Magum

I thought a pretty good place to get a few photographs on my chosen field, graffiti, from one of the biggest journalistic places around, Magnum. Here are a few that have either inspired me, or helped me.

This first image is by Thomas Dworzak, in Iraq. The reason I felt I should include this images, is because, although its not in this country it hits home for a lot of people. Especially with the fact there is a soldier in it. I wish I knew what it said because it could either make this image very powerful, or very weak, depending on those words. I feel its important for a shot like this to make sure the words hold some sort of a message, I'll definitely keep this in mind when shooting although, my images are mainly going to be aimed at 'tagging'. I'll write a little more on what this is later.

These next 3 images are by Peter Marlow, this first one taken in London. I'll write a little more on what I feel London has played a part in graffiti being a large city again a little later, but I feel this image is important for its bland colours and composition. Although not strictly a very pretty photograph, it has a gritty feel and almost looks dirty with all the greys. I'll keep these things in mind when shooting, for building styles and shapes.

This next image, also taken in London, I feel shows the hostile, and frightening place, that many people associate with graffiti. With the thugs, youths and gangs, territory marking and council estate areas. Along with all of these things, it shows the great thought that Marlow takes when creating an image, with lighting and composition.

This is the final image I have chosen by Marlow, taken in Glasgow. I've chosen to put this image in as I feel there is a larger use of colour, and a less offensive looking image, area wise.

This next image was taken by Constantine Manos in California, USA. I chose to put this image into my research as it shows somebody on a skateboard. As I have quite a few friends in this sport, I know they do like their fair share of this art form. Which is exactly as they see it. Its about competing with different styles and putting their own message on a surface. Marking their 'territory' and where they have been. A similar, but far less threatening view to which gangs have towards graffiti.

This next image, also taken in London, by Erich Hartman, I have chosen to put in my research simply because of the strong message that it holds. You don't really get graffiti like this in Clitheroe so the messages that my images possess will be much different, although I feel it is important to get a wider knowledge on the meanings as to why people graffiti in different areas of the world.


This final image is by a man I've never really been inspired by before. Martin Parr. Admittedly he's one of those people, who's work often just irritates me to look at, and I don't really know why. Maybe its the nicknack's he photographs or his outlook on certain people, but when I saw this image, I actually liked it. I like his composition, his use if colour, his margins and just the way the image works. I'd be proud to take an image like this, if I have to admit so.




All of the images above are taken from www.magnumphotos.com