17 February 2008

Pet Peeve #459

When photographers try to reproduce famous paintings with a "modern spin". Especially when it's done badly, and especially when the photographer relies on the merit of the original work to give the new shit quality, or context.

EXAMPLE:



INTO:



How can you even presume to capture all of the layers of that painting with a snapshot? How can you simplify Klimt's obsessive markmaking into a wallpaper pattern? How can you dumb his figures down to a mop-headed teenager in a smock? How can you not pay attention to the most simple picture plane aspects shared by painting & photography, so that there is no similarity in poise, mood, lighting, placement, delineation of space, shape, form, color, ANYTHING?

8 comments:

Unknown said...

i really love the pic from the right, i think it's great shot!

Nicole said...

Good one!! You should post this and any others at this site I'm way into: PeevePile.

Sr. Eulálio said...

Look this work:
http://www.behance.net/gallery/La-Esencia-de-Klimt/50709

regards,
Eulálio

Lauren Rae Holtermann said...

Wow, now that is more like it.

Scouser said...

Well being in such an elevated position, I suppose you can throw stones from your ivory tower. We all have to start somewhere, and although it may not be to your taste, there has been evidently a lot of time and work invested in this particular project.

Get your head out of your arse, and be grateful for your achievements, and let those of lesser standing enjoy the freedom you was once given to express yourself.

Scouser said...

Well being in such an elevated position, I suppose you can throw stones from your ivory tower. We all have to start somewhere, and although it may not be to your taste, there has been evidently a lot of time and work invested in this particular project.

Get your head out of your arse, and be grateful for your achievements, and let those of lesser standing enjoy the freedom you was once given to express yourself.

Concetta Vecchione said...

Actually, I think these photographs are very well done. I think the ones posted here aren't even the best in the series. Google "Klimt remastered" for the others. The artist certainly wasn't attempting to recreate Klimt's masterpieces but was trying to respectfully make a homage to his work. I think they pulled it off. As an artist I’ve done some recreational work, mostly as a frame of reference for study to further my own education. I understand your love for Klimt but don’t hate on someone for trying to put their own spin on something beautiful but trying to make it their own. Their just trying to express themselves and their individuality by saying "Hey, I like this too."

The color choices, patterns, paleness of skin and use contrast are clearly Klimt-like BUT the composition, angle, cropping, use of outside source (wind) are signs of a skilled modern eye. Kudos to the artist. I have to disagree with the critic.

Alijah Fitt said...

I agree with you to a point. The one on the left does not excite but I am often the last one to criticize anyone for their creative endeavors (out loud anyway). I like the photo of the red head but feel the Klimt reference is extremely short coming.