If I had to describe this photo in five words, I would use: urban, thought-provoking, vivid, garish and political.
The photo depicts Garret standing on the edge of a platform on top of a skyscraper, there is a storm out at sea which he has also managed to capture, this adds to the intense drama and adrenaline of the photograph. The colour red beaming from the light below also creates this sense of danger and precariousness, I think he has thought carefully about which colours to enhance in post production of this photo. The work reminds me of French painter Fanetté Guilloud, who paints in abandoned/forbidden spaces. They remind of one another due to this close link of disused space.
Some of Guillouds work-
Having spoken to him in person, I was able to ask some very specific questions which would help with my analysis, I first asked, the most important and imposing question, why, why are you creating these photos and accessing these places? His response was more than interesting, 'Some people will never, ever be able to access these places and will go their whole lives remaining curious about the contents and secrets these places have, through my photography I am democratising the city, allowing everyone to view their city, the city they inhabit', he went on to say, 'It's about appreciating space that hasn't immediately been labeled as 'beautiful', but being able to see beauty in negligence and typically inaccessible space' the work compelled me to view my space in a different light, and gain confidence in making my own educated decisions in places that I should and shouldn't visit. I think the work is relevant to my project in the sense that it has drastically altered how I view not only my city but my life as a whole.
If I was to name this work, I would name it, 'Using Urbanisation for Natural Enhancement' that may sound like a mouthful, but in translation,in this photograph he has used these man made structures to have a stunning view of a storm, a natural occurrence, it's the ultimate visual combination of the two. If I found myself inside the work, I would feel pretty exhilarated and also profoundly contempt, this activity looks so fulfilling, in fact I know it is.
The successful elements of this photo for me is the capturing of the lighting storm, and the strong red colour exuding from below. I want to try and capture this ballistic nature of colour and form in my own urban exploration photos, other people have said, 'his compositions are the closest thing to perfect' I agree, he doesn't adhere to a lot of rules but the rules of photography definitely are present here.
I would also like to create a response capturing something temporary and impermanent, like the storm, using urban exploration as my tool, this connects to my research due to the ever evolving nature of the city and the changes it undergoes, the changing element, the London skyline, constantly changing, more and more glass monsters being built, only accessible by CEO's and millionaires alike, this will be the ultimate testimony to forbidden space. Here is the photo I created- I used photography for the artistic convenience, hurling an easel and paints up a thirty-five story building was not an option.
I am extremely happy with the photography I created. Leaning against my friend on the left, I had the remote to activate my camera while I was in position, it was very helpful. I wanted to capture every new-build that was under construction, the new London skyline, including that disaster which calls itself 'The Shard', there were no natural phenomena about however the amount of scattered light in the photo served as an acceptable equivalent to Garrets storm. I think I was very successful in showing the new London from a new angle, hopefully people will think about this photo and realise that they're spatially entitled to much more. The buildings have since got taller, this photo captures London at that specific moment also which is another link to Garret.
I want to explore other artists who use unconventional spaces as effectively as Garret.
