Carl Andre, of Quincy, Massachusetts, is a famous photographer and modern minimalist artist, ironically known for his sculpture work rather than photography. Andre is well known
Photo One
A photo which acts as a good introduction to the Quincy photoshoot I will be studying as research. As expected, this pictures signage relating to the American town Andre grew up in, notifying the area's operations to people in the areas. In my opinion, it connotes an idea revolving around the "restricted area" signage, and how it may link to Andre's portrayal of the town. It gives a feeling of hostility and governmental authority, so as a first impression this area seems to make you feel unwanted or shunned by the land. Moreover, it shows the town's dark municipal underbelly of industry rather than what the lavish town centre may otherwise look like.
Photo Two
One of Andre's personal favourites of the shoot was shot here in a cemetery, where Andre found, by coincidence, a gravestone etched with his Surname (though, it's likely to be one of his ancestors due to it being his hometown). There is a serious vibe of mortality which can be studied through this photo - a reminder of how our own lives are temporary in the bigger picture. Moreover, the fact it shares the name with the photographer further adds to the existentialism which is so apparent to the eye and mind. It serves as a reminder for why life should be lived to the fullest, so as to get the most out of your time here.
I picked this photo in particular not only because of its fame in the photoshoot and Andre's portfolio, but also for the reason that I would like to pursue meaningful photography which makes the brain think much more in-depth into the study of the photo and connotations, rather than just think the image looks nice.
Photo Three
The penultimate photo I've chosen is of a recently abandoned stock of wood and timber, likely left over the winter after the area was covered by snow. It represents the industry and self-sufficiency of Quincy, and how the area is likely proud for its timber production and forestry. Furthermore, the photo also hints at the area itself. As you'd expect, this photo is on the fringe of civilisation, between Tundra and Temperate. Outside of Boston, this is something you'd expect as the town of Quincy is actually further north than New York.
This freezing area truly presents how Quincy must feel to Andre. It's a feeling of abandonment and disarray, devoid of human activity, yet filled with humanity.
Photo Four
To close off the research, we take a glance at a small jetty for sending boats from land into open water. This jetty is quite clearly that of a 20th-century creation, being left to rot in disuse. Once again, this links to the representation of Quincy's identity, whereas we see things unmaintained once they aren't of use, and much of the town feels like it's been emptied. It almost serves as a reminder of what the town's history shows - it's quite possible to be one of the towns which had masses of natural resources in the 1900s, meaning the moment the money dried up people fled for the next town. It truly shows a town past its peak, now falling back into a quaint village once more, blending into the rural landscape outside Boston.
No comments:
Post a Comment