she said:"i love this picture because i feel like it really captures human emotion. i also like that the focus of the picture is off to the left rather than in the center."
my love of things in miniature, shot in macro, comes directly from the work of David Levinthal. from portraits of army men to cowboys to sex slaves, he covers it all. even tiny dancers in blackface. the theatrical presentation jumped out at me- the position of the camera, the lighting, the depth of field were all things i've sought to replicate at one time or another, and let me tell you, it ain't easy.
it's not difficult to infer from his choice of subject matter and themes that he's having a bit of fun here. and by that, i mean more of the way the brits say "taking the piss" than i mean 'a good ol' time.' i'm sure he enjoys his work, but what he really seems to enjoy is telling a story and sticking uncomfortable ideas in your face using something as innocuous as green plastic army men, or porceline figures shot so out of focus they might be a miniature tea set for your doll house collection, or a raven-haired submissive bound with rope and simply left awaiting a command.
the idea of using children's toys to tackle more adult themes and experiences isn't a new, or even novel one these days (we've seen the story of anorexic Karen Carpenter told using Barbies for crying out loud), but Levinthal, if not the originator, is one of the true adepts at this style. you've seen his work aped on book covers, in print advertisements, album covers, and who knows where else. in his own fine art work he's replicated the black-face actors of early vaudeville scenes, the wild west, the third reich, allied troops from World Wars I and II- all in tiny, polished porcelain figurines that at first glance would probably look right at home on grandma's display shelves. until you got up close.
No comments:
Post a Comment