Alessandro Mendoza

Alessandro Mendoza

Denis Darzacq, Hyper No. 03

2007 Color Photograph

The image I chose was Hyper No. 03 (2007) by Denis Darzacq, taken from a series using a fast shutter speed to freeze the subjects in time. Denis Darzacq was born in 1961 in Paris, France. HYPER was in reference to the garnish new supermarkets in Paris where the products places were full of vivid colors, making for an interesting and contemporary backdrop for his photos. We learned about shutter speed the first few weeks of the semester and focused on it for our A2. I found this photo in a book on photography that i received for my birthday. I chose this photo because of the simplicity in setting with the action of something impossible in the real world, since people can't levitate as they wish. It was something interesting and a bit humorous to see in a photograph and it reminded me that this art from has endless possibilities as long as the photographer has the imagination to create something new and exciting, or bold and meaningful. 

Valerie Lozano

Valerie Lozano

"Mujeres Zapatista" 2012

I chose this image because it shows that the Zapatista movement is alive and well. The group first formed during the Mexican Revolution but has reformed multiple times as they continue to fight for indigenous rights. The Zapatistas are against neoliberal policies in Mexico and throughout the world. This image speaks to me because the indigenous people of this land will not give up in the fight of capitalism. The genocide of my people and our culture has weakened us, but we continue to persist and resist. 

Nick Almanza

Nick Almanza

Jamie Livingston, "07/10/90"

1990, Polaroid

I chose this image for two reasons. Firstly, I was really intrigued with the concept of taking photos everyday. This project spanned the course of 18 years. Similar to most people, I was also curious to see what moment in time he captured the day I was born. This brought forth questions as to who this woman was, where she was going or where she came from. Either way, the smile on her face and the simple wave of her hand make the image warm and welcoming. Jamie also created a strong composition. Firstly, it's evident that the woman is framed within a frame, helping to guide the eye to the most important aspect of the image. The photo also has a great use of contrast between the woman, the background and foreground which helps emphasize her presence.

Faith Orlandi

Faith Orlandi

Sean Lotman, Kamakura

2016, handmade color darkroom print.

I chose to speak about this image, first, because of the color scheme. I really loved how the purple sky was contrasted the green/blue ground while in between, there were pops of orange from his skin and red from his speedo. The balance within the photograph added a very aesthetically pleasing touch. Second, I felt a sense of relaxation in a not so relaxing place viewing this. Not only does the sand on the ground look uncomfortable, there seems to be some kind of construction happening in the background. The grainy effect or filter he used also adds a spooky vibe to the scenery. Third, this man lying was alone and there is no specific emotion shown from him. Why is he alone?  Is he sad is he happy? When sitting back and asking myself these questions, the message that came to mind was, if you are comfortable with yourself, you are comfortable in the world and can find peace anywhere, rain or shine, loud or quiet, if you know yourself best your instincts will guide you where you need to be, and in that moment, this man was completely comfortable with everything he was doing and everything happening around him giving this grungy scene a sense of peace and relaxation.

Jorge Garcia

Jorge Garcia
Ori Gersht "Blow up, Untitled 18"
2016

The reason I pick this photograph is not only because of its meaning but also its scientific aspect. The photograph 'Blow Up' was taken by photographer Ori Gersht. It shows a bouquet of flowers being, well, blown up. The reason you can see a shattering effect is because Gersht froze the flowers with liquid nitrogen, he called it an "uneasy beauty in destruction". Flowers represent peace, in the picture you can see the flowers in brutal terror, it shows the tension that exist between violence and beauty.

The scientific aspect comes from the flowers being frozen in liquid nitrogen, I found it interesting to see it implicated in a photograph. Not many photographers use science in their work, and that's disappointing because I'm a person who admires science.

Sebastian Alvarez

Sebastian Alvarez

Matt Crump "Sparkly Castle" 

2016 - Digital Photograph 

I selected this image because of it's colorful composition. It evokes happy memories I have of Disneyland and my curiosity of magic I had as a kid. The subtle upward movement of the clouds in the sky and the reflective sparkles of the castle gives the photograph this whimsical atmosphere. With the softness of the sky, the details of the castle are not lost among the overall frame. The composition of the castle gives the impression of this incredibly large castle as it reaches out from the bottom of the frame into the sky. The minimal style of this image suits the emotion because it doesn't show the crowds of people, or even all the other captivating attractions. Instead the image forces the viewer to focus on just one part, and be captivated. Its a reminder to me to step back to appreciate the details and get lost in your emotions even if it is just nostalgia. 

