This week, I was focused on ambiguous space. This photo ended up being possibly closer to flat space than ambiguous, but I like how much visual detail there is in line, rhythm, and, obviously, tone, without really giving any spatial details to the viewer. To me, this photo creates a very strong sense of anticipation. It causes me to wonder where we are, why we are there, and how we will figure out the answers to those questions.
I found that using mirrors that are facing different directions is a good way to create ambiguous space. Although there are several details in this photo that are recognizable objects (door, window, towel), the way they relate to each other in the space that is presented in the photo does not make sense to the viewer. The directions of the planes are not congruent, and it is somewhat disorienting to look at. It would be interesting to use this space and this shot in a motion picture setting, and to have a character walk through the room, seeing how they move through our two dimensional space. That could even make it more ambiguous and suspenseful.
The space here is simply ambiguous because there is noncoincidence of tone in everything other than the light. Looking at this object, it is not hard to infer what kind of space it would be located in if we could see what was around it. However, because we cannot, it creates a different feeling than it would if we saw more of the image. This light, placed bizarrely as it is in the frame, creates an unsettling feeling. It feels suspenseful because we cannot see more and feel that there could be something unpleasant in the shadows.
Hey Jeff! I don't know whose photos to comment on this week, so I'll just do yours! I really like your choice of ambiguity as a focus. The first photo is cool; I really like photos of something so simple as this. I really like all of the different kinds of lines, I think it adds a lot to it. I also really like the affinity of color; I feel like that makes the photo more ambiguous.
ReplyDeleteI think your second photo is my favorite. I literally have no idea what I am looking at, and that works for this theme and photo! It is confusing to look at, and it makes it really exciting. It makes me want to figure out what I am looking at, but it is impossible. I agree that putting a character in there would make it even more intriguing.
Your third photo is really interesting. I'll admit that I actually have a hard time constructing an image around the light... But I agree that there is a sense of something fearful or unpleasant lurking around. Great job!