Unit 1 - Part C

Part C - research and review

Gregory Crewdson is an American born photographer. He is best known for his elaborately staged scenes in small towns in America which are very dramatic and cinematic. These photographs often feature surreal events, some of which could be seen as disturbing. Narrative is a main feature portrayed in his work. It poses questions and thoughts and contains elements of obvious happenings, and yet others contain mystery and are left to the viewer’s imagination. In one of his most famous collection 'Twilight' the characters he creates often seem lost in internal reverie; they share physical space but are emotionally lost to one another. It is specific traits like these which differentiate Crewdson from other artist. He can portray anything he likes in his work if he has his heart stuck on it. Crewdson is very clever with what he decides to create, he knows what he needs to do to get the mind thinking.

These following images will be samples from his 'Twilight' series.

This is one of my favourite pieces from this collection. I find it so fascinating how there are so many different colours displayed and yet there is no real clash; all the colours seem to blend quite well. The expression on the woman's face is typical to what the whole 'Twilight' collection is all about. She looks like she is in a daydream, or not sane. The light harsh light through the window creates a mysterious vibe. The photo is not sharpened; it is quite unclear and slightly off focus. This adds to the effect of the photo and gives it that real 'Crewdson' feel.

I like this photo because it is unusual. Again, like the other photo, it is not just your average setting with something normal happening. Which is what Gregory Crewdson is all about. The expression on the face is quite similar to the photo before, but this one is a little more confused with a hint of anger about it. The more photos you look at from the Twilight collection, you see how more alike they all are, but still being individual photos.

This photo is really interesting because it is so bizarre. This scene is totally out of the ordinary and something of which you are not likely to see, especially in the American suburbs. I like the angles of this photo, how the car and the man are facing the opposite ways. I like the different heights the photo contains, with the man on his knees and the mounds of turf around him. Again, the expression on his face and the whole vibe of the photo links with the others in this series. This photo has been clearly thought out and staged very well. Gregory Crewdson has really captured me with this photo; I really enjoy looking at it.

These photos are so inspirational, and give me so many ideas for my own work. From looking at his photographs, and doing my research on him, I think I can now stage my own photographs and develop my own series of photos. I will try to use lighting as a main feature, and set out my photos in a similar way. This should lead me into developing my own style of narrative. Crewdson is a really good example of a narrative photographer, and I know that he is well respected in the photography world. I for one, respect his work, and have a real interest and admiration for what he does.