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Juni 2020

Pioneers in colour in photography: William Eggleston, Joel Meyerowitz and Mitch Epstein

By /ART/, /BLOG/

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L i s a  L u k y a n o v a

Pioneers in colour in photography: William Eggleston, Joel Meyerowitz and Mitch Epstein

Nowadays when we can create light and colour of the picture with the help of digital apps, it seems rather odd that it took several decades for color photography to regain its rightful place in collections and museums. The Kodak color film was already introduced in the 1920s and the full production of the improved Kodachrome began in 1935. For a long time, however, the color photographs had muted tones: the crowd dressed more than modestly, burgundy cars, brown houses.

However, when colour photography finally overthrew its monochrome father it became the major source of inspiration and work for many artists such as Mitch Epstein, William Eggleston and Joel Meyerowitz.

Joel Meyerowitz (1938, New-York, USA)

Joel Meyerowitz is a acknowledged genius, a universal master of photography, who knows how to find exceptional moments in ordinary places and has frequently changed the way he shoots. The famous photographer Robert Frank (author of the photo book „Americans“) had a tremendous impact on the oeuvre of Joel Meyerowitz.

In his reminiscences, he notes that it was Frank who contributed to his decision to take up photography. One of the episodes that took place in 1962 is quite remarkable. At that time Meyerowitz worked as an art director of the magazine and did not even think about photography. However, by chance got on the Frank’s shooting, was almost enchanted by his dynamic way of working, the constant movement around the model. At that moment it was not important for Meyerowitz how the result of the photo shoot would appear – he was attracted by the process itself.

Having no theoretical training in photography, Joel Meyerowitz was able to wrap this flaw in his favour. He was not bound by any dogmas or rules – he took pictures as he saw and felt in his heart.

In 1966, Meyerovitz took an 18-month trip across Europe, a journey that deeply inspired him and could be regarded as a turning point in his career as a photographer. There Meyerowitz was taking many shots from a moving car.

William Eggleston (1939, Tennessee, USA)

William Eggleston is an American photographer who contributed to making color photography an admissible and venerated art piece deserving of a gallery exhibition. 

The first big research on colour photography was in 1976, with an Eggleston exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art, and then the genre grew with the collaboration of the Dusseldorf School of Photography.

William Eggleston has an astonishing skill at creating amazing compositions from the most common items. Those who have seen the master at work have noted that Eggleston is very serious, even fanatic about the composition of objects. Picking the right angle sometimes took a lot of time for the photographer, but he always was rewarded with an impressive outcome.

The ordinary life of the American people. This is exactly the focus of the vast majority of William Eggleston’s photographs. He was not chasing sensational photos, did not shoot loud happenings – and, nevertheless, his shots are exciting, capturing the viewer’s attention for quite a long time.

Eggleston is still taking photographs as usual today. A new documentary film called „William Eggleston in the Real World“ presents the viewer with a unique personality, transmitting his view on work and life. The documentary was released in 2005.

Mitch Epstein ( 1952,  Massachusetts, USA)

Mitchell „Mitch“ Epstein (born 1952 in Holyoke, Massachusetts) – American photographer, and one of the first photographers using color. His photographs are in numerous major museum collections, including New York’s Museum of Modern Art, Metropolitan Museum of Art, and Whitney Museum of American Art; The J. Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles; the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art; and the Tate Modern in London.

By the mid-1970s, Epstein had abandoned his academic studies and started traveling, beginning to study photography in the United States.

Ten of the photographs he made during this period were in a 1977 group exhibition at Light Gallery in New York. Ben Lifson wrote in his Village Voice review: “Mitch Epstein’s ten color photographs are the best things at Summer Light…. At 25, Epstein’s apprenticeship is over, as his work shows. He stands between artistic tradition and originality and makes pictures about abandoned rocking-horses and danger, about middle-age dazzled by spring blossoms, about children confused by sex and beasts. He has learned the terms of black-and-white photography, and although he adds color, he hasn’t abandoned them, loving photography’s past while trying to step into its future.”

During his life he published several books: New York Arbor, (Steidl, 2013) Berlin (Steidl & The American Academy in Berlin, 2011); American Power (Steidl, 2009); Mitch Epstein: Work (Steidl, 2006); Recreation: American Photographs 1973-1988 (Steidl 2005); and Family Business (Steidl 2003), which won the 2004 Kraszna-Krausz Photography Book Award.

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Aesthetics in movies. What to watch to get inspired?

By /ART/

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L i s a  L u k y a n o v a

Aesthetics in movies. What to watch to get inspired?

Not only are we looking for fresh talents, we also create them. The PurpleHaze aim is to awaken a piece of creativity in the soul of every reader, to inspire and guide to the creation of something new, exceptional, sophisticated what is hidden in the consciousness and begs for free. We are searching for more opportunities to inspire you. We encourage you to create and enrich the world with art.

