Zine Evaluation

Final Evaluation

Throughout my zine I have chosen to have variety within my zine. I choose to create interesting pages that captured the audience's attentions. With the cover I chose to cut out the title which revealed the colours on the next page. This is interesting as from different angles the colour changes. From a far it appears to be one page but when interacted with it surprises the audience that the letters are missing. I chose to set out my zine in the order of the movements. This will make the zine have a chronological order. Also I decided to separate my image from my text. I chose to do this as it allows the audience to focus on the image rather than read the text. Moreover I chose to over lap certain images which allow the audience's eyes to flow smoothly between the pages. Also I decided to choose backgrounds/colours that related to that movement. This links the various movements together creating categories.For fonts I decided that easy to read fonts were easy to use. Also this allows my audience to easily read the quotes I have use throughout.  These quotes I have chosen reflect the ideas and opinions at the time. These mainly are from the artists themselves. I believe by doing this the audience is able to gather an idea of what the emotions and ideas they had at the time. For the cover of my zine I decided to go plain with a dark grey cover and cut out the letters the reveal a bright colour. This makes it eye catching as the audience can interact with this cover. Also it is abstract as the letters are separated making ti harder to read. However this makes the audience discover the title of this zine rather than just looking and knowing. I believe my Op Art/Memphis pages are the most successful as they can be interacted with and are bright and colourful. Moreover these are successful because I decided to use colours relating to the time. The composition if these pages reflect those of the time. Also the images are incorporated into the background making the pages seamless. Throughout this zine I have used my skills to develop and create this zine. I used my digital skills such as Photoshop to develop pages and edit images. However I also used physical skills such as sewing to stitch my zine together. This makes mine unique against the other zines who just used staplers. This also shows craftsmanship which I like to show in my work. For example, Memphis pages.

Throughout this project I have enjoyed researching into the various movements as I have been able to look into what styles, influences and ideas artists have had before me. Also I have enjoyed working in these styles and it made me create new modern pieces that were exciting and inspiring. In the future I would like to research into different book styles to develop my zine further. Also i would like to look into other movements that we didn't research to gain new and exciting ideas.     

Final Photos Edits

Final Evaluation

Final Evaluation

When creating these pieces I gathered many reference images and inspirational artwork to base my images off. For props I decided to use a jug, some flowers, face paint and a white t-shirt. These props allowed me to achieve my desired effect. I chose to decorate the jug as it was plain. I chose a pattern that I felt represented the Memphis style. In addition I decided that the model should wear a white shirt as it would allow me to edit the colour, pattern, style in Photoshop. Rather than restricting myself with a coloured shirt or a patterned one, I am able to edit it. I chose to use some face paint within this project as I believe it embodies 'fun'. As face paint is often used at fairs and fates I decided to use it within my images. Also, at festivals face paint is now commonly used. Moreover festivals are becoming more common within modern society therefore I wanted to reflect this within these pieces. Within the studio I decided to keep the background white and isolate the model/objects so I could edit them within Photoshop. This enabled me to experiment with compositions and colours without being limited to one photo. Moreover in the studio I made sure that there were various lights eliminating the shadows cast by the model/objects. This helped to keep a pure background which made it easier to drop colours and patterns into. In addition I decided to increase the ISO to help with this effect as well. This made the images brighter and more crisp.

Within these images I edited them in Photoshop. For the first image I decided to create a story board like image which told a story. I added various patterns such as 'Bacterio' by Ettore Scottsass within the images. I chose to do this as I was inspired by this pattern and wanted to incorporate it in my photos. In addition I added grass to the image to make the idea make sense. Also I decided to add shadows behind the models as they appeared flat within the image. This allowed the models to standout from the background and appear to be leaping from the page.
Within the following images I chose contrasting patterns to fill the background to make each image 'pop'. Moreover I chose to define the models again with the shadows to make them leap off the page.  Also I decided to only use a portrait of each model as the image would have been distant.

