Assignment - Ancestral Photomontage
Big Idea - To create a self-portrait photomontage that reflects the interconnectedness of the individual, community, history and society.
Sarah Pudritz "Opa"
“I, as an artist, have used family history, photographs and cultural elements in my art to tell stories about history, social and political issues.”
“I believe our ancestors are very important, as without them, their culture and beliefs, we would not be here.”
“I, too, believe our elders are the keepers of knowledge and wisdom, and we should respect our elders.”
“And I believe our youth are our future. We must treat them well.”
George Littlechild Plains Cree Artist
George Littlechild
Photography 11/12 and AP 2D Design
Tuesday Jan. 23rd
Block 2-3
George Littlechild, Ancestral Workshop Presentation room 151
George Littlechild, Ancestors 1993
Visual symbols are a powerful and immediate connection to our cultural heritage. They are a reflection of cultural myths, legends, values and history. This is where art finds roots and inspiration.
Part 1 - Collecting - Documenting
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Identify and focus on one colourful ancestor and then research and document photographically artifacts that relate to their history/story/culture. Possibilities - Journals, stories, cultural artifacts, objects, symbols etc.
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Involve your family members to learn about their history, personal journeys, hardships they may have had to over come, achievements, talents.
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Think - if you wanted this individual to know something about you what would that be? Think about yourself and the connection/similarities you may have with this individual.
Bring your collection to class and photograph in the studio using the table top lighting set-up set up (this will be demonstrated in class). If you cannot bring the object to school, photograph it at home but make sure your exposure is perfect and the background is not too busy so selections will be easy.
Presentation - 2 contact sheets (20 exposures each) of your documented artifacts and a written statement outlining what you have learnt about your chosen ancestor based on the questions above.
Due: Dec. 6th
Part 2
Studio - Self Portrait Photo Shoot
Using a 4-point lighting studio set up, and working in pairs shoot a portrait of your partner that they will use in their photo montage.
Think about how you want to represent yourself within your photomontage when you choose your pose for your head shot.
A Step by Step Guide to Realistically Enhancing a Portrait in Photoshop
5 edited images - in a contact sheet on the server
Due: Jan. 15th
In preparation for our workshop with George Littlechild on Tuesday Jan. 23rd during block 2-3 you must have all of the selection work completed.
Presentation
One PSD file that contains
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Base layer sized 8.5" by 11", 300 resolution for Photo 11, 13" by 19", 300 resolution for Photo 12 and AP 2D Design - filled with white
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Layer the contains your edited self-portrait (make sure the background is white/neutral and your lighting/exposure is of excellent quality).
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Multiple layers that contain your individual selections of your documented artifacts.
Due: Jan. 17th
Part #3
Final Presentation - Photo 11 - 8"5' by 11" - jpeg, Photo 12 and AP 2D Design - 13" by 19" - jpeg
Using Adobe Photoshop create a unique self-portrait photomontage that reflects the interconnectedness of the individual, community, history and society in a way that honours the past.
Considerations when manipulating images;
- Layering
- Juxtaposition
- Selections
- Use of Symbolism
- Symbolic use of principles/elements of design
- Creating connections
Blending two images using gradients and masks.
Blending two images using masks and opacity