This week we are pleased to present you new source of inspiration: movies. Movies are full of aesthetics and beauty. Great directors and the unique way they see the world.

Bernardo Bertolucci (“The Last Tango in Paris”, “The Dreamers”, “Me and You”)

Long before Lars von Trier and Gaspar Noe, Bertolucci was known as the main provocateur and outrage of calm in the cinematic world of Europe. Even today, the untrained viewer is shocked by the degree of saturation of films with eroticism.And the director, studying the psychological sprains of his characters, did not shy away from sexual perversions, taboo topics like incest, and in general the highest frankness.

Doubtlessly, here should be mentioned the great and most scandalous Bertolucci’s movie “The last tango in Paris”. As Bertolucci said the plot of the film „The Last Tango in Paris“ was largely based on his own erotic fantasies. Another source of inspiration of this movie was Francis Bacon’s expressionist works.

Bertolucci managed to consistently combine epic breadth with chamberiness. A large part of his works comes down to the action in an enclosed space and the complex relationship of a couple or three heroes.
To catch this atmosphere we would like to recommend you to watch “The Dreamers” and “Stealing beauty”. Obviously, chamberism is an excuse for the director to take a deeper look at the characters and the subtleties of their relationships. And furthermore, the comparison of the closed world and the outside invariably produces a spectacular contrast.

Gaspar Noé (“Irreversible”, “Love”)

Gaspar Noé is famous for his non-standard and provocative vision, his works can be classified as a genre of „uncomfortable“ arthouse. His movies’ scenes trigger all aspects of emotions and leave long-lasting aftertaste. 

The full-length work „Irreversible“ with Monica Belucci and Vincent Cassel was a worldwide success for the director, but also became a principal scandalous film event. From the first minute the instability of the camera, which constantly changes the angle of shooting and the almost imperceptible low-frequency sound, similar to the noise of an earthquake, begin to irritate eyesight and hearing of a viewer.

Another prominent and not less scandalous and provocative work of Noé is “Love”. The reflection of love by the eyes of the director. True and painful, destroying phenomenon of people’s nature.
Compositionally, „Love“ is a series of pictures-remembrances that arise in the inflamed consciousness of the protagonist; a non-linear narrative – from the collapse of love to its origin, and then to the sobering awareness of the irretrievability of its loss.

Lars von Trier ( “Melancholy”)

Inexcusably confident in his artistry and shamelessly provocative, von Trier created a distinct cinema world. 

“Perhaps the only difference between me and other people is that I’ve always demanded more from the sunset. More spectacular colors when the sun hit the horizon. That’s perhaps my only sin.”
― Lars Von Trier

In this film, Lars von Trier is much more in contact with his personal than in any other of his films. Overture of „Melancholy“ is also a prologue of a terrible fairy tale about a woman’s soul, manifested in two hypostases and imprisoned in the myth of the end of the world, so gracious movie accidents.

His main character in the „post-marriage“ depression fatalistically concludes an amicable marriage with the Apocalypse itself, to convincingly prove the impossibility and illogicality of the very existence of man and his dwelling, a stone that has grown mildew, in the middle of an endless space. Melancholia is not a poetic mood in rainy weather, sometimes it is a serious mental illness.

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Not just a simple T-shirt

By /FASHION/

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A l i n a  S t e b l o v s k a y a

Not just a simple T-shirt

If we had to name a garment that could be found in literally any wardrobe, a T-shirt would probably be a number one candidate. And it comes as no surprise: it is so versatile that it can be worn by anyone across the globe regardless of their age, gender, or identity.

This was not, however, the initial purpose of a T-shirt. First created as a part of military uniform that was light, breathable and easy to dry, it was quickly adopted by soldiers. Throughout the 20th century it has gradually grown into something much bigger than what was initially intended.

Just after the World War II T-shirts started migrating to the closets of civilians which is often linked to the return of the soldiers home. Hollywood actors, specifically Marlon Brando, played not the last role in popularising this T-shaped garment by wearing it in some of his films. Back then it was seen as a sign of a rebellious spirit as it was still seen as more of an underwear garment. However, let’s face it, T-shirts can be quite rebellious even in modern days.

A T-shirt has soon become not only a fashionable piece, but also an instrument. Availability and simplicity made it a perfect tool to demonstrate political views, drive social change, show affiliation with a certain social group or music band, and express yourself. This is why T-shirts were used so much during the protests of the 60s.

Fast forward to 2020s. T-shirts have a permanent spot in literally every closet globally. They have evolved, of course, and these days it is possible to find any variations: plain and basic as well as transformed and out there. T-shirts are widely used to make a statement, whether it comes to slogans, forms, or style, by both designers as well as wearers.

