Gillian Wearing-
The series of photographs called "Signs that Say What You Want Them To Say and Not Signs that Say What Someone Else Wants You To Say" brought Wearing international recognition when it was first exhibited in 1993. This selection of five images shows the range of responses which Wearing elicited from passers-by, whom she selected at random, and asked to write their thoughts on a piece of paper. Wearing challenges social stereotypes and assumptions, and often works in collaboration with members of the public as a means of 'interrupting the logic of photo-documentary and snapshot photography.' She has said 'A great deal of my work is about questioning handed-down truths.'
10 comments:
In the photo with the certified man, you can notice the photographer included the signs about pick pockets and preventing crimes on the right side of the frame. those signs, his sign, and the tatooo on his face all point towards the fact this guy is rough, but he seems pretty content with it.
I kind of liked the first photo by Wearing. The guy just not writes what is thinking about at that time. Actually, on my opinion he tries to send a thoughtful message to the viewer. The background of the image seems to be a pretty nice place with a great weather to think about life and all the secrets behind it. As a result, the foreground, middle and background really get connected to each other.
I really like the last image of the man with the sign "I'm Desperate". It seems very ironic that a guy in a business suit who seems to have his life together would write something like that, almost an advertisment for whoever is going to view the image.
I agree with Megan on her views of the "business man". I find a conection between how desperate he is and the relation to people that wear suits to work, from stock brokers on wall street to men working in department stores like Nordtroms There is a large gap between their incomes and all they want is to move up. They are all desperate to climb the business ladder for the all mighty dollar.
I find it Ironic too how especially the guy with the suit is holding a sign that shows how much he wants a job when it seems like he has his life all put together, but yet stands outside with a sign that says " I'm Desperate" that makes no sense, I also like the first photo because he tries to make a point out there i thought the photograph was pretty neat they all connect somehow showing the necessity of each person.
I really liked the photo of the man with the sign that said "I'm desperate" I agree with the others that it is kind of strange that a man who looks so together would be desperate. I just wonder what kind of desperate he is.
It's interesting isn't it, that we see the guy with the suit and assume that his style of dress means he has everything together, is sucessful, etc. He may be desperate, but we don't know what for, and may start just making things up to fit the picture.
I'm curious as to why the photographer asked them to write their thoughts on a piece of paper... I'm wondering if maybe the photographer had a deep conversion with the person before they took the photo to get the person thinking about something to open them up a little and be insightful..
(Lindsey) I thought these were somewhat interesting, not visually good looking though. Though these people are aware of the camera, and are posed, they are wearing their normal attire and used their own words on the posterboard.So that's what still keeps it on the edge of documentary. I'd love to see a picture of Pres. Bush whith a board of his thoughts... or lack of. haha
I agree with most of the people commenting on the "i'm desperate" photograph. It's ironic that such a sucessful looking person would have that on their sign. But in a way it's understable, a captain of industry so cutthroat that they push everyone away.
Post a Comment