Initial Proposal for the exam project

For the exam theme Truth, Fantasy or Fiction I started off by researching into propaganda, modern day issues and magazines. As my last project solely focuses on fantasy, I wanted to do something different, therefore choosing truth. The first artist I looked at was Barbara Kruger. Kruger uses strong, meaningful photographs then layers text over the top. Many of Kruger’s images are controversial; she uses her collages as messages to the public eye. Inspired by Kruger I completed a photo shoot with a man with a TV over his head. I used the same black and white Vs the bright red highlighted text. I them carried on with the same style of editing throughout the next shoots.

I also looked at the artist Shepard Fairey. Fairey also uses imagery to portray messages to get across to the public eye. Fairey uses patterns and faces in a propaganda style. In the style of Fairey I recreated his ‘Make art not war’ poster and the ‘Hope’ poster. I used messages (for example, “Do you really know the people around you?”) to create controversy within the image.

I’ve started to combine Kruger and Fairey’s work within my own. I’ve kept the red border (inspired by Kruger) on most of the photos, as well as the same font Kruger uses in the text. But have also used Fairey’s graphic design aspects (like the Hope poster style).

With more up-to-date photo shoots I’ve looked at the Hackney Flashers, and have begun to look more into politics and the way people control others. As political photo shoots are usually controversial, I embraced it. Some of the edits may be deemed as rude or disrespectful, but they are only meant to provoke ideas and emotions, therefore serving the title of ‘Propaganda’.

As I’ve stated, the topic I’m currently on is very different to my previous topics. I would like turn this topic around and head it into a different direction. As I’ve been exploring ‘grey areas’, I would like to show this is a more story-telling way. Therefore, the topic will now be the dark origins of Nursey Rhymes. I don’t think that the propaganda topic was showing my best work and this new topic will allow me to add a quirky twist on the photo shoots.