Artwork: Photo Manipulation
Exhibition Text
This piece uses everyday household items to add an entertaining twist. The aim of the piece is to catch the viewers off guard. When first glancing at the piece it seems to be an average photograph, but eventually the unrealistic element reveals itself. This project was inspired by the artist Robert Rickhoff and his series entitled ¨Out of Place¨. Rickhoff creates digitally manipulated images that add a humerus undertone to his works. With my untitled piece I wanted to create a similar feel. Untitled uses elements formulated in the ¨Out of Place¨ series to create a seemingly uninteresting photo with an unrealistic nonfunctional element.
Inspiration
Robert Rickhoff, ¨Long Faucet¨.
|
Robert Rickhoff, ¨Socket Controller¨
|
Starting with animated film in college Rickhoff was inspired to transform his work within new mediums, be began to create works using photography and photo manipulation. These works introduces an element of excitement to things people interact with on an everyday basis, from neighborhoods to common household items. These works are apart of a larger series called ¨Out of Place¨. In this series Rickhoff transforms boring images by adding a unconventional element. At first glance the images appear unchanged, however by looking over the image again the viewer discovers the abnormal element. These subtle changes add a humerus element to the works. This series of digital manipulation pays an homage to Rickhoff´s ironic humor.
Planning
With each of my planning sketches I focused on a different object that I could manipulate. When doing this I kept in mind these two things: * change only one element of the orginal object and *the final piece will be placed on a plain background
My first sketch I focused on a clock. At first I wanted to do something to the numbers, however I realized that the clock would be to edited which would not emulate Rickhoff´s work. I decided that I would change the arms. I did not really know what to replace them with. However I decided that the element of the object I would change should be something common within a home. With this idea I chose to replace the arms with toothbrushes. They are long and straight like the actual arms of a clock, as well easy to edit smaller to fit on the face of the clock. The only problem I had with this sketch was I felt the clock would look like a filler on top of the plain background.
|
With the second sketch I chose to focus on a frying pan. With this sketch I decided to replace the handle of the pan with a spatula. I chose the spatula because it has a similar shape to the original handle of the pan. As well if I could find a black spatula that would make it easier to replace the original handle because most pans handles are black. The only problem I had with this sketch was I felt that the pan would look out of place on top of a plain background.
|
The third sketch focuses on a door. With the door I wanted to replace the door knob. The challenge I faced with this sketch was thinking of a object that would still be reconcilable if it were bent. The object I came up with was a comb. I chose this because it would be easy for me to manipulate into the right angles. However much like the pan I felt that the door would look strange on top of a plain background.
|
After looking over all of my sketches I decided that I wanted to move forward with my second sketch. I felt that it would allow me to best emulate Rickhoffs work. To fix the problem I had with the first sketch I decided to place the pan on a more filled background.
Experimentation
I began my experimentation with testing different angles. By looking at Rickhoff´s work I noticed that his works are off-center. The objects within the pictures are placed at an angle in the middle which creates the illusion of being off- center. To emulate this I began by taking overview shots. Once the object was centered I began turning it both towards the left and right. I found that the image appeared more natural if the object was turned towards the right more.
|
I spent a lot of time trying to blend the elements together. This step was very important in making the piece appear unedited. A positive of this was that the objects were both a similar width, this allowed me a little more error room. I found the best method of blending was to zoom into the connecting spot and use a smaller brush size, this allowed me to be more accurate.
|
Process
I began by collecting the images I needed. I took multiple pictures of each object. Each picture varied in light, angle of the object, and the distance the object was from the camera. As well I took pictures for the background, again I took multiple photos.
|
|
Reflection
Looking at the final piece I believe I was able to successfully emulate the stylistic choices of Rickhoff. I believe that much like his work I am able to cultivate the viewers into continuously looking at the piece. Much like Rickhoffs work the piece at the surface appears to be an ordinary photo, however by looking at the image again the strange added element reveals itself.
When looking back at the challenges I faced I feel as though I was able to adjust my project accordingly. The thing I struggled the most with was blending the elements of the piece together. When looking at Rickhoffs works they blend together seamlessly which is what I wanted to achieve in my piece. With the past knowledge I have about editing software I was able to solve this problem. Using my past knowledge I was able to problem shoot any more obstacles.
