Assignment #3 - In Progress Crit

This series acknowledges the voyeuristic quality of the camera and the viewer of an image.  The camera becomes an intrusion on private moments when used to commemorate them.  In this series, a private moment between two people is staged for the camera.  However, one of the subjects is staring awkwardly at the camera acknowledging its intrusion on the scene.  This causes a disruption in the normal viewing experience.  A flash is used to light the scene for a direct and harsh lighting source, mimicking the direct quality of the staring individual.  The images are meant to be uncomfortable causing an abrupt confrontation with the audience.  

Assignment 3-Proposal

For this series I will aim for five to seven images for a final product.  I feel that it will benefit me to at least photograph 10 to 15 scenarios to know what is working and what I can rule out.  These images will be taken digitally for ease of using a self timer and sense of immediacy.  The final images will be printed around 7 x 10.  This way the images won't be overpowering but rather provide an intimate experience for the audience to view them at a closer proximity.  These images will portray myself within my "natural" environments (i.e. home, work, school, etc...) as I begin to blur the boundaries between environment and identity.  The series works in part as a commentary on "you are what you own".  The voyeuristic quality of the viewer is also played with by denying them to see the figure in their entirety.  This work is influenced by Hans-Peter Feldmann who works with a the idea of being voyeur to an environment captured by the camera.  These images will be handled with care and eliminate any unnecessary information.  However, they will take on a humorous quality through a deadpan aesthetic and the inevitability of these images resulting in failure.

Assignment 2 - Final

This series of photographs documents areas in Milwaukee, Wisconsin that were once the location of a brothel.  In 1898, most brothels were confined to River Street in an effort to contain their growing prevalence in the city.  This part of the city’s history is rarely discussed and the topic itself is considered taboo.  The process of documenting these locations is an attempt to hold on to this past and end its erasure.  Presenting this information poses questions such as, what becomes accepted as history? Who is making these decisions?  And what gives them power to make such decisions?  Exerts from The Sporting and Club House Guide to Milwaukee accompany these images, giving a description of the different establishments.  An estimated two hundred brothels were in the Milwaukee area during this time.  It was not until 1910 when Emil Seidel was elected mayor that the houses on River Street were forced to shut down.   

Miss Gertie Clifton

Thirteen Boarders. Wine and Beer.

The furnishings of the five public parlers are simply magnificent, and to say they are bowers of elegance and perfection is putting it mildly, while Miss Clifton’s private parlors are finished in embossed satin of delicate shades, with real Venetian tapestry.

Miss Sadie Evans

The music room is furnished with a splendid instrument and a talented musician can always be found there discoursing the richest music.  Her boarders are of such variety as to suit the taste of the most fastidious. Among them we notice Auburns, Brunettes and Blondes and it is needless to say they are among the finest in the city.

Miss Georgia Hitchcox

Ten Boarders. Wine and Beer

Miss Georgia is an experienced hostess who knows how to conduct a first-class establishment in a first-class manner.  There is no place in the city where gentlemen are treated with more courtesy than here. 

Miss Frankie Taylor

Seven Boarders. Wine and Beer

Though this establishment is one of the most exclusive and private, one can never fail to have a splendid time here.  All of the many parlors are handsomely furnished, the chambers are the coziest imaginable and the boarders are as graceful as queens, pretty, jolly and entertain their guests with a grace entirely their own.

Miss Jack Hunter

Seven Boarders. Beer, Cigars, etc.

This is the only first-class colored house in the city, being neatly furnished throughout.  Among her many pleasing boarders we will mention “Lucky” Joe, “Midget”, the gamblers’ pride, and Daisy, the waif.

P.S. – No colored gentlemen admitted.

Miss Minnie Coddington

Nine Boarders. Wine and Beer

All her parlors are richly furnished.  They never fail to please their guests.  One can always find amusement here.