University Exercise – Homage
Edward Weston
For this exercise, I have decided to present a homage to Edward Weston and his still life photography.
Edward Weston, from the USA, was one of the most influential American photographers of the 20th century. He explored a range of subjects, but his still life photography particularly caught my interest.
“I never go to a market now, without looking at the peppers, or cabbage, or bananas!” And even they bring me vegetables to work with, as the Mexicans used to bring me toys. So I have actually made others see more than they did. Is not that important? Edward Weston
Weston found inspiration in everyday fruits and vegetables, reflecting textures and shapes that viewers might interpret in various ways.
Weston often spoke about enjoying the idea of seeing beauty beyond the surface, including the erotic and bodily interpretations of his still life work. He was known for his openness to how viewers might see his photographs, understanding that his focus on form and texture often led to interpretations of sensuality.
Many viewed the photograph ‘Pepper No.30’ as a representation of a masculine form, Weston himself referred to this pepper as having a “masculine” quality due to its robust, rounded shape and strong lines.
“I must get this one today: the pepper is beginning to show the strain and tonight should grace a salad. It has been suggested that I am a cannibal to eat my models after a masterpiece. But I rather like the idea that they become a part of me, enrich my blood as well as my vision. Yet something kept me from taking it to the kitchen, the end of all good peppers. I placed it in the funnel, focused with the Zeiss, and, knowing just the viewpoint, recognizing the perfect light, made an exposure of six minutes…I have a great negative, by far the best!”Edward Weston
Homage
I haven’t done much still life photography before, but when I came across Edward Weston’s work during my research, I was intrigued. Not only did the idea of using everyday items from my kitchen as subjects sound amazing to me, but also the way Weston captured the inherent beauty in each image was truly inspiring.
In my images I decided to capture a mushroom, a tomato, a lettuce and a very ripe avocado.
My idea was to capture elements that could represent a woman’s body and reproductive system. I intend to leave the photos open to the viewers’ imagination, without providing too much explanation about my creative concepts. This approach allows for personal interpretation and encourages viewers to engage with the images in their own way.
Barrett
Which of the three types of information discussed by Barrett (1997) provides the context in this case?
In terms of Barrett (1997), my project focuses on creating a fully authored image rather than discovering the world through the viewfinder. This approach fits the idea of an homage because it connects closely with Weston’s style and themes through deliberate choices in my own work.
Bibliography
Edward Weston Photography – Holden Luntz Gallery (no date). Available at: https://www.holdenluntz.com/artists/edward-weston/ (Accessed: 14 September 2024).
Freedman, P.B. (2022a) ‘13 September 2022: Edward Weston & Food: Sustenance, Inspiration and Campfire Cuisine’, Edward Weston Bibliography, 13 September. Available at: https://edwardwestonbibliography.blog/2022/09/13/13-september-2022-edward-weston-food-sustenance-inspiration-and-campfire-cuisine/ (Accessed: 14 September 2024).
Freedman, P.B. (2022b) Still Life, Edward Weston Bibliography. Available at: https://edwardwestonbibliography.blog/tag/still-life/ (Accessed: 14 September 2024).
liam (2016a) ‘Edward Weston – Still life photographer’, Photography Project, 4 February. Available at: https://photographyproject.uk/research/edward-weston-still-life-photography/ (Accessed: 14 September 2024).
liam (2016b) ‘Edward Weston – Still life photographer’, Photography Project, 4 February. Available at: https://photographyproject.uk/research/edward-weston-still-life-photography/ (Accessed: 14 September 2024).
Tate (no date) Edward Weston 1886–1958, Tate. Available at: https://www.tate.org.uk/art/artists/edward-weston-2720 (Accessed: 14 September 2024).