Assignment 1:
CONSTRUCTED REALITIES
PHO 386
Self Portrait (as something you’re not)
Description
We will first consider self-portraits in general. What is a self-portrait? What does it tell you about the subject? What if everything in the image was fake? For this assignment, you will create a photographic image of yourself as something you are not. We will explore several artists who play with identity and construct their own worlds using costuming and staging. Following their lead, you will use staging, photography techniques (lighting, depth of field etc) and Photoshop to create a series of 3 images of yourself as something you are not. The images may be printed at any size and should be finished for proper display. In order to discover what you are NOT, you may first have to discover what you ARE.
Some areas of interest:
Gender
Race
Fame
Fairy tale
Object
Objectives
During this assignment you will:
• Use a combination of Photoshop, costuming, staging and photographic techniques to create an image
• Construct a character and imply a narrative
• Make appropriate formal choices help convey aspects of the character.
Evaluation:
You will be evaluated on the following:
Formal: How is the image composed? How does color work in the image? Is the size appropriate for the content?
Technical: How did you use Photoshop, staging and costuming to create your alter ego? Is your technique executed well? Are things done neatly, cleanly and effectively?
Conceptual: Is the image something you are not? Does the image read clearly? How are you conveying your character? Does the image rouse an emotional response (laughter, sadness, curiosity?)
DUE: Feb 4 2008
ASSIGNMENT 2:
Narrative (Group)
Description
Many artists work in sequence, in order to tell a story. You will be shown some examples of these photographers/video artists in class. We will discuss the difference between a linear and non-linear narrative, and will watch selected videos clips in class. You and your partner, who will be assigned to you, will either use a model or an object that you choose to construct a narrative, be it linear or non-linear. The object or model will appear throughout the series. You will come up with a storyboard, which you will present to the class, informally, before going out to shoot. You will produce a series of 5-10 images for the project and they should be printed at 11 x 17 or larger.
Objectives
During this assignment you will:
• Use photoshop and staging techniques to convey a narrative
• Work with a partner to produce a series of images
• Familiarize yourself with other artists working with narrative
Evaluation:
You will be evaluated on the following:
Formal: How is the image composed? How is the series composed and interrelated? How does color work in the image? How are the images arranged for final presentation?
Conceptual: Do the images convey the narrative? Does the object or model appear throughout in order to tell the story? Does the narrative pique our interest or draw the viewer in?
Technical: How did you use Photoshop and staging techniques to construct the image? Are the images printed well? Does the technique help convey the idea?
DUE: Feb 25 2008
