Tahir Carl Karmali is a New York based photographer. From his work, I perceive that some of his subjects are what he sees all the time, and also what he experiences. For example, he has done a series on being displaced. New York is a state where you find most people live for their job, so this is something he found himself to be around a lot
In this particular series called “Jua Kali”, he takes head shots of people. They are sometimes painted, marked on and also have different items placed on them. He plays with color a lot. Tahir takes these images and then creates more marks or meaning on them. By doing this, and Africans use face paint as well, he creates identity for his subjects.
It seems as thought I keep finding artist that do a lot of photo manipulations, and that intrigues me so much. Photography can always be taking to another level if you feel that your skill has moved you there. As our teacher says it so much more than taking a photograph, but making one.
There is something very interesting in how this artist has decided to place these items on his subjects. They at first glance appear to be some kind of tribal attire that they are wearing until you look close and realize that these are actually layers of different objects creating this attire.
ReplyDeleteI agree that his choice of objects and arrangements is really interesting. Specifically, he's creating a tribal look using very modern/technological items like computer motherboards. To me, the message is one of how modern technology can corrupt native cultures, but with overtones of the "noble tribesman" trope. I'd be really interested to hear what he has to say about these images.
ReplyDeleteI agree that his choice of objects and arrangements is really interesting. Specifically, he's creating a tribal look using very modern/technological items like computer motherboards. To me, the message is one of how modern technology can corrupt native cultures, but with overtones of the "noble tribesman" trope. I'd be really interested to hear what he has to say about these images.
ReplyDeleteI agree that his choice of objects and arrangements is really interesting. Specifically, he's creating a tribal look using very modern/technological items like computer motherboards. To me, the message is one of how modern technology can corrupt native cultures, but with overtones of the "noble tribesman" trope. But then I read the explanation at his website and found it completely different - which changed my whole perception of these images. However I read them, they are gorgeous and complex in their composition and use of color.
ReplyDeleteWow. His use of objects and arrangement is very striking! I am always drawn to modified images because of what I have done to some of my personal work. I have not, however, seen someone use items and layering quite like him.
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