Sea Eagle, 2006
Jane and Louise's Wilson's series Sealander I found to be visually striking instantly. Their work documents the sea defenses found along the northern French coast. The prints are large-scale, 70.87 x 70.87 inches. Personally i find the decision to produce these print at this size to be an appropriate choice. As history has shown, these emplacements were once the border between two opposing forces, with them holding a key to dominating the surrounding area. With the prints being displayed at this size they would almost force them selves into the conscious of the exhibition viewer, imposing themselves on the space.
The bunkers also hold somewhat of an alien beauty about them. Their utilitarian design is one unique to this time period and circumstances. Looking at these structures now they seem to defy any placement of time and seem alien to the landscape that surrounds them.
Noir Mont, 2006
The choice to shoot/display in black and white I think is a wise one. As mentioned in earlier blog posts the black and white helps relate and tie it to work produced during the war, aging these prints already. Due to these fortifications being constructed out of concrete, the black and white almost make it look less alien. Rather than being a grey blob on the countryside which would happen with a colour print, they almost become camouflaged within the print, blending in to the topography.
Sources:
Culture24 : Sealander
Jane and Louise Wilson
Jane and Louise Wilson Selected work
Further Reading:
Normandy Coastal Defences
No comments:
Post a Comment