Artist Review #12: LoftCube Inc.

Designed by Studio Aisslinger, LoftCube Inc. is a German-based conceptual architectural project. Reminiscent of Walter Gropius' "Glass Box" theory, this is a physical manifestation of the Modernist ideal. In the height of Modernism (the 20s and 30s), the architect Walter Gropious defined the architectural movement as an elimination of excessive ornamentation. The way to best accomplish this purely functional goal would be to create a living space comprised entirely of necessary elements: a glass box.

When viewing this cube in Stumbleupon, I was struck by its simplicity and its adherence to the International Modernist Style. Even though most architects are now straying towards Postmodernism-- a more homey version of its predecessor-- this living space is evidence that the once popular movement has not lost its following.

I can't stop thinking about what it would be like to live in a glass cube. There would be almost an uninhibited freedom between myself and the external world. As a nature lover, I find this appealing. However, despite the attraction of this style of living, I can't help but think that I may miss the privacy. If the world were a more open, inviting place and everyone's external affairs were publicized by means of open living space, I would feel completely comfortable following suit. But to be the only one airing my dirty laundry in a literal sense would likely cause discomfort and uneasiness. Thus, while I love the idea of a glass cube and the lifestyle that it affords, it would only be feasible to have such a life if it were to be shared amongst the American and global population.

Link: http://www.loftcube.net/loftcube_project/

Artist Review #11: Thomas Holtkotter

I found Thomas Holtkotter's work on a site dedicated to recognizing amazing examples of architectural photography. The last image in this series was posted on this site and I couldn't stop admiring it. One of my photo professors in Italy once said that you can tell a successful photograph because it's one you feel jealous of. One that you wish that you had taken. Well, I'm completely jealous of this photograph.

I love the way Holtkotter uses unique vantage points for all of his images. He plays a lot with cropping, as seen in the last image specifically. His top image is one that I would have taken; he uses an upwards angle to capture the geometric spaces formed through both positive and negative space. The other images are more unlike my own, yet I admire his ability to use a centrally situated design in a stunning and captivating way.

Viewing Holtkotter's images make me aware of my own style of shooting. I think from now on, I should be willing to pay attention to the positive and negative space formed in the cavities of the building itself and not just settle for the interaction between the building and the natural environment.

Link: http://Gunstpanause.1x.com/p/Home

Artist Review #10: Julia Fullterton-Batten

Julia Fullerton-Batten has a resume that makes me jealous; she's worked for New York Magazine, Ford, and the Sunday Times. She's one of the few photographers that can actually make a living doing what she excels at. The first image I saw of hers was the bottom one. At first glace, it seemed really posed and I wasn't sure if that was intentional or not. As I continued to peruse her work, I saw that many of the images shared this surrealistic, hyperrealistic feel. Especially in the top image, the world is completely and obviously distorted. This work was part of her series entitled "Teenage Stories." All of the pieces in this series show large adolescents in a too-small world; Batten uses this as a metaphor for growing up-- big fish in a small pond-esque.

I frequently find myself drawn to surrealist artists, though I find this strange, as my work revolves around the real and the concrete (literally). For such a theoretical person, I find the actuality of my images to be helpful in trying to view the world at face value. If I were to draw images based upon my dreams, I feel I would lose all touch with reality. (My dreams are always epically surreal and generally nightmarish.) Creating photographs and objects based upon the real world is a way to keep myself centered and a way to remain at least somewhat grounded. So while I choose to devote my time to creating works based upon visual realities, I love to view works that mimic my surreal thought processes.

Link: http://www.juliafullerton-batten.com/

Artist Review #9: Bernd and Hilla Becher

The Bechers have been discussed in every photography class I've ever taken. When viewed as single images, their work is nothing special, but when seen in a series, it becomes overpowering. These images are particularly captivating for me, since they depict one of my current obsessions: grain elevators. Specifically, the grain elevators of Buffalo. I try to travel there as much as possible (or as much as my substandard freelancing funds will allow) to photograph them in new ways. Here's an example:

I love the curvature of the central angle in this photograph. Though the grain elevators were never intended to serve as the inspiration for the International Modernist Style of the 20s and 30s, there were some measures taken to make them more aesthetically appealing. Like painting their cornices. In this image, you can just see the black paint where the concrete meets the whiteness of the sky. A completely unnecessary detail, but one I find myself drawn to. Along with the concrete itself. Most modern buildings used concrete or steel. When poured concrete is used, wooden boards hold the substance in place until it dries. This leaves lines (formed by the separate wood panels). Generally, these divisions are sanded off, but as seen in this image, the ones on the Connecting Terminal Elevator were left on. Likely due to a lack of necessity, I still find this amazing; the production of these structures is still evident, even when they are crumbling.

Link: http://www.buffalohistoryworks.com/grain/