Session 4: Framing Chiascuro

In 'Framing Chiascuro' the  identified the origin of Chiascuro in Renaissance painting and its application by painters such as Caravaggio and re-appropriation throughout the ages. Stylistically bold and dramatic it was used heavily by painters commissioned by the Catholic Church, the harsh contrast fulfills the sense of drama, the threat of protestant church but also signified the darkness that we live in and the light of God. The lecture explores the re-appropriation of this style in photography but also broader references to painting and the use of light in photographs.

We discussed the use of light in a range of influence materials. Working in groups, students were will be challenged to consider the quantity, quality and direction of light, how it has been achieved and what meanings it has brought to the image.

Click on the image below for the lecture slides:

This Week's task:

This task is based on getting you to think more carefully about the body of work that you want to create for the module. Your task is to experiment and develop your initial ideas of your project with consideration of lighting.

You should demonstrate control of lighting with consideration of how it has impacted on the meaning of the picture. Has it brought, drama or mood to the image? Has the lighting been used to create the impression of objective truth or a subjective interpretation of the sitter? How has it been achieved? What influences have informed your approach?

List of relevant Photographers/Artists for research:

Leonardo Da Vinci, Caravaggio, Gregory Crewdson, Bill Henson, Maurice Scheltens, Juan Sanchez Cotan, David LaChappelle, Picasso, Damian Blottiere, Daniel Gordon, Lua Ribeira, Max Pinckers, Dan Winters, Jono Rotman, Stefan Ruiz, Piero della Francesca, Terry Richardson, Weegee, Annie Leibovitz, Nadav Kander, Piero Martinello, Richard Avedon, Nick Knight, Albert Watson, Vivian Sassen, Rob Hornstra