Studio Lighting
FALL 2011: The Conceptual Portrait—— 15%
Prints Due: November 1st
Contact Sheets Due: October 13th
Part I: The Staged Body
Due: 1 —Black and White 11”x14” Print
1 ——13” x 19” Digital Print
Lauren Kelly “Picken”
For this part of the assignment create two different conceptually driven and staged portraits or self-portraits which explore/challenge/redefine stereotypes in relation to gender, class or race. You can address any idea you like. One portrait should be printed in black and white and shot on black and white film and the other portrait should be printed in color and shot digitally in color. You should complete 1-2 rolls of black and white film and 2-3 digital contact sheets (24 images per sheet).
Hank Thomas Willis “Branded”
Part II: Subverting the Message
Due: 1—- 13” x19” Digital Print
For this part of the assignment create an image that subverts the message of an advertisement. Find an advertisement which relies on traditional modes of beauty and perpetuates stereotypes about race, gender or class. Then either re-create the image altering key elements or borrow from it so that you have created your own message. You may alter the image digitally if you like.
Technical Objectives:
Demonstrate Technical Proficiency in the Lighting Studio
Properly expose with both film and digital in the studio
Manage and balance color
Demonstrate advanced black and white printing skills
Demonstrate an awareness of color theory
Explore props and costume in the studio
Demonstrate the ability to reproduce the lighting structure of an advertisement
Conceptual Component/Objectives:
Push the conceptual boundaries of the traditional portrait
Use lighting as a tool to convey content
Consider what it means to “stage” your subject or self based on a concept
Consider identity in relation to gender, race and/or class
Consider how the lighting studio has historically perpetuated steretypes of the gaze
Consider Allen Trachtenburg’s idea that the lighting studio is a “Theater of Desire”
Explore notions of beauty in the context of the readings and the visit of Deborah Willis
Artists to Consider:
Renee Cox http://reneecox.org/
Cindy Sherman http://www.cindysherman.com/
Yinka Shonibare http://www.yinkashonibarembe.com/
Yasumasa Morimura http://www.saatchi gallery.co.uk/artists/yasumasa_morimura.htm
Barbara Kruger http://www.barbarakruger.com/
Hank Willis Thomas http://hankwillisthomas.com/
Carrie Mae Weems http://carriemaeweems.net/
Cig Harvey http://www.cigharvey.com/
Andres Serrano http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-KyPq3XvwGo
http://we-make-money-not-art.com/archives/2006/11/yesterday-eveni-1.php
Please note:
Since everyone will need access to the studio please use your time effectively and return all equipment to it’s original state. Also, if you are signed up for time and don’t use it please inform your colleagues of the open slot.
