The Show
‘The Dodo Show’ is just days away from closing, so I figured I’d share with you a couple of links, a few thoughts on the work, and a little of what is to come…
Firstly, Obscura Gallery have posted the work from the show. Head on over to check it out. If you’re keen you might like to read the accompanying artist statement…
Also, for deeper critical analysis of the work it is worth taking a look at Grace Robertson’s catalogue essay.
It’s been truly great hearing all of the reactions to these pictures, especially all of the different ideas and feelings that people seem to be taking away. As an image maker I am so honoured that people have been taking the time to experience and relate to the work.
The Descent of the Dodo is a three part series, I’m super excited about what’s in store…
The Future
My most passionate experiences with photography have always been found within the pages of books. There’s something about the inherent narrative and collected nature of a series of bound images that is consuming… Perhaps it is less about coveting the photographic print as an object and more about what the pictures have to say, or are saying together.
Most likely it is because we read books on our own terms.
A couple of years ago I saw a copy of Chris Markers La Jetée in a bookstore… Each of the images isolated contemplatively from the continual beat of the film. It was perhaps the ultimate flipbook. Similarly, I have a friend who watches Mad Men with his finger poised over the remote control; ready to pause whenever the mis en scene rivals that of the Lorca diCorcia book stashed under his bed…
The screen, traditionally the destination of motion pictures, is now home to a cascade of still images. There’s no doubt that the internet has changed the way we relate to photography. Services like Tumblr, Flickr and Facebook have commodified the image. The challenge for Artists is to ensure that our work remains exciting whilst seeking out new ways to engage.
A lot has been written about the current revolution in digital publishing. There’s no doubt that things are changing. Some see this as a threat and seek comfort in the rear view mirror. Others recognise the opportunity that new technologies present.
At the very least; the rise of touch-based media has the potential to combine the best of the book and cinematic worlds. Here is an opportunity to create engrossing experiences akin to film where the viewer controls their progression through the narrative as in a book. Little packaged experiences, art to get lost in. This and so much more. Experienced on the viewer’s own terms.
This is where I want to be…