Thursday, July 10, 2008

In Response...

In response to padre's blog, the entry about Annie Leibovitz' photograph of Miley Cryus. I know it's months after the post. But it's not so much political as it is about the photography itself:



I won't disagree that the style she used, seeing how Miley is 15, was pushing it. I would have to say there are other creative ways to express what she had wanted to - "beauty". But I wouldn't just flat out call her a pornographer. I don't think the picture was that controversial.

If you really want to read into it, having a 15 year old-children's pop icon (nothing exposed, mind you), in a sheet, with the smeared lipstick, suggesting something of a sexual nature, is purely, directly symbolizing what the media and society has done to itself. It corrupts the innocent and it destroys morals and priorities. You have children mindlessly falling in love with and idolizing someone who revolves their career around fraud. Now, I don't think that's what Leibovitz had that expression or idea in mind (exposing the downfall of humanity), but art - including photography - means something different and expressing something different to every pair of eyes. Some saw that photo as disgusting and pornographic while I see it as an accurate representation of the media and what this country supports and produces.

Putting that aside, so many harsh words were said to or against Leibovitz and I don't think it's exactly fair, not only for what I just wrote, but because people seemed to disregard all of her past work.

Dad, do me a favor: Put the Miley Cyrus photo aside and look at these...





http://www.nytimes.com/library/photos/leibovitz/bourgeois.html



Also, for those who argue that a bare back is pornographic: Even in classic/modern art nudity was used as a way to express natural beauty. Now because we flash forward years later that is no longer acceptable? (Of course, obviously, context is a HUGE part of it... keeping it strictly art-related here.)


-The Ali

Update!

So, I think I established that high school killed ... or severely damaged my passion for art and photography. At this point, I don't even want to double major at college, I want to keep my growing interest independent. It may make a future career that much harder... but I really don't want to risk losing something that's been important to me for over 15 years especially when it's via the education system.

This Sunday I leave for a road trip. I'm hoping new scenery and knowing that right now I'm not tied down to any school* or system or life altering responsibility or obligation, will let me "fix" what high school beat down. It will be the road, two good friends of mine, and my baby: A Nikon D80 (thanks, insurance!).

*Dad, if you're reading this: I KNOW I'm technically enrolled in Dayton, but I haven't started my first year so it's much different than being between years.

Anyway, I have another band to post! The group consists of someone I went to elementary school and beyond with, a guy I met and actually liked my Junior year of high school (that's a major compliment - there weren't many of those), and an awesome drummer I've only recently been introduced to. I'd like to say they're a beautiful mix between Three Days Grace and Nirvana with better lyrics and, obviously, their own unique touch. I had a photography dry-spell the past bundle of months and I guess you can say that these guys helped rekindle my interest. (Thank you for that, by the way guys.) Check them out!

www.onetontomatoes.com
www.myspace.com/onetontomatoes


I have a couple of pictures to post. I apologize, because these were taken in the "getting back into it" process. My eye's kind of rusty. That, and I have no access to photo-shop. Even though I only use it for colour corrections or red eye, it DOES make a difference. The quality also took a hit to it when I resized them in Paint, but you can click on them to make it larger... it helps a bit. Now that I've lowered expectations, here's a few from their show in Jersey this summer:











(Guys there are more - I made each of you a CD. Next time I see you I'll give em to you.)


As always, criticism/opinions are always awesome. I'll have more to post when I get back from my trip!



-The Ali