Artist Assignment; part 1

1. Portraits of Australian Criminals, photographer unknown
2. This is a collection of images of Australian criminals from the 1920's. Each photograph contains two separate images, to display profile or specific details. These photographs were taken with a large format 8x10 camera, and glass plate negatives. Due to the nature of photography in the 1920's and the lack of sensitivity in the speeds of the film, each picture is a long exposure. There is white writing on most of the images that contain specific information about each of the criminals (name, etc).
3. As these pictures function as documentation for a police department in Sydney, all of the elements are used to provide as much information as possible. Clothing of the time is depicted, as well as profile shots and important details relevant to their crimes. The negative processing is not as much of an aesthetic choice, as it was one of few options at the time. Many of the images appear to be taken outdoors (maybe in a courtyard), which I assume is because of a need for direct light.
4. In each image, we have a portrait of an individual. Some of the portraits contain a detailed image of a piece of clothing or a profile, as to give detail that is relevant to a certain crime. There is writing on each of the photographs that contain information about the individual that has been arrested. These pictures were taken with an 8x10 camera and glass negatives, which impart certain physical characteristics.
5. These features provide the viewer with all of the information that was necessary at the time, such as who the criminal was, what crime they committed, who they committed the crime with..
6. The artist's conceptual goal was to provide specific information about a certain group of people, with enough detail to be used in a court of law. This goal was achieved for the period of photography in which these photographs were taken. By today's standards, the antiquated equipment which was employed and the older lenses create a slightly obscured if not stylistic depiction, which would not be appropriate for our contemporary justice systems.

1. Francesca Woodman
2. These photographs were taken with a medium format camera and black and white 120 film. Natural lighting was employed in each of these photographs, as well as natural elements of decay. The photographers body is present in each of the pictures, while her face is almost always obscured. The positioning of her body is usually curved to mimmick or enhance the natural forms that she is interacting with.
3. The use of black and white film is appropriate for these images, as her figure is reduced to a range of whites and greys, that interact with the faded grays of the background and make her figure integrated into its environment. Her figure, interacting within these environments, naturally replicates the shapes and patterns.
4. In each frame, we see Francesca's body, some elements of natural decay, a strong understanding and usage of natural and ambient lighting, the use of found items in association with her own figure, and the form of her own body as an imitation of nature.
5. The use of the square frame, which is conducive to center-framing, allows her to display a subject (usually herself), centrally in each image. As mentioned before, the black and white negative integrates her figure into the background by giving it the same tonal range and color palette as the elements around her. The use of her body as a tool to replicate these natural forms, as well as her use and eye for natural lighting, gives the viewer the impression that she feels a part of nature.
6. The artist seems to represent herself not as an individual, but as an anonymous part of everything. A decaying, yet ever-changing being, with the beauty of youth yet the awareness of the fleeting nature of the natural world. Her use of decaying and abandoned homes and belongings, as well as older clothing, lead the viewer to this understanding.