Feminism

Feminist art began to start the ball rolling in the 60's and flourished thought the 70's. this was the hay day of the movement of feminism. From what I read online feminism is a philosophy in which women and their contributions want to be valued. the issue is equality, may it be political, social or economical.

i find the discussion of feminism very had to debate. i understand the idea of equal opportunities whatever you are, but if the idea is to equally live together why would you only have female exhibitions, or feminist run lessons just for teenage girls? i don't really understand the direction or idea behind alot of feminist ideals.

Ansel Adams

Born february 20th, 1902 and died April 22nd 1984, Ansel Easton Adams was best known for his black and white images of the American West, he was a true environmentalist. With photographer Fred Archer Adams created the zone system. this was a system which would allow the photographer to determine proper exposure and to adjust the contrast of the final prints.

Adams will always be know for founding the F/64 group with fellow photographers Edward Weston, and Imogen Cunningham. Adams primarily used large format cameras despite the film cost, weight, and set up time, but he always wants to ensure his images remain sharp.
i do enjoyed his work, because its very natural, but the tones he achieves with a black and white image is remarkable.

Nan Goldin

Born Nancy Goldin in Washington DC in 1953, she grew up in a upper middles class Jewish family in Boston. probably the most recognised documentary photographers of this era for her intimacy, and topics surrounding drug overdosing, AIDS and domestic violence.

what sets Goldin aside from other documentary photographers is her ability to make her images seem like a private journal that has been leaked. her work is consistently show in the form of slide shows, with her most famous being a 45 minute show, where 800 pictures are viewed. her use of lighting is key to the mood, as she usually only shoots in available light, something i respect very much about her work. It makes sense that if your trying to covey real gritty life, the images should be as "real" as they can be.

Postmodernism

Postmodernism is characterized by the objection of objective truth and global cultural narrative. it attacks the use of sharp classifications such as black versus, Male versus female and straight versus gay.
Postmodernism can also be defined by its knowing of high and mass culture. the binding of everyday life with art, and the refusal of one single style of art, and what it should be.