A process is when a series of actions and events progress to achieve a particular end. There can be controlled processes such as how to build a table or more random processes, like experimenting with various ideas in a project to achieve a final result. Processes can also link to development and I may choose to take pictures which could show my perception of my own development throughout my life, whatever that may be. I could contextualise this theme by focusing on lines. Lines can follow a linear form and can also link to aspects such as stages of growth and the passing of time, as these are two things which only progress forwards, not backwards.
Artist Research- Seung Hwan Oh
Seoul, South Korea based photographer and filmmaker Seung Hwan Oh used an undeniably long process to produce the vivid final outcomes featured in his photographic series ‘Impermanence’. It focuses on how everything will eventually fall into a state of decay- an inevitable process- one that can only be delayed but never truly avoided. Oh utilises natural microbial growth that occurs when he introduces bacteria to his film portraits to produce a visually stunning outcome over months and years. The photographer’s message with these decomposing images is for us to see the beauty in our own impermanence as everything only lasts for a relatively short period of time.
Artist Research- Erik Malm
Erik Malm is a Swedish photographer known for his unique style of Intentional Camera Movement (ICM) photography. He takes single exposure images that capture multiple layers and movements by expertly moving the camera whilst the photos are being taken. This process generates a symphonic look -reminiscent of his musical past- as he translates the harmonic dynamics of sound into visual art.
Theme Development Potential
This could be a theme where I would be able to concentrate lots on physically experimenting with as many different and unique creative processes as possible, both during (Erik Malm) and after shooting, (even if it takes slightly longer) like the work of Seung Hwan Oh. A limitation of this would definitely be time as this project is only 12 weeks long. I think choosing to do this would have a good chance of improving the creative quality of my work but could potentially mean there would be less of it. A more suitable direction for this theme to go in is to add more interactive aspects of photography when I’m taking pictures, like moving components while shooting (possible use of liquids, mirrors and maybe even shooting through objects) and exhibiting- like making viewers have to carry out an action to properly view the images, whether it be a process as simple as turning the pages in a book, looking at it from a certain angle or even unfolding something.
Processes Moodboard
In this moodboard, I have included things like the ‘lines’ of train tracks, the process of growth (such as plants), and photographic techniques which include actions such as making ripples in water or moving things around while the photo is being taken (long exposure).