s a brief period between college and marriage for freedom from portrait obligation, but they come back full force once we start families. Worse, family portraits come back and we’re the ones that want them. If Awkward Family Photos isn’t enough evidence, have a quick look through some old family albums. The results aren’t pretty, but they’re a big excuse to come together as a family for one day. They’re evidence that your family exists, and despite how terrible some family pictures can be, they capture some pretty good times in life.
Today it's hard to imagine a world without street style fashion blogs. Interestingly, these popular websites are a phenomenon that has only emerged over the past 10 years. Now, sites like The Sartorialist, Jak & Jil, and Face Hunter, are household names in the world of fashion enthusiasts.
Fashion photography has already brought us some some out of this world creations, and we’re not just talking about the clothes they’re supposed to be displaying. While the majority of what we see in catalogues and magazines are static photos, fashion photography has always been an art. Some photo spreads tell impossible stories. Models can be skydiving, underwater, on the moon, or lost in nature. You name it and it’s been done. That’s why we were pleasantly surprised to see some fashion photos that still surprised us and made us want to see more. Matt Wisniewski brings a little of the absurd back to fashion photography in his series Futur Couture.
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