Jan 24th, Research and painting.

Took a look at Sally Mann..

Guardian article  on Manns approach to her work, which led to Proud Bodies series and an interview with Gagosian between her and Jenny Saville. 

Really looking forward to digging into this work properly.

Also found Roger Ballens twins photograph and my instant reaction is that the account of the mother seems much more believable than the photographers. It'd be nice to think that the initial anonymity he afforded them through his account -was done through respect -  but I can't help thinking it also protected him from people sourcing the mother and checking his version of how he acquired the photo. Although they still went on to become known/recognised. 

The statement that they are always happy regardless doesn't condone the photograph. My son is always generally happy unless anxious about something - the term resilience comes up over and over - I'd hate to feel like I was taking advantage of him in some way. 

I'm trying to paint a moment - our relationship, in a sensitive way to capture some of his personality in paint. 

I don't feel that Ballens photo does this.

It's a documentation 

He captured the moment where a photographer was looking at them looking at him- 

   a friendly but curious appeasement. 

A catalogued interaction with a new 'subject'. 

Even the title is impersonal and feels like he's got some kind of superiority over them.

Through his own version of events, it's clear that he took no time with them to know them- this is what I find to be societies great problem with anyone who is different -It doesn't and won't allow time for them.

Herman Vervey took the right approach - his photographs catch them involved in the photographs and their personality is portrayed. 

I get that Ballens was taking pictures of poverty and marginalised people - but ethics were more than questionable on this one. 

 Cassie and Driesie - Vervey

Found Quiet Blue Wall on Insta, an exhibition shout-out sponsored by CASS art and the National Lottery to name a couple.   The exhibition is focused on suicide prevention and neurodiversity. Sourced the materials needed to submit work. 

Had my essay plan feedback - so I know how to approach WACCA

Had another pass of the blurry photo of me and Jack.  My paint handled really strangely today. I think the Sansodor is still a bit wet so it sucked the moisture from the oil paint despite using poppy seed oil. 

I'm not sure which sections I want to pull out and how much to keep sketchy and blurred.