Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Warhol can still wow





Well, I guess I should not be surprised but that old windbag Andy would still be pretty amazing over time. Here in Buenos Aires, there is a show of his work and the museum has these raws screen tests that were made over a period of years. Sure they are fascinating because you have people like Bob Dylan, Lou Reed, Salvador Dali, Allen Ginsberg, Nico, Yoko Ono and Marcel Duchamp (and more) staring at the camera for a period of 4 silent minutes. But really, it is interesting, even amazing as people stare at the camera. The ones where people move around are not as engaging. Personally I found Susan Sontag's to be downright creepy as she shifted in her chair miming the word "CHEESE!" over and over again. Some of the ones I have put up have added music, just ignore that part.



The most compelling was Ann Buchanan, who barely moves but does not blink, she cries looking at the viewer, emotionless in her face, like French novel. Of course I can't find this one online to post.

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Experiments


After a long delay, I decided to finally sit down and write an entry. I have been thinking about making a blog entry for weeks, beyond a month for sure but, well, anyways...

I scanned this old negative the other month, this picture of Allen Gardens was shot in the spring of 2004-2005? I guess it kind of surprised me as it made me start thinking about constructing panoramas as a multiple exposure image. Having said all that, I cannot remember if took this picture or not. My friend Christie had shown me some old family camera and we were trying to figure out if it was usable, 620 camera. Anyhoo, did she take these pics? Did I? I don't remember, but I do like the effect.

Of course it also nice to note an image like this, all lush and green in the current cold conditions of Toronto.