When looking back at the challenges I faced I feel as though I was able to adjust my project accordingly. The thing I struggled the most with was blending the elements of the piece together. When looking at Rickhoffs works they blend together seamlessly which is what I wanted to achieve in my piece. With the past knowledge I have about editing software I was able to solve this problem. Using my past knowledge I was able to problem shoot any more obstacles.
Compare & Contrast
¨Long Faucet¨ & Untitled
Similarities:
- Both pieces include objects that are found commonly in households
- Both pieces include an element that adds a humerus undertone
- Both pieces appear as normal at first glance
Differences:
- The strange element in ¨Long Faucet¨ is more obvious to find
- ¨Long Faucet¨ is not in use compared to untitled
¨Socket Controller¨ & Untitled
Similarities:
- Both pieces include an element that adds a humerus undertone
- Both pieces appear to be normal objects at first glance
Differences:
- ¨Socket Controller¨ is not in use compared to untitled
- The background of ¨Socket Controller¨ is simpler compared to untitled
Similarities:
- Both pieces include objects that are found commonly in households
- Both pieces include an element that adds a humerus undertone
- Both pieces appear as normal at first glance
Differences:
- The strange element in ¨Long Faucet¨ is more obvious to find
- ¨Long Faucet¨ is not in use compared to untitled
¨Socket Controller¨ & Untitled
Similarities:
- Both pieces include an element that adds a humerus undertone
- Both pieces appear to be normal objects at first glance
Differences:
- ¨Socket Controller¨ is not in use compared to untitled
- The background of ¨Socket Controller¨ is simpler compared to untitled
ACT Response
Clearly explain how you are able to identify the cause effect relationship between your inspiration and its effect on your artwork?
With my piece I made specific stylistic choices that emulated the work of my inspiration. This was done to show a clear connection between the piece I created and my chosen inspiration,
What is the overall approach the author has regarding the topic of your inspiration?
The overall approach was to create pieces that keep the viewers engaged and entertained.
What kind of generalizations and conclusions have you discovered about people, ideas, culture, etc. while you researched your inspiration?
Through the process of creating this project I found that you don´t have to have multiple complex elements in play to create a work. You can have a simple image with few edits that create a piece that keep the viewer engaged.
What is the central idea or theme around your inspirational research?.
When conducting inspirational research I wanted to find an artist that works kept the viewer looking back at the piece. On the surface my inspiration looks untouched however looking at the piece again reveals the humerus elements that were edited in.
What kind of inferences did you make while reading your research?
Overall there was a lack of information available about the artists and the works. However from the information I could find I was able to infer that the works where made to be light hearted and humerus.
With my piece I made specific stylistic choices that emulated the work of my inspiration. This was done to show a clear connection between the piece I created and my chosen inspiration,
What is the overall approach the author has regarding the topic of your inspiration?
The overall approach was to create pieces that keep the viewers engaged and entertained.
What kind of generalizations and conclusions have you discovered about people, ideas, culture, etc. while you researched your inspiration?
Through the process of creating this project I found that you don´t have to have multiple complex elements in play to create a work. You can have a simple image with few edits that create a piece that keep the viewer engaged.
What is the central idea or theme around your inspirational research?.
When conducting inspirational research I wanted to find an artist that works kept the viewer looking back at the piece. On the surface my inspiration looks untouched however looking at the piece again reveals the humerus elements that were edited in.
What kind of inferences did you make while reading your research?
Overall there was a lack of information available about the artists and the works. However from the information I could find I was able to infer that the works where made to be light hearted and humerus.
Bibliography
Organization. “What's Wrong With This Picture?” HuffPost, HuffPost, 16 Feb. 2013, www.huffpost.com/entry/artist-robert-rickhoff-photos-wacky-photoshopped-installations_n_2679918.
“Out Of Place.” Robert Rickhoff, robertrickhoff.com/.
“Out Of Place.” Robert Rickhoff, robertrickhoff.com/.