How my work relates to appropriation.

Post-truth inspired. Politicians are viewed in a negative light by the electorate. 

 One thing has been consistent since I began photography in 2017 and that is my interest in political activism. The reason for me starting to learn about photography has been to be able to express my opinion and views through the medium of pictures. I can't draw so it was clear photography would be my avenue. Firstly, I needed to learn the technical aspects of the camera and then I could use this to express myself.

My interest in politics started in my teens when I was a punk. I had ideas but I couldn't communicate them until I did a few Open University courses such as art history, social sciences and the humanities. Within the course content were lots of political discourse which interested me no end. After studying this, I could communicate ideas using language, philosophy and theories to others. However, this still wasn't enough. 

I enrolled in 2020 on a photography course. The things I took images which tended to be of nature. However, fast forward a few years until this year (my second year on the degree course) I started to be able to convey myself through photography. I was introduced to artists such as Peter Kennard who is notorious for using photomontages which reflect political activism against the state and the corporations. 

I learned this year about appropriation and using political activism as a concept. My knowledge in art history through doing Open University courses some years before would mean I know about different paintings of the renaissance onwards. If you add my interest in political activism also-both together created an interest in appropriation.

I started to create photomontages using Adobe Express as an editing tool. I would use a political context of post-truth, neoliberalism, fracking (global warming) and tyranny of totalitarian states. All these conceptual ideas are evident in todays world and have a context.. I am able to float between all of these and make images that are relevant to contemporary issues. 

Gainsborough Mr and Mrs Andrews 1750. Appropriated and addressing global warming and the fracking industry. 

                           Planet of the Apes with Kim Jon taking a stole in New York-after the war. 

Statue of Liberty-neoliberalism and the military industrial complex of the USA. 

Casper David Fredrick 1818. Post truth. 

I finally feel I can confidently convey activism through my images after learning the technical aspects of photography and using Adobe. I have been given some encouraging feedback from my tutors who see that I am moving away from images of nature and becoming more influenced by conceptual photography which is challenging in its approach.

Though photography taught me the conventions of creating a photograph, I had also learned how to manipulate painting and reconceptualise them. This was an unexpected advantage of my studying. I also used photography to create images that conveyed living in a dystopian society. This involved using subjects and costumes to illustrate this.

                                                           

                                   Post-truth inspired. Especially the rise of conspiracy theories

           No real reason other that just a bit off key. 

An image I shot of the moon. After reading about The Equal Rights Movement of the 60s and opposition to The Apollo Moon Landings, I became inspired after hearing Whiteys Gone to the Moon. Neoliberalism is my concept here. (70) Gil Scott Heron - Whitey On The Moon (1970) - YouTube

Again, influenced by Neoliberalism, capitalism and class I created images which show the juxtaposition of poverty and wealth. 

Global recession and its impact on American homeowners. Concept is neoliberalism.