Taste and Images
LCCA Team
Created on August 27, 2024
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Transcript
Taste, Quality and images
What is Taste?
"Taste" in art is a complex and multifaceted concept that involves personal preferences, cultural influences, historical context, and social factors. It plays a crucial role in how art is created, perceived, and valued.It encompasses the ability to appreciate and judge the quality of art through different aesthetic, preferences, judgments, and sensibilities regarding what is considered beautiful, valuable, or pleasing to the eye.
elements to be considered
Quickly jot down as many ideas as possible without overthinking.
Aesthetic Judgment:
Cultural Influence:
Taste is highly subjective, meaning that what one person finds beautiful or valuable, another might not. This subjectivity is influenced by personal experiences, education, cultural background, and exposure to different forms of art. Some people are considered to have "refined" or "cultivated" taste, often through exposure to a wide range of art forms, education, and critical thinking. This refinement allows them to appreciate subtle nuances and complexities in art.
Taste is often shaped by the cultural and societal standards of a particular time and place. What is considered tasteful in one culture or era might be viewed differently in another. Artistic movements, such as Romanticism, Modernism, or Contemporary Art, influence collective taste by introducing new ideas about what is aesthetically pleasing or important in art.
Ethical Considerations:
Various philosophical theories, such as those proposed by Immanuel Kant or David Hume, explore the nature of taste, questioning whether it can be objective or is inherently subjective.Sometimes, taste in art involves ethical judgments, particularly when art challenges social norms or addresses controversial issues.
elements to be considered
Quickly jot down as many ideas as possible without overthinking.
Social and Economic Factors:
Personal Preferences:
Historically, taste has closely been associated with social class and education. The ability to appreciate certain forms of art was often seen as a marker of higher social status. As society shifts,the matter of taste can do so too. The art market, including galleries, auctions, and collectors shapes taste by determining which artists and works are promoted and valued.
Personal taste in art is deeply connected to an individual’s experiences, emotions, and memories. A person might prefer certain colors, themes, or styles based on their personal history.Art that resonates emotionally with an individual often aligns with their taste. This emotional connection can be a strong determinant of what one considers "good" art.
Historical Context:
Taste changes over time. What was once considered avant-garde or distasteful can become mainstream or even classical. Similarly, art that was once popular can fall out of favor. The reception of art by critics, historians, and the public plays a significant role in shaping taste. Critical acclaim or rejection can influence how art is valued and appreciated over time. But in recent times, rather than critics implying what is tasteful, as trends and society shifts whats 'Hot' and whats 'Not' can be dictated by celebrities and influencers.
Quiz
Whats your thoughts?
Have a look at the images below closley.What are your thoughts on these images? Are they tasteful? or maybe distasteful? Reflect on why you you came to the conclusion you have.
Taken by Steven Meisel the Miu Miu SS15 campaign.
Burberry A/W 2019 fashion week runway show in London.
Marine Serre F/W 2020.
Fendi A/W 2024
Distastful images
Taken by Steven Meisel the Miu Miu SS15 campaign was labeled “irresponsible” because it showed what could be mistaken for a little girl in a sexually suggestive pose. The model of the photograph is Mia Goth who at the time of the shot was 22 years old but, despite the age of the protagonist, the campaign was withdrawn.
Taken by Steven Meisel the Miu Miu SS15 campaign.
Burberry A/W 2019 fashion week runway show in London.
Both controversies are a reminder of the powerful messages that fashion can convey, intentionally or unintentionally, and the importance of cultural sensitivity in the creative process.
The Burberry A/W 2019 fashion week runway show in London became controversial due to a specific piece in the collection: a hoodie that featured a drawstring resembling a noose. The design sparked significant backlash for its insensitive connotations, as the noose is widely recognized as a symbol associated with suicide and lynching, which are both highly sensitive and painful subjects. The incident highlighted broader issues within the fashion industry, including a perceived lack of sensitivity and awareness regarding cultural and social issues.
tastful images
Marine Serre FW 2020, the collection has taken inspiration from inter-planetary escapades, assuming that human beings have spread out over other life-supporting planets, almost Mad Max-esque. The campaign is all about looking forward to a new era of civilization while growing from where we’ve come before.The use of alternative fabrics and shapes highlights the majority of the campaign, while staying consistently chic and fashionable. The pastle colour pallete and subject placements echos the interplanetary narrative.
