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Describing photographs22 Describing photographs01 Describing photographs02 Describing photographs03 Describing photographs04 Describing photographs05 Describing photographs06 Describing photographs07 Describing photographs08 Describing photographs09 Describing photographs10 Describing photographs11 Describing photographs12 Describing photographs13 Describing photographs14 Describing photographs15 Describing photographs16 Describing photographs17 Describing photographs18 Describing photographs19 Describing photographs20 Describing photographs21 The Exhibit Review Paper Since 1985 the Museum of Modern Art NY has been presenting work of new photographers in an annual series of exhibits. Eight 2020 photographers are listed on the MoMA website in a show called Companion Pieces: New Photography 2020.
Write a five-page review on the photographer you are assigned. Read Terry Barrett’s Describing Photographs from his book Criticizing Photographs for in- depth analysis on why description is integral to understanding photography. Things to include in your paper: • A descriptive overview of the exhibit • Tell as much about the artist as is relevant to the show o Include research you have done on the artist. Where is the artist from? Does the photographer’s gender, race, religion, political views come into play in the work?
Research past work, publications, interviews and reviews (both positive and negative) if available. • Describe the physical properties of the work (Form). Select a few images and write about them. o Include titles and dates, subject matter, medium, style or genre, type of presentation • Compare and contrast o With the work of other photographers o With the photographers previous work o Can comparisons be made to historical periods, to paintings, literature or any other media? • Use your descriptions and comparisons to interpret the work. The essay will be boring if it is nothing but a series of facts and figures. The reader should be able to understand something about the content of the work based on your interpretation of it. • Your evaluation of the work will most likely be mixed with your interpretation. Don’t write phrases like, “I liked†or “I hated†any aspect of the show. (In fact avoid using the first person in your essay.) Let your descriptions and interpretation lead the reader to your evaluation.
Paper for above instructions
Exhibit Review: Companion Pieces – New Photography 2020 at the Museum of Modern Art, New YorkIntroduction
The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York has consistently served as a dynamic platform for emerging photographers through its annual exhibitions, showcasing innovative work that often reflects contemporary social and cultural themes. In 2020, the exhibition "Companion Pieces" presented eight new photographers, each contributing distinctive voices within the contemporary photographic landscape. This essay will primarily focus on one of the artists featured in this exhibit, analyzing their work, its underlying themes, and its significant contribution to the evolution of photography as an art form.
Descriptive Overview of the Exhibit
"Companion Pieces" positions itself as a compelling dialogue between the photographers' individual narratives, providing a multidimensional understanding of what it means to be a photographer in a rapidly changing world. Each work invites viewers to engage not only with the images but also with their broader social and cultural contexts. The photographs encompass diverse topics, from personal explorations of identity and memory to broader commentaries on societal issues. The exhibit dissects the conventional boundaries of photography, encouraging the audience to reconsider how images affect perceptions of reality.
Artist Background: [Photographer's Name]
[Photographer's Name], hailing from [Artist’s Location], is a notable figure in contemporary photography whose work often navigates the intersection of [Gender, Race, Sexuality, and Political Viewpoints]. [Photographer’s Name]’s background greatly informs the thematic essence of their work. Scholars such as [Author 1] argue that [Photographer's Name]'s [gender/race] informs their artistic lens, enabling exploration of [specific social themes]. Interestingly, [Photographer’s Name] employs photography not just as a means of documentation, but as a form of personal and social introspection.
In previous works, [Photographer's Name] has been heavily influenced by [relevant artistic movements or historical periods], reflecting a strong engagement with [describe themes or issues dealt with in the past works]. Their contributions have garnered critical acclaim, with reviews from reliable sources such as [Publisher 1] and [Publisher 2] highlighting the profound emotional resonance present in their imagery. However, critiques from [Critic’s Name], suggesting that [insert specific criticism] add a nuanced layer to their artistic journey.
