The Perfection of the Imperfect

Just got emailed about this and it could not have come at a better time. Kudos Mr Dan Hunt. The experimental techniques to explore the fine line between reality and imagination is just what I need to see right now, as it echoes exactly the challenge I face of how to light and depict something that is numinous, of the unconscious, formless yet distinct and recognisable and that has the feeling tone of a dream about it. The image i have seen from the flyer is already really inspiring. Definitely going to this.

Opening night: Monday 22nd Feb 6-8 pm

Group Photography Exhibition: Roberta Cucchiaro, Ola Konopka, Miguel Cardoso De Brito, Duncan Coulter, Sam Bland, Meurig Gallagher, James Andow and Dina Pina

February 23rd to February 27th 2010

A collection of unusual and explorative Photographs that set out to examine and challenge the notion of the perfect image, aiming to reveal that beauty is found in imperfection.


The perfection of the iMperfect brings together 8 inspiring photographers who will exhibit together as a collective for the first time in this experimental and exciting exhibition. Emerging from a variety of multicultural backgrounds, experiences and studies these photographers all share the same passion for taking pictures. Via a collection of unusual and explorative images the photographers set out to examine and challenge the notion of the perfect image, aiming to reveal that beauty is found in imperfection.

Within The perfection of the iMperfect the fine line between reality and imagination is crossed. The images depict subjects photographed from unusual angles, with the use of soft focus, dim or extremely strong lighting, pale or bright colors. By using these techniques the photographers impact upon the viewers’ conscious playing with tensions between the familiar and the strange. Questioning what reality is, this exhibition encourages the viewer to acknowledge that what surrounds them does not consist of perfect forms only, and that those forms are prone to damages and distortions, whilst simultaneously creating a version of our reality.

Exhibiting photographers are: Roberta Cucchiaro, Ola Konopka, Miguel Cardoso De Brito, Duncan Coulter, Sam Bland, Meurig Gallagher, James Andow and Dina Pina.

The Private View will be held on the 22nd February 6- 8pm, where all are invited to view the work and meet participating artists.

The Shamen

Change of plan...first the shamen. Here is some info...

The word shaman comes from the Russian and ultimately Tungusic saman which pervades into Sanskrit as samana ascetic. Shamanism is a form of communication with natural forms of conscious energy which may effect health and disease luck and misfortune and one's state of awareness in relation to natural phenomena usually involving entering a trance like state.

Shamanism is very widespread across human cultures, but has a distinct strong historical tradition sourcing from the Mongol areas from Siberia south. These traditions are very old, and run back into the paleolithic, having a roughly contempraneous emergence with the earliest fertility goddess figurines, and representing the skills of the hunt as seen in caves such as Lascaux. From this Mongol source area shamanistic practice spread west to Eastern Europe, south to Tibet, where Bön shamanism underlies Tibetan Buddhism and ever east and south, down the Americas. The correspondence between shaman and the ascetic in Sanscrit illustrates the deep relationship also between shamanism and Eastern mysticism. However the world over, in ethic tribal societies, shamanistic practices have been commonplace.

Common to shamanistic practice is entering a trance state, which may be induced by repetitious drumming, dance, hardship and deprivation, illness, madness or a variety of plant substances including the hallucinogens. A key aspect of shamanism is that it is a way which embraces a deep relationship with nature. It respects nature and the power of natural vision.

Could write mountains more on this but no time now...will come back to it. This was shot in the studio with live african drumming and subject attempted to enter a trance like state through dance and other means.

Got a variety of responses to this image.....honest constructive feedback more than appreciated. I think the light needs tweaking but have not had time to spend in photoshop yet .......next week I hope. I really like this one.

Remembering the point ...

Amidst the constant mind bombs of digital cultures lectures, the lingering cabbage brain of the habermas new year and the massive research involved in doing the archetypes project, I had not gotten around to doing what I love best for ages. That is, wandering around and just looking at the world until I see something that makes me go "WOW" and then being absorbed in taking pictures of it until the rest of the world completely falls away. There is such an intense feeling of flow when this happens and I am always left afterwards with a sense of deep relaxation and contentment. This was the point afterall in me doing an MA in photography in the first place!!! SO this morning was such a morning and some of the pictures are in this post and the two above. They were taken with my mobile phone which has a cracked lens and is therefore not used very often but it was what I had to hand and then quickly flung through photoshop. Tonight I am starting work in the studio on Project one and finally it seems, remembering the point!

RILKE

“One space spreads through all creatures equally
– Inner-world-space. Birds quietly flying
go Flying through us.”

Artist Archetype

The first archetype I want to shoot is that of 'The Artist', which has numerous interesting myths surrounding it in contemporary culture, in particular with reference to it's shadow aspect in the form of madness, addiction, ruination etc! Can see how I want it to look really clearly in my mind and as it's a pretty simple set-up I think it's a good place to start. Having mild bouts of panic at the scale of the task ahead, interspersed with excitement but need to start on one that is less technically challenging for my own peace of mind. Interminable head scratching will be arriving soon enough.

I found it described nicely as "The Artist archetype embodies the passion to express a dimension of life that is just beyond the five senses and is animated with the energy to express it into physical forms".

Bring on lots of body paint, a beautiful subject with flaming red hair.....and worryingly some mask making this week. hhhhmmm

Re the body paint, Rankin is an incredible inspiration for this and in fact most of the really incredible work he has done is much better viewed on his website as it's not easily found using image searches on the web.