Interior/Exterior, Camera Obscura Dreams by Marja Pirilä Photography in London: Group Presentation Prepared By: Bel Mesbahi, Erica Treese, Laurynn Morgan, and Will Freeman
The mind behind the lens...Marja Pirilä “Camera obscura, the dark room, has never stopped fascinating Marja Pirilä. But to her, the dark room itself is also a part of the motive. By being inside the room with her camera, furnished or empty, populated or not, she captures the world inside and the world outside within the same picture - although one is upside down. The darkness, silence, slowness - and the light - in the method results in pictures where you can reflect on the world and the reality from new angles. It will also be a journey in the mental landscape, the subconscious as well as conscious. The result will be beautiful, exciting, creepy, unreal - yes, magic.” Sourced by: www.marjapirila.com
What is “Camera Obscura”? - Also referred to as “pinhole image” - Natural optical phenomenon that occurs when an image is projected through a small hole onto a screen or wall and a photo is taken - The room must be relatively dark in order for the projection to be seen clearly in the final image - A camera obscura machine is made up of a box, tent, or room with a small hole in one side where light from an external source passes through and strikes the surface inside the contraption → the scene is reproduced, inverted (upside down), and reversed (left to right). Color and perspective remain the same.
Understanding The Photographic Series
How does this collection of images work as a series? - Every photograph is that of camera obscura - Each photograph sticks to the theme of taking a look inside someone’s abode, more intimately, their bedrooms or living rooms. - The photographs not only take a look into the subject’s living environment, but also the different aspects of their character and mental state.
Relevance of Accompanied Info Title of Series - Interior/Exterior, Camera Obscura Dreams - Pirilä ’s title is very informative by stating the camera technique used and using the word “dreams” to describe the intimate settings of each photo Photograph Titles & Dates - The titles are short and simple stating the name of those photographed setting a serious and intimate mood. - It’s important to note the developments in “camera obscura” over the years ranging from 1996 to 2013 (*chosen images*)
Sequencing of Images The photographic series can be arranged in various different ways with each one telling a different story. However, we chose to arrange the photo by life stages (youth to adulthood) placing Alvar and Eerik (2013) Rovaniemi, Finland at the beginning and Kaarina (2004) Tampere, Finland at the end.
Analyzing The Photographic Series
Alvar and Eerik (2013), Rovaniemi, Finland ● Dreamlike effect created by camera obscura projection ● Light is natural but enhanced by camera obscura ● Mood is pacified and calm ● Boys and toys are center of photo ● Subjects look complacent yet, contemplative ● What are they thinking about? ● Why are they sitting in that position? ● The toys and colors in the photo bring a sense of nostalgia and innocence which could be the intent of the photo
Anu (2004) Tampere, Finland ● Earthly colours compliment each other which brings warmth to photo ● Subject is fully dressed and not under covers ● Peaceful mood ● Bold lines ● Underlying sense of innocence
Paula´s Room (1996) Oulu, Finland ● Pinhole projection of woodlands is overshadowed by young girl’s reflection in mirror - interesting artistic choice. ● Reminds me of the movie The Shining mixing a mysterious and peaceful mood into one scene The vibrant colors of the dress contrasted with the ● dark surroundings make the young girl the focal point ● Why is the young girl’s face blurry?
Tiina and Mika (2002) Tampere, Finland ● Camera obscura introduces dreamy effect ● Contrast in subjects tones ● Weary expression brings deeper meaning to photo ● Abstract subjects draws eyes directly to concrete subject ● Pale colour palette creates melancholy tone
Kaarina (2004) Tampere,Finland ● Camera obscura uses a woodland theme to project a pattern on the woman’s shirt, almost an extension of the projection on the wall. ● Brings up feelings of relaxation ● Audience wonders what the woman is thinking about ● Lines in the projection draw the viewer’s eye to the woman’s shirt and finally to the woman herself ● Woman looks like she is taking a break from work or finally sitting down for the first time in a long time
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