The idea that I planned was the first image. I chose this idea as I thought it was playful and cheery whilst still representing that Memphis is with the patterns and poses. Also when doing the impromptu shoot I was able to use other people's props and create a shoot completely different from my final outcome. I prefer the final outcome over the impromptu shoot as I believe this shoot is more playful and cheery compared to the test shoots. By working with this process I am able to gain experience on how to set up a studio, direct models and capture quality images within a time frame. This relates to working in the industry as there are deadlines to meet with various projects and employment. By working like this within college I will be able to recognise these situations and act accordingly based on personal experience. My most successful images were the head shots as I could use them for various experimental ideas. With these images I could further them by making them animated or change the colour scheme depending on the brief. These images are successful because they represent what the Memphis Group's style was and their atmosphere when creating their ideas. Moreover, I was able to successfully adapt them for a modern audience.

I believe my images relate to my research on the Memphis Group as I have been able to keep the child-like and playful atmosphere throughout my images. As Memphis Group aimed to be non-functional and break the 'norm' within society. My images also relate to the group as they used various vivid, pastel colours throughout their work. I chose various colour schemes to tie in with their ideas and furniture. In addition I decided to use multiple patterns throughout each image. Natalie Du Pasqueir was a member of the Memphis Group and was a textile designer. Within the catalogue there are multiple of her patterns listed.

When capturing these images, I needed to make sure they were relevant to a modern audience. In doing so I decided to use modern clothing, makeup, hair styles, process etc... As we live within a modern society with technology readily available to us, I was able to edit my images within Photoshop. This enables me to change colours, enlighten the images, enhance the colours etc... Moreover I chose to represent makeup that would be commonly seen at festivals and group events. By doing this I am able to relate to a wider audience as music is a common aspect of people's daily lives. In addition people attend concerts to see their favourite pop-star in person. This goes against the functionality of technology today as music can be found on platforms such as Spotify, YouTube and other platform. By seeing their icon in person presents challenges and blockades such as transport, money, tickets, booking. These processes question to functionally of festival like Memphis Group questioned the functionality of everyday furniture.
Also my images could be used in various advertisements, videos and could be made into gifs. As each of my pieces are able to be changed into various colours, movements and positioning, they are bale to be used in different ways depending on the brief. When animating these images I could either animate the background so the patterns move. Or additionally the shadows behind the model could switch between colours or be used on a cycle. 

When creating these pieces of work, I encounter few problems as from previous projects I had experience with what could happen. With this experience I was able to avoid unnecessary set backs and interruptions. However, there were a few mishaps such as shadows were still visible and props being missing. To counter these problems, I was able to edit various aspects in Photoshop which allowed me to insert missing objects and remove shadows.  If I were to repeat this shoot, I would include more studio lights to reduce the amount of time spent on editing the images. Also I would like to explore the idea of just shooting still life to see what ideas and outcomes I could generate with a different subject.

Compared to the other projects previously, I enjoyed shooting this one as I was able to direct the model to achieve what I desired. Also this shoot was fun and airy as the atmosphere was cheerful and playful which I believed helped to make these images work when working with the model. Moreover being able to take a child-like approach to a shoot was a delightful change to the sombre, cold mood within the other shoots like Baroque as they dealt with serious subjects and ideas. In addition, I believe that this shoot was easier to complete due to the desired outcome as we are young therefore we understand what its like to defy what others want you to appear as. However when it came to editing the other shoots were easier such as the Surrealist shoot and the OP Art shoot due to ideas i generated and the circumstances on the day.

Test Shoots

Review

When completing this shoot, I kept in mind that I need these to be playful to represent the style of Memphis. Within these images I decided to not use lights as it was bright. However whenever I changed the angle of the camera the images appeared dark. When doing this again I would use studio lights to create a crisp defined image. Throughout these images I decided to use playful expressions and poses to reflect the style of Memphis. This worked well as the model embodied this making this shoot easy to capture. I think the close ups of the face and glasses worked the best as you can clearly see the patterns and expressions the model uses. This is effective as this embodies what Memphis is. For my final shoot I will use more playful expressions, poses and ideas to capture an image that represents Memphis as a whole. Moreover I will use more props to make each image more interesting.  

