The Allure of Ophelia

From my first meeting with Ophelia in 2009 at the Tate Britain, I was inspired by her fragile, innocent beauty. There are so many reasons why my eyes are generally drawn to painting more so than photography, especially lifelike realist works of the Renaissance and Pre-Raphaelite era.

The industry is saturated by thousands of fashion images; a medium so much more accessible than it ever had been in the past. I feel there is something special inside a painting which is tends to be harder to achieve in photography without looking too constrained and false.

In this industry there is also such pressure to produce images quickly that the value of imagery can be lost- I feel that my positive relationship with painting allows me appreciate the importance of photography; that every conceptual image should be a powerful refection on my vision of the world. 

There are so many ways to deconstruct a painting; being a constructed concoction of truth, mystery and fantasy. Not quite as real as a photograph yet often with strong refections of reality. I feel that fashion photography contains a similar element of this, most specifically highlighted by the fundamentals of retouching and post production.

A new exhibition is to open at the Tate Britain called 'Pre Raphaelites, Victorian Avant Garde'. I am very much looking forward to this show and will be sure to write a follow up blog post after my visit! 

I believe that one must learn to deconstruct imagery/art in order to learn to construct. The photographs below are part of the editorial series shot at the V&A museum in 2009- although I only had two days to plan this shoot, at the time I was completing my final year project inspired by Renaissance Art. This has conditioned me to always keep my eyes open for inspiration, even if it may not be relevant to that exact moment in time- the chances are that it will be useful in the future.

 © Alice Luker

'Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful' - William Morris.

The Masters

When I was a student, I loved the psychological side to imagery... 'discourse and representation' as it was called; which may sound a little OTT and unnecessary (!) but in my opinion its plays a fundamental role in creating a stimulating and invigorating piece of work.  

I strongly believe that every image I personally create (even those which I feel haven't involved as much thought as others) are based on my subconscious experience and perspective of how I see the world. We dream what we dream for a reason; perhaps during the creative thought process we experience something quite similar.

During the last year of my studies I chose to focus on Renaissance Art. During this project I basically spent all of my spare time visiting art galleries, reading books, browsing the internet...you name it I was determined to make it stimulating both on the surface level and when digging a little deeper. 

There were a few techniques that particularly appealed to me; techniques that undoubtedly stuck in my mind, more than likely influencing my recent projects without too much conscious thought. I'm now approaching the subject of Renaissance/ Baroque art in an editorial soon to come which made me realise the positive impact that my graduate project had on me. One technique in particular continues to interest me; never failing to catch my eye when successfully implemented....

Chiaroscuro

Chiaroscuro is a technique first adapted in art. The term relates to the relationship between light and shadow, often evoking a strong sense of atmosphere and drama based on such visible contrast within the frame.

Baroque artist Caravaggio is known for his contributions to this technique, most famously breaking a hole in one side of the ceiling in his dark studio to encourage a natural stream of sunlight to catch one side of his subject.

My recent interpretations of Chiaroscuro are shown below, taken from my shoot 'The Opium Den' for Ben Trovato earlier this year.  This shoot was also inspired by Oscar Wilde's Dorian Grey; a book focusing on vanity and a more sinister side to beauty.

 

 

My suggestions to all you creatives out there? Delve into the abyss of history... so much beauty that we may not even comprehend originates in the work of the great masters. Although I hate to admit it, nothing is original in this world- but in my opinion, there is nothing quite like the beauty of history; especially the combination of fashion and history combined.

'All art is at once surface and symbol. Those who go beneath the surface do so at their own peril. Those who read the symbol do so at their own peril' - Dorian Grey