Even the most occasional reader will be aware that I enjoy photography. I would define myself as being technically competent; but not at all artistic. I have yet to produce a photo of such beauty that I would hang it on the wall and be proud of it; and I probably never will because I am not sufficiently creative.
If I need any confirmation of this, then a quick visit to 1x.com will remind me how far I am from the real photographers. 1X is a wonderful place to browse magnificent photography, like this:
A visit to 1X is a humbling experience; but then great works of art can be found in many places on the web. Take this for example:
Check out the magnificent footpath, the water and the dull sky. There was a power station in the background but the artist (and this photo could only be taken by an artist) took it out and replaced it with the featureless sky; wouldn’t want anything of interest to liven up the view.
The photographer says it is “an allegorical picture about the meaning of life and how things are”.
Florence Waters (sic) from the Daily Telegraph commented “This image is a vibrant, beautiful and memorable – I should say unforgettable - contemporary twist on Germany’s famed genre and favourite theme: the romantic landscape, and man’s relationship with nature”.
I say it’s boring bollocks and he should have left in the power station. Which just goes to confirm that I am no artist, because this photo just set a new sales record of $4.3 million at Christie’s.
Maybe I will hang one of my cat photos on the wall after all.
Comments 🔗
2011-11-21| Bart saysBe an artist and hang the cat on the wall! :)
Meanwhile, here are a few artistic pictures for a Nat Geo photo contest: http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2011/11/national_geographic_photo_cont.html
2011-11-21| Wally saysI agree with you on the Rhine river photo. But the ‘finished’ photo is artistically good with almost perfect natural parallel lines separating the different areas, which I am sure was the aim of the photographer. But when is a photo not a photo after being so extensively Photoshopped ? I read that the photographer also took out a dog walker and a cyclist. The fiinished size was, I believe, 240 x 80 inches.
2011-11-21| TheSon saysIt is art in so far as it has generated heated discussion and debate, eg. “ye gods, what sort of unbelievable prick would pay four million dollars for that dreary vision of hell?”
I swear, being an “artist” is largely about playing the ‘game’ - whatever piece of crap you create, as long as you can bullshit about it completely convincingly with a straight face, you’ll probably sell for a packet.
“oh, yes, certainly it doesn’t conform to what people normally consider ‘photographed with some modicum of talent’, but I can see he’s trying to illustrate how people are so superficial and hollow, how life is fleeting, transient, oft ugly and judgemental. Although this picture may be tedious and awful… in some ways, it’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen. A torture for the eyes, a feast for the soul.”
2011-11-22| Spike saysI have some photos like that I can sell you.
2011-11-30| Spacefruit saysBet you don’t, /can’t.
2011-11-30| Spike says“Tedious and awful”, I can do that.
2011-11-30| Spacefruit saysGo on then. Make one and post it. I doubt it will be T&A. Don’t you like a challenge?