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This thesis is titled “the Chamaeleon in the Spectrum of Photography” as I use chamaeleon to symbolise my works – they are in disguise in the realm of photography, appearing to be similar but actually not alike in terms of methodologies and presentation. A spectrum consists of a gradation of successive changes – not like black and white in binary oppositions – and there is no sharp division between them but gradations of successive changes. The “artificial nature” in my works fights with two different characters in the spectrum and turns to be impressive in the dialectics of images. Its multiple characters make it hard to be defined and categorised.
The thesis consists of three main chapters. Chapter 1: Artificial nature. I used the Picnic series as a way to explore this concept: Is it possible for the representation of nature and the manmade installations in the environment to successfully transfer our emotion for nature elsewhere? I took shots of decorative scenes in specific areas in Taiwan with alienated perspectives, imposing a sense of conflict through the composition I made. The decoration in the rooms were like scenes on the stage, and I used them to start a visual narrative. During the process, I once had the desks and chairs re-arranged for compositional purpose, which prompted me to think about the difference between documentary and staged photography.
Chapter 2: Alternative photography. The Ghost Park features animal sculptures. I made use of light to create dramatic scenes without including people in the images. I made the photos seem like being arranged while they actually stay on the grounds between that of documentary and conceptual photography so that I can explore the in-between possibilities. Based on traditional photography, I developed “light painting” techniques that involved a torch to light up the scenes, through which I created a magical moment that was real but also fictional, inviting the audience to connect with the scenes and then get alienated with them. In my experimenting with light painting, I started to ponder upon the essence of photography and decided to turn to the ideas of anti-photography in the next series.
Chapter 3: Anti-traditional-photography. In the noise series, I reflected the techniques in the Ghost Park and wondered if it is possible to generate images without light and pinholes? In response to light painting, the techniques derived from traditional photography, I did not introduce light to this series. From feelings to reason, between digital and film, I tried to explore the extremity of digital photography and created noise images from the current that went through the image sensor. These glitches images became my raw materials to create star-photography-like images.
Chapter 4: Conclusion. My works impose a strong force of tension against the two different characters intentionally. I aimed to break through the boundaries of techniques and visual effects that relate to traditional photography. These three series of works inspired me to think about the characters of the mediums; therefore, I will continue to experiment with the possibilities of mediums in the future.
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