Physical Properties of the Work
Focusing on specific photographs from "Companion Pieces," we encounter works such as [Title of Image 1] (Date) and [Title of Image 2] (Date). Each of these photographs exudes a distinct stylistic approach, revealing the meticulous attention to detail that characterizes [Photographer’s Name]'s oeuvre.
For instance, [Title of Image 1] features [describe the subject matter and composition]. The use of [medium, e.g., digital photography, analog techniques] imbues the image with a sense of [describe emotional or aesthetic quality, e.g., nostalgia, tension]. Similarly, [Title of Image 2] presents a contrasting tone, focusing on [describe its subject and artistic choices], which embodies ideas of [insert thematic relevance, e.g., cultural identity, societal critique].
The presentation of these photographs within the gallery—whether framed or mounted—complements their narrative, inviting viewers to immerse themselves fully in the visual experience (Barrett, 2015).
Comparative Analysis
In the context of contemporary photography, [Photographer's Name]'s work can be juxtaposed with that of other artists such as [Other Photographer’s Name]. While both artists engage with personal narratives, [Other Photographer's Name] tends to adopt a more [describe the other artist’s approach], whereas [Photographer's Name]'s focus remains grounded in the intimate complexities of [specific themes prevalent in their work].
Moreover, comparing [Photographer’s Name]'s current works with previous exhibitions reveals an evolution in style and conceptual engagement. Early works may have leaned more towards [describe earlier thematic or stylistic approaches], while the current pieces in "Companion Pieces" reflect a more confident engagement with [insert complex themes]. This transformation not only reflects the artist’s growth but also resonates with the shifting paradigms of contemporary photography, emphasizing its role as a powerful medium for social commentary (Sekula, 1999).
In exploring potential historical influences, parallels can be drawn between [Photographer's Name]'s approach and that of [Historical Artist or Movement], particularly in their exploration of [thematic commonality]. The interplay between historical contexts and modern expressions in their work enriches the viewer's understanding of photography as a reflective art form that evolves alongside societal changes.
Interpretation and Evaluation
Photography transcends mere representation; it captures moments, emotions, and ideas that resonate with viewers on multiple levels. In the case of [Photographer’s Name], their work provokes deep contemplation surrounding [insert themes—identity, memory, cultural perceptions]. A thorough engagement with themes of [explore specific themes] reveals how the photographer invites viewers into a shared experience that challenges preconceived notions of reality (Sontag, 1977).
The imagery in "Companion Pieces" is not simply aesthetic; it serves as a commentary on broader societal narratives while simultaneously telling intimate personal stories. Such duality in interpretation allows viewers to find personal connections to the work, leading to a nuanced evaluation that transcends simple positive or negative judgment (Barrett, 2015).
Conclusion
In summary, [Photographer's Name]'s participation in the "Companion Pieces" exhibit at MoMA highlights the vitality and depth of contemporary photography. Through thoughtful exploration of themes that reflect their unique perspective shaped by personal and social experiences, they contribute significantly to discussions about identity, culture, and representation. The blend of visual language with reflective narrative not only solidifies their role as a pivotal voice in current photographic discourse but also engages audiences in deeper dialogues about the world around them.
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References
1. Barrett, T. (2015). Criticizing Photographs. New York: McGraw-Hill.
2. Sekula, A. (1999). Fish Story. Düsseldorf: Richter Verlag.
3. Sontag, S. (1977). On Photography. New York: Delta.
4. [Author 1]. (Year). Title of work. Publisher.
5. [Publisher 1]. (Year). Title of review. Publisher.
6. [Publisher 2]. (Year). Title of review. Publisher.
7. [Other Photographer’s Name]. (Year). Title of work. Publisher.
8. [Critic’s Name]. (Year). Title of criticism. Publisher.
9. [Insert relevant academic articles].
10. [Insert additional credible sources based on relevant themes or topics].
This framework serves as a detailed outline of how to structure the review based on the exhibition "Companion Pieces" at MoMA, ensuring critical engagement with the works presented while adhering to academic standards in terms of referencing and analysis.