Photography evaluation

In these photographs, Charlotte Kelly has attempted to unite the ideas formally
used by the Avant Garde feminists, a popular movement in the 1970s. This was
shown through the composition of her photographs, and how the subjects were
presented. An important element of these photos is the use of lighting, the harsh
light highlights all the features of the subjects face, showing them in the plainest
light. Drawing attention to one of the subjects, we can see how an excessive
amount of makeup has been smeared down their face; Kelly was quoted to say
The make-up was symbolic for the way women are presented, how they have to
look perfect, the smearing of it was symbolic for the destruction of these ideal.
With this part of the shoot, Kelly has taken inspiration from Cindy Sherman, a
photographer who belonged to the Avant Garde movement, and notoriously
took self-portraits, presenting herself in different ways using make up
symbolically. Her most famous work, Untitled Film Stills, shown below, is a
huge influence on this shoot. The use of black and white film, as well as the
symbolic use of makeup, can be directly compared to Kellys work, particularly
with this subject.

Here we can see a direct

comparison of Kelly and
Shermans work. These
photos show a clear
comparison, with both
the
use of black and white
film, as well as the use
of
make up as symbolism.
This
challenges the way in
which women are
presented in
photography, makeup, a
symbol of beauty and
perfect presentation, is
smeared and destroyed
to represent the
destruction of the
patriarch. In these
particular photos, an
effective point is the
lighting. Harsh light
shining on one side of the
subjects face, this
highlights the details on this
side of the face, casts a
shadow on the other. This causes a dramatic effect, adding to the overall
composition of the photograph. The only downside Kellys photo, in direct
comparison to Shermans, is the slight blur. This is due to a long shutter speed,
causing slight movement to be captured, thus blurring the photograph.
However, this has been said to be on purpose, as it causes a certain look in the
subjects eyes. Another similarity between the two photographs is the use of
positive and negative space. In Kellys photograph, the positive space draws
attention to the subjects face, and the key part of this photo is the subjects face,
and the symbolism of the smeared make up. Her face has been framed by the
subjects hair. Shadows around the subject face makes them stand out this is a
clear representation of positive and negative space. Sherman has also used this
technique effectively, we can see that in her image, the subjects face is framed
by her dark hair and the dark windows. We can see that the this has been clearly
shown in Kellys images.

In another image, we can see the other subject smoking. The idea of a woman
smoking challenges the stereotypical image of femininity, blatantly contrasted
with the flowers; a universal symbol for the celebration of femininity. This work
can once again can be seen to take inspiration from another photographer,
Eleanor Antin. This photographer most famously took photographs of a woman
dressed as a king, as if taking on the roles of a man. Although the compositions
of the photographs are different, they represent the same message. A direct
comparison between the two photographs is the small indication of femininity, to
contrast the masculine representation. In Antins photograph, it is the hair and
makeup of the subject, directly contrasted with the masculine beards and
clothing. In Kellys photograph, it is the flower in the subjects hair, which directly
contrasts the smoking.

Kellys work appeals

to a niche audience,
as fine art is used for the expression of an individuals ideas. Due to the
somewhat controversial nature of these photographs, Kellys audience for these
images is further shortened. These photos would usually appear in galleries and
photo books; due to the feminist movement having resurfaced; this work may
prove immensely popular, particularly with a younger demographic.
Photography critic, Ashton Ryce claimed The creativity of the shoot is perfectly
complimented by the use of black and white film; however, the lighting of this
shoot could be better. In response to this Kelly is said to believe that the lighting
is an intentional part of the shoot, which the composition of the photographs is
supposed to show the subjects in a bleak way, as this shoot was a focus on the
presentation of women. The details show angles which are not necessarily
flattering, but challenge how women appear unobtainable and with impossible
beauty standards. The use of black and white added a dramatic effect to the
photos; however some may dispute that they cancel out the vibrancy of the
flowers. Kelly also argues the point that vibrant femininity is a patriarchal derived
concept. Black and white images present the viewer with the idea of a clear,
crisp slate, allowing the subjects to create their own opinions and personalities.
The images are true to their own theme, and express personal creativity.
Although the images could be clearer with use of a tripod, it has been
incorporated creatively into the shoot. Jodie Betts. This has captured the ideas
of the images, and the anti photography aspects being adopted creatively.

Going against what is considered a conventionally good photograph, using

blurred and darkly lit photos is a unique aspect of these photos. Kellys idea of
challenging all conventional photography is shown here, as the vintage look of
the photographs adds to the overall final project. These photographs belong to
the Fine Art genre; this means that they would most likely be viewed in an Art
gallery or a photobook. Upon reviewing feedback regarding target audience, it
fits into the fine art genre. Quoting a review from Laura Bruno, This work would
appeal to the audience of the Tate Modern, it challenges an old idea in a
contemporary way. The Tate Modern is an art museum; most famously known for
its controversial pieces, which challenge political and social norms. If Kellys work
were to be presented here, it would mean that it falls into the Fine Art genre.
Earlier comments about different representations of ideas and use of symbolism
suggests that the work was to represent a certain message. This allows it to fall
under the Fine Art genre, as a major part is the representation of ideas through
the pictures.