EDITED

Planning

Mood Board

Mood Board

When creating this mood board, I decided to focus on finding images tat clearly show the Memphis Group's style. These characteristics involve: liveliness, patterns, geometric shapes, vivid colours, sharp edges, angles, irregular etc... These are key to the movement as they defied the boring drab colours, brown and oranges, of the time. They made everything decorative rather then functional which was big at the time. I decided to gather a variety of objects to inspire me. I did this because limiting myself to one object would be boring and limited. I decided to use objects that would be readily available to be in shops and at home. These include cups, earrings, pots, clothing and pillows. As these can be purchased cheaply I will be able to experiment with many ideas. When searching, I found many poses however I decided not to include them as I want to focus more on objects than people. I believe I will able to get a better outcome with objects rather then people. However, when collaborating with others in the future I will use their ideas and experiment by placing each of them together. When shooting, I will be putting a contemporary twist on my ideas by using items that are related to the 21st century. Also I will be able to use a variety of different styles to achieve a more modern look. When reviewing my mood board I am going to begin with objects such as cups, pots and earrings. As these items are relatively small I will be able to experiment with ideas and patterns. After that, I will move onto larger objects such as pillows and clothing. 

Memphis Group Work Comparison

Ettore Sottsass Pieces

This piece is titled 'Carlton' and was made by the group Memphis, however the main artist behind the piece is Ettore Sottsass. Within this piece various bright colours have been used. This was contrasting to the mainstream as oranges and browns were in. As Memphis were creating pieces to break the 'norm'. Colours such as yellows and grey have been dulled down to more of a pastel colour. This compliments the piece as these colours would have been overpowering compared to the rest. In addition contrasting colours such as blues and reds have been used next to each other. This creates a high contrast between the two as primary colours are not usually used together. This works well within this piece as the variety of colour compliments each other due to the nature of the piece. Moreover angles are a common theme within this piece and multiple others. Sharp clean edges are used throughout this piece making it eye catching and bold. By doing this the Memphis Group have ignored the slick smooth look of the time, making it stand out further. Also this piece defies the idea of 'functionality' at the time. This idea was repeatably used making pieces boring and bland. However Memphis defied this by making pieces that were poking fun at these regular everyday objects. In addition they made items that were classed as art and were more decorative than functional. This was iconic of them as they wanted to drive away form the mainstream market. Carlton was classed as a 'room divider'. This was due to the sheer scale of the piece. As well as it being a divider, it provide a lot of storage space as well. Draws can be seen in the image as well as the multiple shelving areas. People such as Karl Lagerfeld kept various items such as books on this instillation. Compared to Ettore Sottsass' other pieces, this one lacks in patterns. Other than the base of the piece, it has little pattern within it. Overall this piece gives off a childish remake of a simple bookcase."A bolt out of the blue, red and yellow." - Lester Dundes. This piece was made from medium density fibreboard (MFB) which was laminated in vibrant colours. This makes the piece sturdy and strong, able to complete its function. This piece as a whole gives off a childish, playful atmosphere which would brighten up the room. When placed alone and with other furniture, I believe that this piece is a statement that is bold and defining.    

