Spring Photos, March and April 2016
Monday, April 18, 2016
My Recent Spring Photos
Digital Landscape Photo Outdoor Exhibition
Outdoor Digital Photo Exhibition
Seeing Digitally Manipulated Landscapes Out in the “Wild”
One does not often associate a walk in the park with experiencing contemporary art presented on security fences by way of large mesh tarps. But that’s just what you’ll find at Natural Disruptions, a collaborative mural-based project sponsored by public arts nonprofit Artbridge, currently on view in Brooklyn’s Prospect Park.
Artists Mark Dorf and Anthony Goicolea were chosen for this project because of their ability to represent nature by manipulating images through technology. Each artist has his own way of altering photographs within the framework of landscape, by utilizing Photoshop and other software technologies.
Dorf typically inserts digital objects into his photographs, which suggest the formation of hybridized worlds that exist somewhere between nature and technology. His topographical imagery often helps to create different mental spaces than one might not expect in a landscape photograph — his final images are mechanical, space age, and radical, yet still somehow human. The viewer often comes upon new elements in his work accidentally, by chance and/or surprise.
Conversely, Goicolea deconstructs and reconstructs his photographs by re-layering, duplicating, and embedding elements of different images onto one another to create a simulated, reality-like composition. What may start off as a stock-looking image gradually transforms into transposed “reality.”
Prospect Park dates back to 1865, when Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux began major work on it, just after completing their more laborious and bureaucratically intensive Central Park project. With fewer political restraints, Omstead and Vaux intended to make Prospect Park a work of art on its own terms. From the Long Meadow to Prospect Lake and all points in between, Olmstead and Vaux were determined to create an idyllic recreational space that would inspire the likes of great landscape painters John Constable and William Merritt Chase.
Over the years, the park has undergone many turbulent changes due to lack of funding, difficult socioeconomic times, and political wrangling. Today, the park thrives in its current state. Newish amenities include a band shell for concerts and ventures such as Smorgusburg at Breeze Hill. This modernized version may not be what Olmstead and Vaux had originally envisioned, but the park now serves as a naturally preserved environment within the context of an urban setting, catering to the vast variety of contemporary needs expressed by the diverse communities it serves.
Artbridge was able to tap into this legacy with Natural Disruptions, incorporating the beauty of the park as the backdrop for Dorf’s and Goicolea’s digitally manipulated photographs. In this way, the exhibition reminds us of the constant changes our city undergoes in the face of modernity.
I interviewed both artists for this piece, and each shared a belief that the project had created a refreshingly democratic public space for their works to be viewed, without the aura of a gallery setting that the NYC art world often subscribes to. Viewers can simply walk along the paths of the park and experience the art without the pressures of class, style, or financial status — hierarchical structures that are often associated with a typical gallery experience.
Goicolea’s description of his work revolved around metaphors of fantasy, discordance, and primal mark-making. I was struck by his astute and subtle understanding of the formal considerations related to the exhibition. He seemed to be channeling the different layers of landscape at his disposal, from the imagined to the surreal, much in the same way that Olmstead and Vaux probably envisioned the park in its planning stages. Goicolea also mentioned “sparking the fantasy of where one is in the moment,” which is consistent with Olmstead and Vaux’s grand vision for Prospect Park. Goicolea’s haunting and dreamy photomontages stir up feelings of vulnerability and isolation — emotions one might experience while walking alone in the park at dusk.
Furthermore, Goicolea’s conceptual approach prompts a negotiation from the viewer by creating a situation that discerns what is “real” from what is imagined and, ultimately, what really matters. Additionally, by experiencing his photographs alongside Dorf’s, I was able to compare these constructed worlds against a living, unhampered natural backdrop. I found myself visually toggling back and forth between the two artists’ images in relation to the park, which created a heightened sense of place in the moment.
Dorf, 25 years old, grew up in the vast beginnings of cyberspace. As a result, he has a deep understanding of alternate universes, both virtual and real, which he plays out in his photographs. He inserts things into his landscapes that seem at first glance to be normal, like a tree or mirror, but as one looks harder, it becomes less clear what one is actually seeing. During our conversation, I got the sense that Dorf feels just as comfortable in virtual space as he did sitting there in Prospect Park with me.
After our brief discussion in the park, we randomly met with a few recent college graduates who had come specifically to see the project, and I asked them what they thought of it. Their response emphasized a desire to experience contemporary art in a context that was different from the standard gallery setting, and that the park seemed to be the perfect place to do that. Dorf nodded his approval — the group had unknowingly echoed his desire for the work to be seen in a democratic, accessible space. He was happy to continue the conversation with these art appreciators, who proceeded to ask questions about his process and conceptual approach.
When I spoke with Goicolea, he mentioned that his photographs can be read as fact or digitized truths, as a result of his manipulations of them. He went on to explain that nothing can compete with the awesomeness of nature, so we are left to our own devices to create facts that are adapted to our everyday lives.