Alondra Ake

Alondra Ake

Christian Hopkins, "Inner Demons"

I chose this image because on a personal level, it speaks to me and I can relate with the artist on how he was feeling when he took this picture. This image shows the artist himself with hands trying to come out his body. The hands, known as his inner demons, are trying to come out of him. The artist wants the viewers to feel uncomfortable and to feel his pain with this image. I can relate to this image because I have been going through some difficult times. I feel the loneliness Christian felt and it feels like torture. The inner demons are the negative thoughts and everything negative that is going on around. I just wants the inner demons to escape from my body and go away from me. 

Francesca Perticarini

Francesca Perticarini

Tim Walker, "Fantasia on a nautical theme"

2010, digital print

By looking at this picture I see a magical world filled with beauty and a sense of fantasy.

Tim Walker is a fashion photographer who uses clothing design as a tool to recreate his own dreams and play with them. His photos, just like this one, look digitally enhanced but, instead, they are meticulously crafted. This photograph draws some childhood memories, the swam on the lake is graceful and reminds me of the Sundays at the lake I used to spend with my group of friends in Italy. His work inspires me to use my imagination, that sometimes I have lost sight of as I have grown older. The use of the color white makes the subject look dignified, the lightheartedness and innocence of the models gives me a sense of hope. Walker uses magic to create fascinating environments and gives the observer a sense of joy and playfulness.

Xuerui Yu

Xuerui Yu

Hai Feng

"The Oldmen" 2015/05/05

 gelatin silver print

I selected this image because it speaks to me about a pause, the moment between one thing to another and the spaces we leave behind. It is talk about a old men is smoking and maybe thinking somethings.

Kelly McKinley

           

Kelly McKinley

Cedric Wright

"Ansel Adams Photographing in Yosemite Valley"

1942

 This photograph of the famous Ansel Adams was taken by Cedric Wright in 1942. Wright was a wilderness photographer who spent most of his time in the high sierra. He was a mentor and good friend to Ansel Adams, accompanying him on many wilderness trips, and was present when three of his most famous photographs were taken. This image is incredibly beautiful, as it shows the amazing landscape of Yosemite Valley with Half Dome in the background. This image is also unique in that it shows Adams making a photograph, something that isn't usually seen. He's standing on a cool old Woody station wagon, using an old camera. There's something very peaceful about this photo, and the eye is drawn all across the image to the mountains, Adams, and the car, which creates a nice balance. 

Erica Arambula

Erica Arambula

Duane Michals – "The Spirit Leaves the Body"

1968 Gelatin Silver Prints

Duane Michals work has a short story to tell in each of his images created. I have decided to select this image called "the Spirit Leaves the Body" because it gives off a vibe in which not only takes me back to past tense events but as well as the present. It reminds when I would hear people say when one falls in their dream the body reacts in real life by twitching or when the spirit leaves the body and comes back there is a body reaction as well. This image reminds me of just that, the way the spirit has left the body but this time, it does not come back to its origins, in fact it leaves the body and by the end of the sequence the spirit does not return meaning there is no reaction with the body due to the spirit leaving, thus resulting in a peaceful death.

Victor Valenzuela

Victor Valenzuela

Dorothea Lange, "White Bread Line"

1933

This photograph is astonishingly simple in relevance to the period in time it was taken. This picture was taken in 1933, during the great depression. It simply shows a man waiting in a long, crowded line to be served a couple of slices of bread to eat. This picture shows the basic needs of human beings and if not supplemented correctly can lead to a horrible devastation for many people. The aesthetic in this picture shows a poverty filled setting in the amount of people in the photo, the patience needed for the man to wait for his share of food, and the black and white  gives the photo its sensibility to the subject in the photo. To context this picture to our current times, we could learn to take items, people, or simply life for granted. Because you never know when things could turn for the worst.

Jessenia Trinidad

Jessenia Trinidad

Abelardo Morell, "Camera Obscura of Brookline View in Brandy's Room"

1992,  gelatin silver print

I chose this image for the reason that it amuses me. It reminds me of Godzilla and how the city was destroyed. In this case it's toy dinosaurs and the Brookline View that's projected. The image also gives a Toy Story feeling that's ageless. The dinosaurs look like they were caught in mid action of running around. The image of the child's room is dimensional with the different scenes going on. The atmosphere is very lonely. Like is something or someone is missing.

