Final Shoot

Final Images

These were my most successful images from our final photo shoot of the movement 'Op Art'. To create these images, we had to set up the studio to allow us to have enough room to project our designs. We used a white backdrop and a projector to create these effects. By using the white background we were able to easily edit the images later and it directly link the characteristics of Op Art. Moreover we used acetate with our designs printed onto them. This allowed us to project our designs onto objects or in our case, people. We decided to strictly use people as it would give a modern twist on it as within the Op Art movement it was common for the artwork to be based on canvas. This was due to it being painted. By using people we are adding modern society by using the people living within it. In addition, within today's society Op Art is used in multiple aspects such as advertising, film posters, singers etc... Pop stars such as Lady Gaga have used Op Art within her music videos such as 'Telephone'. Also she has worn a Op Art inspired dress which has influenced other artists such as Eureka from 'Ru Paul's Drag Race'. Because we were using a projector, we had to keep the room dark. This was due to the project having its own light. This made the designs defined and sharp. Overall our images were inspired by Bridget Riley. We were inspired by her artwork as it clearly relates to the movement. Moreover, she used bold defining lines to create her illusions. As these characteristics were common throughout her pieces, we wanted to capture this within our images. When reviewing these final images, I believe we did. 

    

Compared to our inspirational images, our final photos do vary quite a bit. Firstly we adapted for a modern audience by using a person instead of a canvas. By making the model our canvas we are able to manipulate the illusions and the effects it has when projected onto the body. In addition, this is modern as the process to get to this point was achieved by using technology. We created our designs via Photoshop and were able to capture our outcomes via a camera. When shooting these images we wanted to give each piece a different atmosphere by enabling the model to pose differently. This was beneficial as when selecting our final images we could compare and contrast which images we would like to display. Moreover we found it easy to change the mood within each piece by positioning the illusion over key areas of the body. This defined areas like the eyes and made them the focal point of the images. By doing this as well, it eliminated other areas of the body which could evoke emotions depending on the positioning, expression or shape. We found this beneficial as we were able to make a happy image sombre by covering the mouth, this made each piece easily manipulable. When shooting we found that bare skin worked best. However when placed within a college setting, this became difficult. Therefore when it came to the final shoot, the model/s wore items of clothing that could be pulled down and held to show enough skin to capture an image. 

Throughout this project I was inspired by Bridget Riley. Various of her pieces inspired me to achieve my final outcome. This piece titled 'Inspired Woman' influenced me the most. Within this piece I liked the idea of the woman being apart of the illusion. Therefore when capturing and editing my images I wanted the model to be lost within the illusion but still be seen. Also the way the lines curve and morph into a woman are repeated within my photos. As the photo was edited, the defined outline of the model began to become fainter, leaving the lines of the illusion to morph around her. This reflects this piece as the lines are drawn to embody a woman. 

I believe our image relate to our research and Pinterest boards as they include the key characteristics of Op Art. For example: mono-tonal, bold lines varying in thickness etc... Audiences will be able to recognise our work as it clearly shows characteristics of what makes up Op Art. Moreover, as Op Art is well know within modern society people will be aware that this type of art is common throughout the market, advertising and celebrity world. 

When viewing these three images, I believe it is hard to pick one successful image. I think this because each one shows and highlights defining areas of Op Art whilst adding a contemporary twist. Based on mood/atmosphere alone I would say the first image is the best one. I think this as with the others, the model is lost within the illusion. Even though this a good aspect of the images, I believe that the first image is fascinating to look at as you can clearly see the model as well as their shadow. In addition it creates multiple questions that remain unanswered. With the other images, it appears that the illusion is painted onto the model. This is an intriguing effect. Moreover, the second image is quite abstract as the acetate didn't cover the whole of the model. However the shadow compensated for this adding o the geometric style of the image.  

If I were to do this shoot again I would try to use objects within my images. Also I could experiment with colour objects as this would create another focal point and make the images more interesting. Moreover, I could experiment on different body types as the body had an effect on how the illusion became distorted.