Similarly, Dorf had touched on the ontologically based discussion relating to harnessing nature in order create a zeitgeist of safe renewable energy that will change the way we think about and preserve our planet. I could easily see this narrative connection in his artwork as he framed raw nature with virtual digitized objects, in turn drawing our attention to the idea that reality in the future will undoubtedly involve the hybridization of nature and manmade phenomena, integrating them as seamlessly as possible.
Ultimately, Natural Disruptions keeps us engaged and immersed in the here and now. I think Olmstead and Vaux would approve of the project, as Prospect Park continues to bear out their vision of creating a public space that allows visitors to escape their everyday realities and ponder worlds yet undiscovered.
Natural Disruptions continues at the Wellhouse in Prospect Park (Brooklyn) through July.
Reference:
http://hyperallergic.com/289562/seeing-digitally-manipulated-landscapes-out-in-the-wild/?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Mining%20the%20Unknown%20in%20Julian%20Barnes%20and%20John%20Bergers%20Essays%20on%20Art&utm_content=Mining%20the%20Unknown%20in%20Julian%20Barnes%20and%20John%20Bergers%20Essays%20on%20Art+CID_630add5785c9dbb0b3c5b87397ac763d&utm_source=HyperallergicNewsletter&utm_term=Seeing%20Digitally%20Manipulated%20Landscapes%20Out%20in%20the%20Wild
Tuesday, April 12, 2016
Procrastination: Why?
The Art Of Procrastination
Hello, friends! Tax day is just around the corner. True to form I have procrastinated again this
year. "Why," I ask myself. There is just no really rational answer to this question. Technology was
supposed to save me this year. I could download my W2's from www.mytaxforms.com
This site did successfully access my first one, and I was able to print it. Then I tried to access my
second form with no success. I called the help center number but they online recording was of no
help. It suggests that I call my employer but that number's recording refers me back to the tax
website. So now I am trapped in a technological conundrum of my creation. Next year I will do better
and start to get it together early. Don't bet on it though!
Tuesday, March 22, 2016
Street Artist Blu Protests A Gallery Exhibition
Street Artist Blu Destroys 20 Years Of His Work In Bologna To Protest A Gallery Exhibition
This intriguing article explains
why the famous street artist Blue is
destroying his works throughout
Bologna, Italy.
http://hyperallergic.com/283045/street-artist-blu-destroys-20-years-of-his-work-in-bologna-to-protest-an-exhibition/
Learn to Draw
http://www.drawing-made-easy.com/cmds.php?af=1652743
Thursday, March 17, 2016
Objective Chance
Look To The Skies
This article describes the art
work of Tacita Dean. Her work is in a
style called Objective Chance, which
is a sub-genre of Surrealism.
work of Tacita Dean. Her work is in a
style called Objective Chance, which
is a sub-genre of Surrealism.
Monday, March 14, 2016
Mexican Artists Fight Female Stereotypes
Nine Mexican Women Fight Stereotypes in their Printmaking
Feminism in Mexico is often divided chronologically into peak periods followed by lulls: the Revolutionary period (1915-1925), the Second Wave (1968-1990, peaking in 1975-1985), and the post-1990 period.[1] While feminism may be defined as a set of organized philosophy and activity aimed at creating, defining, and protecting political, economic, cultural, and social equality in women’s rights and opportunity,[2][3] Marta Lamas and other feminists caution that the women's movement in Mexico can not be equated with the feminist movement.[4] Lamas, a leading Mexican feminist, laments that the Mexican feminist movement has always been weak and has struggled in the modern era to move beyond Mexico City's middle class to working-class and rural women.[5] In the Revolutionary period where a broader spectrum of women from throughout Mexico were seeking suffrage, the movement lacked sophistication and focus, evident in the fact that Mexican women did not gain the vote until 1953.[6] Women's equality demands, per Lamas, stem from a situation where women are juggling between household commitments and underpaid jobs. As most Mexican women in the upper and middle classes are provided with domestic help, women are more accepting of traditional gender roles.[7] For many Mexican women, assisting other women through benevolent organizations and charitable works is in-line with their traditional view of womanhood, whereas a radical approach might meet with disdain or even violence.[8]The level of education one has attained has played a large part in Mexican feminism. Schoolteachers, in most cultures, are some of the first women to enter the work force and the same was true in Mexico.[6] Many of the early feminists who emerged from the Revolution were teachers either before or after the war,[9] as were the participants of the Primer Congreso Feminista, the first feminist congress in Mexico.[6] The participants in the Mexico 68 clashes who went on to form that generation's feminist movement were predominantly students and educators.[10] The advisers who established themselves within the unions after the 1985 earthquakes were educated women who understood the legal and political aspects of organized labor. What they realized was that to form a sustained movement and attract working class women, they needed to utilize worker's expertise and knowledge of their jobs to meld a practical, working system.[11]
Because Mexico was dominated by one political party for 71 years, women's roles as mothers was politicized, marginalizing the political involvement of feminism to a great degree before 2000.[12] This narrow view of women often put feminist goals at odds with activities that they also supported. For example, both state run and national programs, likeDIF, offer welfare assistance and food supplements to low income women. To receive the benefits, the government requires women to take classes in domestic skills. Programs target skill programs that tie women to domesticity or are low-skill without evaluation as to whether those programs are appropriate or needed in the local marketplace. The systemic "blindness" with regard to the official recognition of women's roles allows women no input in the programs designed to help them, nor recognition of the achievements they have made from organizing and agitating for change.[13]
As of the most recent Gender Gap Index measurement of countries by the World Economic Forum in 2014, Mexico is ranked 80th on gender equality.[14]
http://hyperallergic.com/283179/nine-mexican-women-fight-stereotypes-in-their-printmaking/
Tuesday, March 8, 2016
Postwar German Avant Garde Art
German Art After World War Two
Otto Pienes was a German Avant
Garde artist who worked in post-war
Germany. He began a movement
called Elemental Art. Abstract
Expressionism, Cubism, and
Garde artist who worked in post-war
Germany. He began a movement
called Elemental Art. Abstract
Expressionism, Cubism, and
Surrealism were major art
movements that influenced him. To
learn more please read the following
article.
