Thursday, March 11, 2010
Fazal Sheikh
Sheikh does have a book on his website, http://www.fazalsheikh.org/06_the_victor/online_edition/start.php The Victor Weeps. The book is a combination of children's drawings, portraits and other documentary photos all taken in Afghanistan. For me, I think he understand that he isn't sole teller of the story. He takes time to engage the youth of the country and we also get to see things from their perspective. I appreciate this because as an artist it's easy to make oneself the center of attention, but he brings in others to help him tell the story.
Lorna Simpson
The most compelling series is titled, "She". It features four images of a single woman, however, her nose, eyes and hair aren't visible. She has no make up on and so it's very difficult to tell if the subject really is a woman or not. There are no distinct features and it says of myself that gender is a part of one's identity. Can I really know who a person is if I don't know their gender or even how the self identify. So, the series definitely presents a problem for me. Nonetheless, as I read the photos I learn more about myself.
Monday, March 8, 2010
This is Me!
I think the language presentation in class on Gillian Wearing further drives home the point. Just as we see the images of "regular" people holding up signs to say what they really think, feel or who they really are the captions to the portraits provided by the women photographed force us to reconsider them and the presumptions we have.
Friday, January 22, 2010
This is Me!
“Who are you?” said the Caterpillar. Alice replied,rather shyly, “I--I hardly know sir...At least I know who I was when I got up this morning, but I think I must’ve changed several times since then.”
-Lewis Carroll, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland
I've been into photography for about 5 years now. I've been continually devoting myself to learning the art for about 2 years though. The really funny thing about me is that I've never considered myself to be "creative". Even though I get to take pictures that people love. In the long run, I'd like to pursue documentary photography to bring awareness to the conditions of the people of the world. This summer I had the amazing privilege of going to Cape Town, South Africa for a week. I definitely want to go back and maybe live there for a few years.
My other passions include, African American studies, HIV/AIDS awareness, volunteering my time, hanging out with friends and family and sharing my faith. I work as a student advisor for Virginia College and do photo gigs every time I get the chance :-)
That's all!!
-Deidre
You’re most likely to find me:
In Starbucks reading a book, writing in my journal, or just enjoying a cup of hot African Red Bush tea.
Favorite Quote:
“It doesn’t interest me what you do for a loving. I want to know what you ache for!”