Both images are a reminder of the powerful messages that fashion can convey, intentionally when cultural and geopraphical significats are adhere to and the composition is aligns with the narritive being presented.
Fendi’s Kim Jones turned to the brand’s 1984 archives for inspiration. The sketches he came across there reminded him of London during that era, in particular the city’s New Romantics, workwear and aristocratic style. These references form the basis of the AW24 fashion campaign, which combines British elegance with classic Roman style. Photographed by Steven Meisel, Fendi tapped top models including Vittoria Ceretti, Anok Yai and Lina Zhang to appear in the campaign. Posing alongside ancient sculptures, they perfectly embody the clean and contemporary visuals Fendi has become so well known for.
Marine Serre 2020.
What makes a High Quality image?
A high-quality art or fashion image seamlessly combines technical excellence, aesthetic appeal, and effective communication to create a powerful, engaging, and visually stunning piece that resonates with its audience. This can be achieved through the composition the use of colour and subjects within the frame. The image should speak for itself!
High Quality images
Annie Leibovitz – Vogue US May 2023
Leslie Zhang. - Vogue China 2023
Rafael Pavarotti - Vogue Britain 2022
Take 5 minutes to analyse each image, what about the colour or composition do you think makes these images high quality?
composition
In the context of images, "composition" refers to the arrangement of elements within the frame to create a visually pleasing and coherent whole image. It involves the careful placement of objects, subjects, lines, colors, and spaces in a way that directs the viewer's attention and enhances the overall impact of the image. Good composition is essential in photography, painting, graphic design, and other visual arts because it helps convey the intended message, mood, or story effectively.Effective composition creates a sense of balance and order, making the image easier to understand and more enjoyable to look at. It directs the viewer's attention to the most important elements of the image, ensuring that the intended message or emotion is effectively communicated.
What is
Rules of composition.
Rule of Thirds Balance and Symmetry Viewpoint Focus and Depth Framing Space Colour
What Are the
Rule of Thirds
One of the most well-known composition techniques, the rule of thirds involves dividing the image into a 3x3 grid, creating nine equal parts. The key elements of the image are then placed along these lines or at their intersections. This creates a balanced and dynamic composition that is generally more engaging than placing the subject in the center.Some cameras and smart phones offer an option to superimpose a rule of thirds grid over the LCD screen, making it even easier to use. Give it a try on your iphone when you next take an image!
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Rule of Thirds
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Balance in composition refers to the distribution of visual weight in the image. An image can be symmetrical, with elements mirrored on either side, or asymmetrical, where different elements are balanced in a way that still feels harmonious. Both techniques can create a pleasing effect, but they convey different moods—symmetry often feels more formal, while asymmetry feels more dynamic.Symmetry is when elements on both sides of a central line are identical or mirror each other, creating a balanced and harmonious look. This is another great way to achieve patterns within the composition throguh repetition.Balance refers to the even distribution of visual weight in an image, making it feel stable and aesthetically pleasing.Asymmetry is when elements on either side of a central line are not identical but are arranged in a way that still creates a sense of balance and visual interest.
Balancing and symmetry
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Balancing and symmetry
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Iris van herpan f/w 23 By Rob Ruslin
The angle from which the image is captured high, low, or eye-level and the perspective wide-angle or close-up can significantly affect composition. Different perspectives can emphasize different aspects of the scene and create various emotional impacts.
A high viewpoint looks down on the subject, making it appear smaller or more vulnerable. This perspective can provide a broad overview, capturing more of the surroundings and context. High-angle shots can convey a sense of detachment, power, or dominance, as the viewer looks down on the subject. This viewpoint is often used for landscape photography, to capture large crowds, or to make subjects appear less imposing.
Viewpoint
3
High
Creates a sense of overview, making subjects appear smaller or more vulnerable.
"Simélan" Delali Ayivi 2023
Provides a natural, relatable perspective that fosters connection and realism.
An eye-level viewpoint is taken at the subject’s eye level, creating a natural and neutral perspective. It shows the subject as it would typically be seen by someone standing or sitting nearby.Eye-level shots feel relatable, direct, and straightforward. They create a connection between the subject and the viewer, as both are on the same level.This viewpoint is common in portrait photography, street photography, and documentary photography, where the goal is to present the subject authentically and engagingly.
Viewpoint
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Eye Level
"A Beautiful World” di Mario Testino 2024
Emphasizes the subject’s power, size, or importance, making it appear more dominant.