This piece is titled 'Tahiti Table Lamp'. Within this piece fewer colours have been used than 'Carlton'. Colours such as pink, red, yellow, brown and grey have been used. This limited compared to Carlton which features over 10 colours. This is drastically different as less contrasting colours, such as primary colours, have been used together. In addition the colours haven't been dulled compared to Carlton, making it more vivid and bold. However this piece is still eye catching it lacks in scale. As its original function is a lamp, the scale is much smaller than a room divider. Even though this piece is smaller, it is still fascinating and shocking to many in the 1980's. Compared to Carlton, this piece feature less sharp edges/angles and more rounded areas and smoother transitions. This is more appealing to the eye as the softer edges are nicer to view. Moreover, within this piece there will be wires hidden by the various coloured plastics they used to make these pieces. This is shown either by the brown cylindrical shape or the main yellow structure of the piece. Either could hide wiring easily, making this piece more harmonious. In addition this piece would light up when provided with electricity. This differs from Carlton as it is a statement piece rather then a functional piece as this one is. Even with its transformed design, it still has a function. This is shown throughout many of Memphis' work. This was because, even though their work defied the idea of 'functionality', they're pieces still had the basic function of the object in mind. Memphis wasn't a group about making money but rather a group trying to reshape the definition of art and design at the time. They wanted to break out against the 'norm'. When viewing this piece further, I believe this piece resembles a 'Drinking Bird'. Due to its shape, the rounded head and a squared beak, it appears to have been inspired by this. Similarly, this piece also features the same pattern as Carlton does. This pattern was designed Ettore Sottsass and is titled 'Bacterio'. This is because it resembles bacteria up close on a microscope. Overall this piece is a childish take on a lamp. This childlike approach to architecture is a common theme throughout their pieces. This links the Memphis' catalog together and 'bullet proofs' their idea on removing the dull from the market at the time. "Today everything one does is consumed. It is dedicated to life, not to eternity." - Ettore Sottsass. This piece gives off a playful and abstract atmosphere as from a distance the function of it would be unknown. Compared to 'Carlton' I believe this piece would make a statement when in junction with other pieces from the Memphis Group Collection.  

Nathalie du Pasquier

This piece is titled 'Zaire' and was created by Nathalie du Pasquier. She has created series of patterns that feature throughout Memphis' designs. Within this piece, geometrical shapes have been used throughout. This was common throughout most of the designs and work. In addition angular shapes have been used in this piece rather than larger circles in other pieces. Also these shape are irregular and lively as each one is different. Moreover, a simple blue colour scheme has been used. These icy shades of blue make this pattern harmonious compared to its rigid featured shapes. By using various tones of blue the piece is calmer than others as there is only one colour used throughout. In addition, no outlines have been used in this piece. This was common in many designs and was seen throughout patterns used then and now in modern clothing. Compared to other designs this one is toned down is is more calming to perceive. However this piece still keeps it playful qualities that were common of the Memphis Group. "I draw shapes, I cut them out, I try them on different grounds, like a collage." - Nathalie du Pasquier. This piece gives off a moody sullen atmosphere. I believe this because of the dulled colours and limited range of them. Compared to the one below which is vibrant and striking, this one appears laid back and calm.    

This piece is titled 'Gabon'. Within this piece only geometrical shapes have been used. Each shape/line involves sharp edges and angular points. Compared to the first pattern, this piece involves only angular shapes where as the one above had some circles incorporated within the design. Another difference is that a multitude of colours have been used in this pattern. Rather than a controlled colour scheme, colours such as purples, oranges, reds have been used sporadically. This is different as it immediately show the playfulness of the Memphis Group. In addition this piece is lively to look at and achieves a cheerful feeling. This piece also features various repeating patterns such as stripes and 'zig-zags'. These make the piece more fascinating to look at and makes the piece even more child-like. This piece gives off a cheery, energetic atmosphere as the colours are vibrant and bold. I believe this because compared to the one above this one is defining and will catch the viewer's eye. Each of her patterns were printed onto fabric. She has an interest in textiles and has now got a collection with American Apparel which is on sale.  

Natalie Du Pasquier was inspired by many things including her parents, specially her mother who was an art historian. She had learned a classical way of looking at art. Whereas Bordeaux, the place she was born, did a lot of trade with Africa. This spurred her to travel to Africa with a group of friends after watching chips being unloaded with exotic goods for years. When in Africa she experiment with her first drawings and soon people began to say that they resembled African fabrics. She states that 'I was absorbing patterns the same way I was listening to music in the bars and on the radio'. - https://frieze.com/article/nathalie-du-pasquier-my-influences 

Quotes from:

https://www.tate.org.uk/art

https://www.brainyquote.com/

https://artsandculture.google.com/