The theme for my project was ‘expression through abstraction’. I wanted to look at how techniques such as collaging, and abstraction of portraiture can give a piece an expressionist aesthetic. I started by looking at portraiture and the different ways in which I could abstract an image/portrait. I also wanted to incorporate the colour theory into my work as I believe that this helped me grasp the ideas behind giving my work more of an ‘emotional’ approach.
In this project, I explore the subject of manhood and masculinity. Specifically, from a biological stand point, what differentiates men from their sexual counterparts; what traits are innate to men from a biological and evolutionary standpoint, such as competitiveness or dominance; from an anatomical stand point – build, muscle tone, facial sexual dimorphism – and how these traits have been gradually restrained and altered over time and up to contemporary society.
Why do men have thicker bones, broader shoulders? Are these traits, stemming from a primitive age, useless in modern civilisation? Aside from these physical traits of typical masculinity. What are the mental features which distinguish men from women? I plan to explore through colour psychology and symbolism, a range of different colours and combinations that attribute male psychology, e.g., coolness of emotion via cool colours, but on the other end of the spectrum of male temperament, testosterone-induced passion via warm colours.
In my research, I have responded to the works of Da Vinci’s anatomical drawings. I have made drawings inspired by his scientific dissections of muscles and bones of men; furthermore, I have also to make use of his materials, such as quill pens and chalks. On top of that, I made art in response to STELARC’s biotic limbs and organs, which has helped to pose the question of how important the evolutionary traits of men are in the modern world when considering the integration of technology into our daily lives. This is a major concern in the work industry with labourers losing their jobs to machines – what’s the need for strength when a machine is several times more efficient?
A-Level Photography allows learners the opportunity to express themselves creatively while exploring ideas and concepts that are personal and meaningful. This is clearly demonstrated across the wonderful work created by this years A-Level cohort. I could not be prouder of the work and achievements made by each member of the Photography group.
Learners often choose issues within society as a means to connect their Photography to an audience. The course consistently challenges them to problem solve and improve both quality and concept as they progress. This ultimately prepares them for both industry and Higher Education.
Industry-standard software and equipment are embedded throughout the course to again support progression, exploring the Creative Cloud Adobe Suite with programs such as Photoshop and Lightroom for image editing, along with InDesign to create their stunning portfolios and project work. To allow for a deeper understanding of photography, learners are encouraged to work with both modern and traditional techniques such as darkroom and Cyanotypes. This 2-year programme builds theoretical and practical knowledge to allow our learners the creative means to express themselves through Photography.
I hope you enjoy exploring the work from this year’s Photography learners.
Simon Morris, A-Level Photography Tutor, Dudley Sixth
In this project, I explored the portrayal of monochromatic still life photography, examining the differing ways to adjust and manipulate a photograph through compositional techniques.
I had a diverse set of inspiration from the photographers I chose, allowing me to experiment broadly within the darkroom as well as at home, with various mediums and objects. I looked thoroughly at shadow, lighting, placement, texture and detail, identifying how to assemble an image appropriately with my given objects.
I then went on to produce two distinct final images, done in two different styles, all depicting the techniques accumulated within the entire investigation.
Project Title: Every Day (The Life of a Key Worker in the Pandemic)
My investigation combines the principles of Cinematography and Photography to build a narrative exploring the repetitive every day feeling through the national lockdowns.
Due to the coronavirus pandemic being a heavy influence in my work along with the entire country being locked inside their homes. I wanted to investigate every day life and show beauty in the mundane. I followed a key worker and used my developing cinematic style to create a 52-piece narrative titled “Every Day” to show the life of a key worker in the pandemic.
In my project, I explored various avenues within staged photography, exploring a range of photography techniques in attempt to bring awareness to the beauty of objects which we come across on a day-to-day basis.
After a broad range of experimentation, both using traditional and modern, digital techniques, I became heavily influenced by lighting techniques, the use of texture and elevation, in combination with the contemporary style of commercialised photography, using processes such as light painting and image stacking to produce visually engaging images of the highest quality results so that they can be appreciated in the fullest.
My three final outcomes combined a wide range of skills and styles carried forth from previous, successful developments, with the presence of water and wood helping to introduce a greater range of texture to the scene, both stylising it whilst making it more interesting to view, isolating the focus towards the beautiful subject, elevated in the scene.
Throughout my project I have explored the variety and diverse range of an overlooked group of organisms known as the insects. I have been able to show off the detail and microstructures of these insects via the use of extreme macro photography.
As the project developed, so did the quality and unique look of the images, influenced by exploration of different techniques and inspiration from other photographers.
The ability to show off the different structures and details of the insects progressed through the project until I created my final outcomes using thousands of images and a technique using image stacking. This was a series of images, three groups of three, depicting the head the full body and the insect’s finer details.
With the end of my time at Dudley Sixth Form I am now moving onto the University of Falmouth to complete a Marine and Natural History Photography course.
My personal investigation, titled ‘Solitude’, explored the multi-layered nature loneliness, and how we as people can either enjoy being within our own company, or we can suffer from being isolated and alone. Through a varied use of image techniques, and overall, two separate styles, I have been able to convey these different feelings to my audience.
I have used both studio and street photography to communicate these opposing sides of Solitude visually, by experimenting with clear, crisp and contrasted styles to represent the way in which people are happy being by themselves. On the other hand, my use of a murkier, darker approach helped me to convey the struggle that can come with being alone. The grainier the image, the more this idea of negativity was expressed, and the brighter and more contrasted the image, the more this sense of daily life and optimism was conveyed.
As I am finishing college, I am going pursue a career in Photography or the Digital Arts.
Within my project, I explored the concept of ‘Mental Health’ through digital manipulation and mixed media. Incorporating ideas predominantly from Edward Honaker and Rosanna Jones, I used a multitude of techniques to support my work. I was able to develop new ways to present the idea of struggle and everyday feelings of a person. Some of these include distortion through application of materials, blurring, fragments, paint and more.
The main focus of my project was to symbolise the importance of mental health, presenting an alternative and new perception of this concept. When deciding on a final piece, I chose to use multiple models to present this idea through paint. I took into consideration technique and colour to link to the idea of mental health along with working at a larger scale.
I am now going onto study History at the University of Chester.
My project explores the concept of identity, memories and age. I viewed how one’s younger self could still shine through besides their aged exterior and physical appearance – and what is deemed to be their ‘golden point’ in life.
I researched into the history of gold in art and its representation in religious art and how the viewer could interpret its meaning in various ways. I also looked at the development of childhood drawings and how the development of children’s artwork can reflect their own personal experiences hence being a visual representation of their identity.
My intent was to explore highly detailed portraiture with multiple layers of mixed media – which this mainly consisted of watercolour, coloured pencil, fine liner and gouache to further reflect to layers to ones identity and personality.
