February 27, 2012

Photographs by Barry Underwood

Artist’s Statement: 

These images are documentations of full-scale installations that are built on-site in the landscape. Using illusion, imagination, and narrative, my photographs explore the potential of the ordinary. I approach my photographic work with a theatrical sensibility, much like a cinematographer or set designer would. By reading the landscape and altering the vista through lights and photographic effects, I transform everyday scenes into unique images. Light and color alter the perception of space, while defamiliarizing common objects. Space collapses, while the lights that I install appear as intrusions and interventions. This combination renders the forms in the landscape abstract. Inspired by cinema, land art, and contemporary painting, the resulting photographs are both surreal and familiar. They suggest a larger narrative, and yet that narrative remains elusive and mystifying.

 [via: arthistoryx]

(Source: barryunderwood.com)

2:32pm  |   URL: http://tmblr.co/ZcohMyH85jUW
(Notes: 89)
  
Filed under: art art history photography supernatural light cool awesome amazing 
November 5, 2011
For 16 days straight, from dawn to dusk, five highly determined Montreal-based artists (who make up the artist run collectiveA’shop) worked on a graffiti mural of a Mother Nature-esque Madonna or a modern-day version of “Our Lady of Grace.” Inspired by Czech Art Nouveau painter Alphonse Mucha, the crew created this breathtakingly beautiful five story mural using 500 cans of spray paint in over 50 different colors. Read More 

For 16 days straight, from dawn to dusk, five highly determined Montreal-based artists (who make up the artist run collectiveA’shop) worked on a graffiti mural of a Mother Nature-esque Madonna or a modern-day version of “Our Lady of Grace.” Inspired by Czech Art Nouveau painter Alphonse Mucha, the crew created this breathtakingly beautiful five story mural using 500 cans of spray paint in over 50 different colors.

Read More 

4:04pm  |   URL: http://tmblr.co/ZcohMyBY3rHL
(Notes: 1,280)
  
Filed under: art art history street art painting mucha art noveau awesome cool 
August 19, 2011
psychedelichip: A stunning young woman walks down a street in Florence, her head held high. All around, men playfully gawk at her grace and beauty. Just then the camera shutter snaps. “American Girl in Italy” is among the most popular snapshots of all time, and it’s turning 60 years old this month. The photo, which was shot in 1951, perfectly captures the fun and romance of being abroad. In honor of its birthday, Ninalee Craig, the subject of the photo spoke with the “Today” show about what happened behind the scenes and what the photo really represents. In her “Today” appearance, Craig spoke about how, despite what some might say, the photo isn’t a “symbol of harassment.” Craig insists that the image is “a symbol of a woman having an absolutely wonderful time.” Craig should know—when the photo was taken, she was a 23-year-old traveling alone through Europe. While staying at a cheap hotel, Craig met photographer Ruth Orkin, who was also touring the continent solo. The two spoke about the fun and challenges of being alone while on the road in Italy—and went on to hatch a plan to take photos highlighting that experience. For two hours, the photographer and amateur model walked the streets of Florence. Orkin took photos at markets and in cafes. The street-scene photo came about naturally. According to Craig, Orkin shot only two pictures of her walking down the macho street. One of them turned out to be the iconic image commemorated today. As for whether or not the photo was staged, Craig says no way. “The big debate about the picture, which everyone always wants to know, is: Was it staged? No! No, no, no! You don’t have 15 men in a picture and take just two shots. The men were just there … . The only thing that happened was that Ruth Orkin was wise enough to ask me to turn around and go back and repeat” the walk down the street. In the interview, Craig also remarked that she never felt in danger while walking among the admiring men. “None of those men crossed the line at all,” she said. Craig is now a great-grandmother living in Toronto. Orkin, who passed away in 1985, went on to co-write and co-direct the 1956 Oscar-nominated film “Little Fugitive.” Of course, both women will be best remembered for one indelible image that, staged or not, captured the public’s imagination and never let go.American Girl In Italy: 60 Years Later. 

psychedelichip:

A stunning young woman walks down a street in Florence, her head held high. All around, men playfully gawk at her grace and beauty. Just then the camera shutter snaps. “American Girl in Italy” is among the most popular snapshots of all time, and it’s turning 60 years old this month.

The photo, which was shot in 1951, perfectly captures the fun and romance of being abroad. In honor of its birthday, Ninalee Craig, the subject of the photo spoke with the “Today” show about what happened behind the scenes and what the photo really represents.

In her “Today” appearance, Craig spoke about how, despite what some might say, the photo isn’t a “symbol of harassment.” Craig insists that the image is “a symbol of a woman having an absolutely wonderful time.”

Craig should know—when the photo was taken, she was a 23-year-old traveling alone through Europe. While staying at a cheap hotel, Craig met photographer Ruth Orkin, who was also touring the continent solo. The two spoke about the fun and challenges of being alone while on the road in Italy—and went on to hatch a plan to take photos highlighting that experience.

For two hours, the photographer and amateur model walked the streets of Florence. Orkin took photos at markets and in cafes. The street-scene photo came about naturally. According to Craig, Orkin shot only two pictures of her walking down the macho street. One of them turned out to be the iconic image commemorated today.

As for whether or not the photo was staged, Craig says no way. “The big debate about the picture, which everyone always wants to know, is: Was it staged? No! No, no, no! You don’t have 15 men in a picture and take just two shots. The men were just there … . The only thing that happened was that Ruth Orkin was wise enough to ask me to turn around and go back and repeat” the walk down the street.

In the interview, Craig also remarked that she never felt in danger while walking among the admiring men. “None of those men crossed the line at all,” she said.

Craig is now a great-grandmother living in Toronto. Orkin, who passed away in 1985, went on to co-write and co-direct the 1956 Oscar-nominated film “Little Fugitive.” Of course, both women will be best remembered for one indelible image that, staged or not, captured the public’s imagination and never let go.

American Girl In Italy: 60 Years Later. 

6:28pm  |   URL: http://tmblr.co/ZcohMy8WjiWe
(Notes: 34)
  
Filed under: Art Art History Portrait photography info cool 
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