http://hyperallergic.com/278797/firestarter-otto-pienes-elemental-art/
Sunday, March 6, 2016
The Art Experience Is Transformational
Experiencing Art: The
Aha! Moment
Frank Wilczek, Nobel Laureate, shares his transformational moment experiencing an outdoor art installation set in a desert landscape.
Read about his beautifully written "aha moment." Have you experienced such moments when viewing art?
The "Aha Moment:" Art is Transformational
Friday, March 4, 2016
Art Work In February
My Recent Artwork
I have been busy these past few
weeks in February working indoors.
So most of my new photographs are
mainly in the Still-life genre.
weeks in February working indoors.
So most of my new photographs are
mainly in the Still-life genre.
Tuesday, February 16, 2016
Thinking Strategies
Design Your Thinking
What if you could change your
thinking in order to have a more
satisfying life? Read the following
article to learn how. It simply
involves changing a few words.
article to learn how. It simply
involves changing a few words.
Put on Your Thinking Hat, 2016
Digital Photo by Sandra Fischetti
Wednesday, February 10, 2016
Your Brain Benefits From Making Music
Making Music Benefits The Brain
This informative article describes
how making music benefits the
brain.
how making music benefits the
brain.
Tuesday, February 9, 2016
Phototography And Urban Renewal
The Construction Of A New Restaurant
I live in an urban cultural/
entertainment district called Grand
Center, Inc. Located in Midtown St.
entertainment district called Grand
Center, Inc. Located in Midtown St.
Louis, this area has made great
strides in urban renewel. In the past
few years several renovation
projects have begun.
One such project is my
apartment complex which was
created from a eight story
dilapidated retail/office building.
Directly across the street from
where I live is a remodeled three
story building dating from the 50s
and 60s. Now the building is home
to an arts center, university
extension, and a nonprofit
organization.
In January construction was
started on a rooftop restaurant. My
seventh floor apartment overlooks
the construction site. It has been fun
to watch the construction process
from the very beginning.
Soon I got the idea to photograph
the ongoing activity. In doing so I am
creating a visual record of the
restaurant's creation from beginning
to end. I am happy to share a few of
these photos with you.
Monday, February 8, 2016
Empathy, Compassion And Conflict Resolution
Empathy and Conflict Resolution
I found this insightful article on a
website that is dedicated to empathy
and compassion. It shows how
these are connected to the arts.
these are connected to the arts.
Sunday, February 7, 2016
Brain Injured Musician
A Brain Injured Musician Aided By Technology
about a talented young musician
whose career was cut short by a
devastating brain injury.
Advances in brain research
and technology have enabled her
and other brain injured musicians
to return to the music field.
Friday, January 29, 2016
My Return To Blogging
My Return To Blogging
After several years I feel inspired
to start blogging again. It is hard to
believe, but I used to have three
blogs going at the same time. It was
fun and I had loyal readers.
to start blogging again. It is hard to
believe, but I used to have three
blogs going at the same time. It was
fun and I had loyal readers.
I wonder what happens to
abandoned blogs? Do they wander
aimlessly in a digital space? Are they
captured by bigger blogs and orbit
them like digital space junk? Did any
of my past readers post comments
that were never answered? This last
question makes me feel a little guilty.
I hope that I didn't create any bad
karma. Perhaps bad karma is what
makes my cell phone misbehave so
often.
With this blog I will be a
responsible blogger. I promise on
the grave of my previous blogs.
Unidentified Hanging Objects, digital photo,
2014 by Sandra Fischetti
Self-Portrait In Green Coat, digital
Portrait by Sandra Fischetti
01/2016,
Wednesday, January 27, 2016
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