Ashley Wasson

Ashley wasson
Jordan Matters "after dark times square"
2016

 I think the idea and meaning behind this photo is freedom of being exposed and feeling young. In looking at photography books, I found Dancers After Dark by Jordan Matters, a Manhattan portrait photographer based in New York. He has a collection of photographs of dancers in everyday situations around the world. The visual idea was interesting to me because it reminded me of feeling young, wild, and free. In addition, the psychology behind this photo is why I picked it. Because Jordan was shy and socially awkward, he was bullied at school. He explained that his days were a never ending torture, always wishing for the night to come where social pressures no longer wore him down and he can be himself. The night was when he allowed himself to be free and happy so he shows these though naked dancers in the night; we both agree that dancers look the freest. They are able to move around without any thing holding them down. I relate to this artist because I have always longed for the freedom to express myself truly and be a "dancer in the night

Jorge Garcia

Jorge Garcia

Ori Gersht "Blow up, Untitled 18"

2016

The reason I pick this photograph is not only because of its meaning but also its scientific aspect. The photograph 'Blow Up' was taken by photographer Ori Gersht. It shows a bouquet of flowers being, well, blown up. The reason you can see a shattering effect is because Gersht froze the flowers with liquid nitrogen, he called it an "uneasy beauty in destruction". Flowers represent peace, in the picture you can see the flowers in brutal terror, it shows the tension that exist between violence and beauty.

Elizabeth Amador

Elizabeth Amador

Ralph Eugene Meatyard, "Romance(N.) from Ambrose Bierce #3"

1962, gelatin silver print

 

The image I selected is a piece by Ralph Eugene Meatyard, I chose this particular image because like most all of Meatyard's photographs it is intriguing and weird looking.  Most all of Meatyard's photographs have surrealist elements within, this image in particular was meant to poke fun at high art. In the image was taken in a sports stadium and the "sports fans" are replaced by "indifferent gnome like" creatures that are wearing oversized masks. Meatyard would make his friends and family wear the masks and pose, this image title is reference to one of Ambrose Bierce's satirical pieces in which he defines romance as "fiction that owes no allegiance to the God of Things as they are". What intrigues me about Meatyard's image is his use of the masks in the photograph because he saw the mask as a way of "non-personalizing a person" by having the subjects wear the masks allows for the subjects to become one rather than many. 

Tajion McFadden

Tajion McFadden

Elliott Erwitt, "Felix, Gladys and Rover. New York. USA., 1974"

1974, Photographs, Platinum Print

Erwitt was born in the late '20s and is known for his black and white collection of preposterous works. I chose this photograph because of its randomness. This photo presents the image of companions walking their small dog, but instead, a bigger dog replaces the feet of one of the significant others, giving off the idea that dogs behave similarly to humans. This photo was captured to show that our shoes are the main things that dogs see daily. I like this image because it may seem humorous at first, but it shows how similar a dog's life may be to that of humans as well. I can relate to this photo because I have always had pets throughout my life. The high contrast in the background brings attention to the darker greys in the foreground. The overall message I got from Erwitt's dog collection, and specifically this photo, is that dogs should be treated similarly to humans because they have lives like us.

Janina Alarcon

Janina Alarcon

Dorothea Lange, "Migrant Mother"

1936,

I picked this photo because I during my history class, in high school, that I talked about this. This picture was taken on 1936 during the Great Depression in Nipomo, California. It shows the tiredness of the mother with the way her family was living. At first, I thought that the child on her lap was dead and that the mother is in shock. The mother, which was thirty-two years old, told Lange that they survive by eating frozen vegetables in the surrounding fields and the birds that the children would kill. She thinks, that by allowing Lange to get their picture taken will have an impact to better their lives. Due to poverty, they were forced to live off their land and live wandering. The emotion that is illustrated, it made me tear up. Not only is this picture heartbreaking, it was the iconic photo of Great Depression.

Joshua Valerio

Joshua Valerio
Jimmy Nelson, "Huli Wig Men At Ambua Falls"
2011

When I first saw this image what captured my attention was the appearance and danger of the warriors. I felt as if these men were going to attack at any moment. I also found it interesting how the photographer was able to capture the intensity of the colors. I feel like these warriors were using their outfits and colors as warning signals to persuade enemies that they possesses dangerous physical defenses similar to what an animal would do. After some research I found that the image is called "Huli Wig Men At Ambua Falls". The photo was taken by Jimmy Nelson in Papua New Guinea (2011). Jimmy Nelson is a well-known British photographer known for his portraits of tribal and indigenous people. This image is part of his "Before they Pass Away" project. He travelled for 3 years and photographed more than 35 indigenous tribes around the world in Europe, Asia, Africa, South America, and the South Pacific.

Molly Seldon

I selected this image because it feels mysterious and unsettling.  The angle of the woman suggests the viewer is standing above and looking down at her.  The woman's submerged expression is hauntingly beautiful and at peace as the last of her breath bubbles to the surface.   The colors are overall very monochromatic and allow the woman's face and red lips to become the focus.  Part of the mystery is we do not know where the woman is; she could be enjoying a bath in her home or dying at the bottom of a lake.  

