Hiroshi Sugimoto

Earliest Human Relatives, Hiroshi Sugimoto 

This photo may be a simple interpretation but non the less, an awesome photograph. This photo represents evolution. I like how Sugimoto combines family/love with the idea of evolution. I do not know if this was his actual intent, but it makes me think, that just like humans, love has evolved. Some of his other works have included animals, and most of his photographs, if not all, are black and white. The sharpness and lighting in his photos are remarkable. They are all so clean and have incredible details. I was drawn to this photo because I have been thinking about society lately. With the evolution of humans, also comes the evolution of society. These two animals in society have the "natural" anxiety, the worry and desire to survive. Now days we have people taking their own life. As hard as life was back then, was it as hard as it is now? 

Joel-Peter Witkin

Ars Moriendi, 2007, Analogical print, 68.5x67.5 cm

     Joel- Peter Witkin draws his inspiration from an accident he witnessed as a child. A young girl was decapitated in front of his eyes. One common theme among many of his photographs is the subject of death. In this photo, you can see seven severed heads surrounding this woman.  Because his work is so explicit, Witkin has had to work in Mexico to obey US laws. Other subjects he commonly works with are dwarfs, transexuals, hermaphrodites, and religious episodes. I really like his photography. It is very interesting and obscure. I think this photo is a representation of beauty. This women represents beauty and the ultimate cause of death. I see the feather as her weapon. A tease or tickle that ultimately killed her victims. Looking at his work sparks curiosity and also puzzlement from the uniqueness. Witkins photos are images that I have never seen before, they are all new. His work may have "old" concepts, but his creations represent the concept in a whole new and unique way. 

     

Sandy Skoglund

Fox Games

     This photo is part of Sandy Skoglund installation called Fox Games. It was originally displayed in 1989, and is currently up at the Denver Art Museum. This piece shows the excitement, curiosity,and playfulness of foxes. I do not understand why Skoglund put the animals in a human setting. After reading more about the series, I found out one intended theme was how calm humanity is compared to how chaotic the animal world is. When I first looked at this piece, my interpretation was the exact opposite. I saw the playfulness and simplicity of animals and how humanity is set up and organized. 

Robert and Shana Parke Harrison

Bee Season

    In this photograph, it reminds me of the beginning of spring and new blooming. You can not see the mans face but I imagine it being peaceful because of his stance and the position of his hands. WIth the flowers in blossom, I imagine the season is Spring. The photographer uses the foreground to create a simple horizon line. The tonality of this photograph is very similar to their other work. In multiple photographs someone is releasing something or is being tied down by heavy objects. The frequent subject of these photographs seems to be entrapment or freeing. One can relate this image to their life. We are all tied down and wished to be released.