A low viewpoint looks up at the subject, making it appear larger, more imposing, or more powerful. This angle emphasizes height and can dramatize the subject.Low-angle shots can create a sense of awe, respect, or intimidation, as the subject towers over the viewer.This viewpoint is often used in portrait photography to make subjects appear heroic or in architectural photography to emphasize the grandeur of buildings.
Viewpoint
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low
The Takkia of Shaikh Abdulkareem Erbil Iraq 2021 Mario Testino
Where you place the focus and how much of the image is in focus affects composition. A shallow depth of field (where only a small part of the image is sharp or clear) can draw attention to the subject, while a deep depth of field (where most of the image is sharp) can be used to capture more detail in a scene.Focus refers to the sharpness of a specific area or subject in a photograph. When an object is in focus, it appears clear and well-defined, while areas out of focus may appear blurred.Depth is the distance between the nearest and farthest objects in a photo that appear acceptably sharp. A shallow depth of field means only a small part of the image is in focus (creating a blurred background), while a deep depth of field means most of the image, from foreground to background, is in focus.
Focus and Depth
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Framing involves using elements within the scene to create a "frame" around the subject, drawing attention to it. This could be a natural frame, like trees or archways, or an artificial one, like windows or doors. Framing adds focus and depth to the image.
Framing
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Space refers to the area within the composition, including both the subject which is refered to as positive space and the surrounding area which is referred to as negative space. Negative space, when used effectively, can help to highlight the subject and create a more balanced and less cluttered image. It has the ability to draw the central focus to the viewers attention.
Space
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colour
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Contrast
Colour contrast in an image creates visual interest by making certain elements stand out more vividly against others. It helps to draw the viewer's eye to specific parts of the image, highlight important details, and add depth and dimension. Strong colour contrast can evoke emotions, enhance the mood, and create a dynamic or dramatic effect, while subtle contrast can convey harmony and balance. Overall, colour contrast plays a crucial role in guiding the viewer's focus and shaping the overall impact of the image. Complementary colors are simply hues that are directly opposite one another on the colour wheel. When together, they make each other more pronounced in any given scene.
Mous Lamrabat 2024
Kosmas Pavlos 2024
Prince Gyasi 2020
colour
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Monochromatic
Monochromatic refers to an image or design that uses different shades and tones of a single colour.Monochromatic images use various shades of a single colour to create a cohesive and unified look. This technique simplifies the visual scene by focusing on colour gradients and tonal variations, which enhances texture and detail while maintaining a consistent aesthetic. Monochromatic photography often evokes a specific mood and can make the composition more harmonious and visually striking.
Sally LaPointe F/W 2020
colour
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Monochromatic
Valentino F/W 2022
Kosmas Pavlos 2024
colour
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monochrome
Monochrome refers to an image that consists of different shades of a single color, usually black and white, or any other single colour. In photography, monochrome is used to focus on texture, contrast, and composition without the distraction of multiple colours, often creating a timeless or dramatic effect.Monochrome is used in images to emphasize texture and detail by stripping away colour distractions, which enhances the focus on contrast and light. This approach often gives photos a timeless or classic feel, simplifies the visual information, and creates a more direct emotional impact. By highlighting form and composition, monochrome images can convey a dramatic mood and clarify the visual structure of the subject.
This project examines the intense and chaotic environment of one of the most densely populated cities in the world, Hong Kong. Created with multiple exposures on a single B&W negative, each of the photographs in this series is not of a singular moment in time, but a multitude of moments in time captured in a single frame.
ZHOU HANSHUN. 2014
Lexi Sun
What makes a Low Quality image?
A low-quality image can be intensified by lack of focus, bad lighting, excessive visual elements, and weak composition, all of which result in a visually unappealing photo. Additionally, issues with colour accuracy and balance can further degrade the image, making it look unnatural and unprofessional.
Low Quality images
David LaChapelle
Megan Thee Stallion's album cover for "MEGAN," shot by David LaChapelle, faced criticism for various reasons. Some felt that LaChapelle's bold, surreal style did not align with Megan's identity or the themes of her music, leading to a disconnect between the artist's message and the visual representation. Additionally, concerns about cultural sensitivity and representation were raised, with critics arguing that the cover might not have accurately reflected Megan Thee Stallion's persona or resonated with her audience, leading to mixed reactions.The proportions of the elements feel misaligned, with the lighting drawing attention to the center without effectively highlighting any key focal point. The visual balance is off, as the lighting, typically used to emphasize the subject in a composition, fails to do so here. The composition feels cluttered, with disparate elements that don't form a cohesive narrative or reflect Megan's brand identity and aesthetic. The image's unrealistic appearance has even led some critics to speculate whether it was generated using AI.
