My Memory

        In the depths of my recollections, a vivid memory emerges, like a delicate bloom unfurling its petals. It transports me to a time when the world was ensnared in the grip of uncertainty, and life took on a new rhythm. Perhaps it was the sight of a star-studded sky on a moonlit night or a profound conversation shared under the cloak of darkness. Yet, amidst the tapestry of my reminiscences, one particular evening lingers with an unparalleled resonance—a night that unfolded with whispered secrets and tender connections.

        It was an event when the news of a sweeping outbreak had scattered us like autumn leaves, compelling us to retreat to the solace of our homes and continue our studies through the confines of virtual classrooms. As the sun relinquished its hold on the day, burdened by the weight of knowledge acquired, I found myself strolling the hallowed grounds of our campus in the company of a fellow student, yearning for the promise of reunion.

        While my classmates reveled in boisterous celebration, reveling in the liberation from the shackles of academia, this kindred spirit and I traversed the walkways in hushed communion. Our steps echoed softly, a symphony of silence, as we sought out secluded alcoves where solitude wrapped us in its embrace. The lamplight flickered, casting a gentle glow upon us, while the celestial heavens shimmered with a resplendence that mirrored our shared wonderment.

        Words danced like fireflies in the air, as we spoke of the ethereal qualities of the atmosphere and the timeless beauty of the earth. In this nocturnal reverie, we uncovered the essence of our beings, bared our souls, and forged a connection that defied the limits of time and place. Amidst the whispers and confessions, we unveiled a simple pleasure—a cake, unassuming in its appearance, yet an embodiment of divine decadence. With each delectable bite, its flavors melded with our laughter, creating a symphony of delight upon our tongues. It was, without a doubt, the most exquisite cream cake to have ever graced my palate.

        As the evening wore on, we ambled together, our steps unhurried, weaving through the tapestry of shadows and light. The moment of parting loomed, and she retreated into the sanctuary of her mother’s waiting car, while I retraced my steps homeward. The night, in all its splendor, had left an indelible mark upon my heart, and a yearning blossomed within me to recount its magic in my voice, to relive its ethereal enchantment.

        For it was a night that had transcended the ordinary, a night when the world stood still, and two souls found solace in the quietude of each other’s presence.

Photo Diptych

Exchanging Stories

        So，the title of my work is Exchanging Stories, and I’m excited to share my journey in bringing this creation to life through this post.

CONCEPT 

        Life is undeniably filled with romance, and I believe that infusing a touch of romance into my work is essential. Inspired by a conversation with Professor Zhang, who once shared that art involves perceiving life from unconventional perspectives, I found myself drawn to an unlikely source of inspiration—the garbage can. This often overlooked object holds a multitude of stories just waiting to be discovered. Within its depths lie discarded flowers from Valentine’s Day, beloved comic books abandoned by parents, and even homeless cats and dogs seeking refuge. The garbage can faithfully remains in its place, silently accepting the emotional residue of others, yet no one has ever taken the time to truly listen to its tales. Consequently, my work focuses on fostering a storytelling exchange with the garbage can through the simple act of discarding waste.

PROGRESS

        First Photo： Even before capturing the first photograph, I found myself reevaluating and refining my chosen theme. It became apparent to me that the two photos needed to be interconnected in some manner, and I found the concept of shifting perspectives to be a fascinating approach. Transitioning from the viewpoint of a garbage can to that of a human being symbolized an internal exchange, a profound shift in perception. Consequently, I endeavored to capture the first image from the perspective of the trash can itself. Naturally, photographing from within a trash can presented challenges, so I opted to zoom in and utilize the elliptical shape of the can as the focal point. By doing so, I aimed to centralize the action of discarding trash, emphasizing its significance within the composition.

        Second Photo：   While crafting the second chapter’s image, I contemplated how I could create a striking contrast with the first photograph. It occurred to me that I could transform the initial image into black and white, while rendering the exterior of the trash can in black and white as well, but preserving the colors on the inside. This would symbolize the captivating narratives hidden within the trash can’s confines.

However, I encountered challenges when deciding what elements to include within the colored photos placed inside the trash can. Striking a balance was crucial—I didn’t want the picture to appear cluttered, unfocused, or overly complex, yet I also wanted to convey that the trash can held compelling stories. After careful consideration, I opted to include two sunset photos—one capturing the beauty of a natural landscape and the other showcasing a human landscape during sunset. These images aimed to convey the overarching narrative within the trash can. However, I acknowledge that further refinement is needed to add more nuanced details and depth to the composition.

CONCLUSION

Certainly, continuous improvement is an essential part of any creative process. As I mentioned, refining the selection and design of the photos within the trash can is a crucial aspect. Careful consideration should be given to choose images that convey specific storytelling details, enhancing the narrative and capturing the viewer’s imagination.

In terms of composition, incorporating a sense of regularity can indeed strengthen the visual impact. Professor Zhang’s suggestion of utilizing an oval box in both pictures to emphasize their connection is thought-provoking. This idea opens up avenues for exploring further possibilities and incorporating cohesive elements that enhance the overall composition. It’s definitely worth contemplating and incorporating into your future assignments to create a more harmonious and visually engaging body of work.

——– Chenhan Xu

Reading Response—-In Our Own Image by Fred Ritchin

        To me, the term “fluidity of the digital” suggests a characteristic of the digital realm, which refers to the dynamic and malleable nature of digital technologies, which enable rapid transmission, editing, and distribution of content.

        So, I read some other passages of his books and have a further knowledge of his idea.In the context of photography,  Ritchin has discussed how digital tools and platforms have transformed the traditional notions of photographic truth and authenticity. Digital images can be easily altered, manipulated, or even generated entirely using software, blurring the boundaries between reality and fiction. This fluidity challenges the traditional role of photography as a reliable document of reality and raises questions about the credibility and trustworthiness of images in the digital age.

        The fluidity of the digital also relates to the information and media can flow freely across various platforms, transcending physical and geographic boundaries. The internet and social media platforms have facilitated the rapid dissemination of content, enabling it to reach global audiences almost instantaneously. This freedom of movement and accessibility has both positive and negative implications, as it allows for the democratization of information but also raises concerns about privacy, misinformation, and control over digital narratives.

My Diptych Concept

        I think a diptych is about combining different photographs, taking the same points in them, or diametrically opposed and contrasting points,  to make a work. In the beginning, when the teacher gave us this assignment, I didn’t have any ideas. So I decided just to go out on the street and take some random pictures and look at the scenery to get some ideas….. maybe…?

        The main point is that I’m still not sure if I want to do portraits or landscapes. Especially in a diptych, if it’s a photo of  landscape, it’s hard for it to affect the meaning of the whole piece, so I consciously focus on portraits as well.

        That is why I have this one photo:       

        To me, this photo  has a , you know, very cinematic feel. Like one of those times in the past when the older generation got together to play cards and gossip. In this age of hustle and bustle, these people bring a kind of relaxed and casual atmosphere that I really admire. Especially, the advertisements on the wastepaper boards gives me  a sense of the times so much…… 

        So I decided to focus on portraits. I want the spotlight to be on people’s real lives, or the bitterness of those who can’t be with their loved ones when everyone else is on vacation.

                  (Why is the clarity of the picture so low?…..)

       Next words, I’ll probably pick a large background and put the characters together. I will probably use filters, lasso, crop, etc. tools in Photoshop. I also need to continue learning how to use advanced techniques in Photoshop as well.