Raphael Lagsit

Raphael Lagsit

Eiichi Matsumoto, "Reverse Shadows" 

1945, Black and White

At first, without the proper context, we look at this and think, "Ohh thats a great art. Its very minimalistic" But it is anything but great. This photo was taken after the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki on Japan in 1945. Its a shadow that has been left by a ladder and a human body that evaporated during the bombing. Both the human body and the ladder acted as a shield or sunscreen for the wall behind, which then created these shadows. Its a horrifying look at the effects of an unjustified act in human history minus the gruesome bodies or destroyed lives.

Austin Lucky

Austin Lucky

Julie Blackmon, "Trampoline"

2003, Pigment Print

This photo is taken from Blackmon's first major body of work, "Mind Games." The series explores childhood play through black-and-white photographs. The photographs focus on both external objects and the internal imagination, the combination from which play is derived. Using her three kids through the collection, she is able to change the mood from a mere documentary to and exploration of the fantastic parts of everyday life. She take the elements of normal life, in this case jumping on a trampoline, and creates a sensation you wouldn't think possible. The different techniques that blackmon uses are very common yet this photo seems very fresh and very spiritual. The silhouette of the boy jumping and perfectly being place in between the two tree formations is something that was well planned and well thought out.  Overall I think that this photography speaks to many different people on many different levels and shows how a photo taken at the right spot and in the right moment can really change the way someone thinks of things around them.

Karen Acevedo

Karen Acevedo
Ansel Adams, "Moonrise, Hernandez"
1941

When I first saw this photograph, it reminded me of a horror film. As I stared at it longer, I realized that there was a cemetery, I immediately thought of the forgotten. Having these graves in the middle of the dessert where not many people intend to visit indicates that the people under have been forgotten by society. Capturing the moon above completely contrasting the pitch-black sky, is what brought my attention to this photograph. Although there is a lot to see in the photograph which can be frowned upon when taking a picture because it can be distracting, Ansel Adams was able to capture a shot in which one will find something new the longer it is viewed.

Joel Melchor

Joel Melchor

John Chiara, "County Line at Annis Brake"

2014, Camera Obscura Ilfochrome Photograph, Unique

John Chiara is an experimental photographer from San Francisco, CA. He makes unique works by directly manipulating photosensitive paper. I liked this image, because of the reflective paper, the way the paper is cut and the lack of people in them. I thought it was amazing that he prints and takes the image at the same time by using a large field camera. This camera is big enough for Chiara to enter. Inside he attaches the paper to the camera's back wall and uses his hands and body to burn and dodge the image instinctively. This image has soft hues and a lonely scenery. This image is strongly perceptual, evoking a sentimental response.

Joey Delgado

Joey Delgado

Henri Huet, "Army Medic"

1967

    I selected this photo because it resonates with me. I am going to school right now to become a nurse and I plan on enlisting into the army as a combat medic after I become a licensed nurse. 

    This photo depicts helplessness. The medic's expression on his face displays despair. The man he is working on is most likely going to die, and he knows that he cannot save him. His hand are gently touching the wounded's face and he is covering his eyes so that he cannot look down at his wounds. The medic is trying to give the wounded man hope, even though the medic knows that he is not going to make it. The background is blank, no one is around and the medic is sitting there on the field with a man dying in his arms. Completely alone. 

Tessa Bedik

Tessa Bedik

Michael Kenna
Desert Clouds, Study 2

Merzouga, Morocco, 1996

I selected this image and the photographer, Michael Kenna, purely because of the beauty in his landscape work. Michael Kenna is an English photographer, born in 1953. The majority of his work is in black and white, have a soft light to them, and are all about landscapes around the world. This image spoke to me in a way no other pictures would have. The softness of the clouds and the sharpness of the sand dunes give an emotion of calm and serenity to the viewer. He also uses very strong vignettes in his work which I appreciate due to the fact that the majority of vignettes are subtle and are to be seen very slightly. But in Kenna's work, they are very pronounced. When I look at this image, I think about the adventure Kenna had to get to that moment, in Russia taking pictures of abstract clouds.

Shuma Tashiro

Shuma Tashiro

Dorothea Lange "migrant mother"

1936, gelatin silver print

Dorothea lenge is a photographer that took historical cultural photograph. I chose this photograph because this photograph speaks me sadness and the hope. The face of mother express sadness for the situation around her. However, she express the hope for the future by her looking forward. She also tells me the determination that she will protect her children. The contrast of the light also express the tragedical situation and hope. The dark part of the behind them speaks bad situation they had have through and the light part of her face tells me the future she hope and she want to be. She consider a lot of things as a mother. She tries to be as a mother and get through a bad situation.