David LaChapelle
2000
2024
VS
Lill Kim
Megan Thee Stallion
David LaChapelle
Classic
Elton John David lachapelle Over the years
Elton John
Vogue
Annie Leibovitz
Biles’ cover featured a natural and minimalist aesthetic, emphasizing her strength and grace as an athlete. The styling was simple, with Biles in understated clothing, often shot in natural light or softer studio lighting, which highlighted her physicality and presence. The cover and accompanying editorial focused on Biles' achievements and her journey as a gymnast, with a subtle, introspective tone. It aimed to present her as both a powerful athlete and a relatable individual, highlighting her personal story and the challenges she faced.
Vogue
Tyler Mitchell
Tyler Mitchell made history as the first Black photographer to shoot a Vogue cover, with Beyoncé as the subject. Her cover was a stunning blend of vibrant colors, elaborate fashion, and a mix of natural and studio settings, resulting in a highly artistic and regal presentation. Beyoncé wore high-fashion couture, and the imagery exuded a sense of ethereal beauty and elegance. This cover was significant for celebrating Black culture and beauty, with Beyoncé having full creative control over the shoot. The editorial emphasized empowerment, heritage, and motherhood, marking a historic moment in fashion photography. The shoot beautifully captured femininity and elegance, with soft colours that harmonized without detracting from the powerful focus on Beyoncé.
Vogue
Simone Biles photographed by Annie Leibovitz for Vogue; Viola Davis photographed by Dario Calmese for Vanity Fair.
Representation is deeper than putting Black icons on magazine covers.
Annie Leibovitz's portrayal of Simone Biles faced criticism for its lighting, which many felt washed out Biles' skin tone, making the images appear muted. This was in stark contrast to Tyler Mitchell's vibrant and contemporary shoot, which emphasized the softness and beauty of Black women, challenging stereotypes with an elegant, refined concept that highlighted strength and nurturing qualities. The controversy surrounding Leibovitz's shoot sparked calls for greater diversity in fashion photography, advocating for more Black photographers or those skilled in properly lighting and editing darker skin tones. Black photographers bring authentic insights and creative perspectives that reflect their experiences and heritage, leading to more genuine and inclusive representations of Black individuals and other underrepresented groups. This diversity not only challenges stereotypes but also broadens beauty standards and ensures that fashion captures the rich variety of cultures and identities in the world.
Photographers
TO WATCH
It's important that young and emerging creatives capture images that clearly represent the times we're living in because their work can reflect and influence society's understanding of cultural appreciation, political unrest, social injustices, and racial representation. By documenting these issues, artists contribute to the historical record, raise awareness, and inspire conversations that can lead to change. Additionally, by creating beautiful, aesthetically pleasing images that push the boundaries of innovation, artists not only capture the essence of their era but also advance the art form itself, challenging conventions and inspiring future generations.Heres a few to keep an eye out for:
Delali Ayivi Nadine Ijewere
Mous Lamrabat Sonia Szóstak
Rob Rusling Prince Gyasi
Delali Ayivi
Nadine Ijewere
Mous Lamrabat
Sonia Szóstak
Rob Rusling
Prince Gyasi
Activity
You need to create a series of three moodboards that capture your taste. Each image should incorporate a reference to one of the following:
- A photographer/ Graphic designer
- A fashion designer
- Sustainability practices or concepts.
For the colour image, ensure the colors are vibrant and clear. Use natural light where possible to keep the colours true and rich. You May also want to use your editing skills to adjust the colour to fit your narrative better.
Colour
Black and white
Composition
Think about how you can use light, shadow, and contrast to convey the theme. Focus on textures, patterns, or forms that highlight the message you are trying to convey.
Choose one rule of composition (such as the Rule of Thirds, Leading Lines, or Symmetry) to guide your shot. Ensure that the composition technique you choose helps to emphasize the concept of your image, making the message clear and powerful.
thank you
This marks the end of our 'Taste, Quality and Images' journey together. I hope you'll continue to explore, question, and stay curious until next time!