The already mentioned versatility here is the key. It is so easy to create a complex layered look with a T-shirt, while it is equally possible style it on its own, for instance, transforming an oversized version into a centre piece. Soft T-shirts can help to keep your cool and look relaxed, while their structured relatives with shoulder pads will shape the silhouette. And it can always speak your mind on your behalf. With a a slogan, of course.

T-shirt street style

T-shirt with shoulder pads

T-shirt street style

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Anton Pronin „Scarlet“

By /FASHION/

SCARLET

Photographer: Anton Pronin @igorevich.ph
Wardrobe Stylist: Zulfira  Mansapova @mansapova_zu
Makeup Artist: Mansapova Zulfira @makeup_mansapova
Model: Ulia Hohlova @ulia.kho

Scarf: Vintage; Glasses: Keddo
Top: Passion lingerie; Jacket: Bershka

Swimsuit: Passion lingerie; Glasses: Keddo;
Earrings: Mango; Scarf: Vintage

Swimsuit: Passion lingerie; Glasses: Keddo; Earrings: Mango
Scarf: Vintage; Earrings: Mango; Dress: Zara; Shirt: Zara; Boots: Dr. Martens

Beret: Vintage; Shirt: Zara; Corset: Passion lingerie; Earrings: Mango
Berert: Vintage; Earrings: Mango; Shirt: Zara; Pants: Zara; Scarf: Vintage

Lyubov Lukashenko „Bloomy Girl“

By /FASHION/

BLOOMY GIRL

Photo: Lyubov Lukashenko @lukashenko_l
Make-up & hair: Anastasiia Tymoshchuk @tymoti_beauty
Style: Alona Nikonova @alonanikonova
Model: Mariya Kramarenko @mariya_kramarenko
Model agency: Modelwerk @modelwerk

Dress ‘NoName location’ (@noname_location); Shoes Robert Clergerie.
Top ‘NoName location’ (@noname_location); Pants Keep Style; Shoes Jonak.

Jacket, shorts and top ‘NoName location’ (@noname_location); Shoes Jimmy Choo
Top ‘NoName location’ (@noname_location); Pants Keep Style; Shoes Jonak.

Jacket ‘NoName location’ (@noname_location); Jeans Levi’s; Shoes Mango.

Top ‘NoName location’ (@noname_location); Pants Keep Style; Shoes Jonak.
Jacket ‘NoName location’ (@noname_location); Jeans Levi’s; Shoes Mango.

Dress ‘NoName location’ (@noname_location);
Shoes Robert Clergerie.

Dress ‘NoName location’ (@noname_location); Shoes Robert Clergerie.
Jacket ‘NoName location’ (@noname_location); Jeans Levi’s; Shoes Mango.

Jacket ‘NoName location’ (@noname_location); Jeans Levi’s; Shoes Mango.
Top ‘NoName location’ (@noname_location); Pants Keep Style; Shoes Jonak.

Sophie van Hasselt „into the woods“

By /FASHION/

INTO THE WOODS

Photographer: Sophie van Hasselt @sophievanhasselt
Stylist: Valerie Schroots @valeriecaroline_s
MUAH: Norien Voskuilen @norienvoskuilen

Dress – Scotch & Soda; Belt – ‘Bij ons’ Vintage; Scarf – Fiorucci vintage
Necklace – No Brand; Yellow top – Scotch & Soda

Hat – Vintage, Mevius Amsterdam; Green Sleeves – Old fishermen pants; Corset – Vintage, KiloShop
Sheer top – No brand; Blouse – No brand; Skirt – ‘Bij ons’ vintage; Sandals – No brand;
Blouse – Scotch & Soda; Skirt – Vanilia;

Top – Scotch & Soda; Necklace – Vintage, Mevius Amsterdam
Dress – Scotch & soda; Belt – ‘Bij ons’ Vintage; Scarf – Fiorucci vintage; Boots – Vintage, KiloShop

Interview with Kristina Okan

By /ART/, /INTERVIEW

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I r i n a  R u s i n o v i c h

Interview with Kristina Okan

Tell us a bit about yourself, your background and your work
I am a visual artist, originally from Russia but currently live and work in Berlin.

I graduated from Moscow Stroganov Art Academy with major in Ceramic Art. After  studying for 6 years, I felt creatively lost, because Russian artistic high education is very separated from the real situation in the contemporary art world. So, I decided that the best idea would be for me to move abroad and to start the next chapter of life in a new place where I have never been before, thus I moved to Warsaw, and then – Berlin. Now I am a full time artist, exhibiting and working locally and internationally.

What set you off as an artist?
I never saw other options for me in life to be honest. All my life I practice and study art. Nothing excites me more than when I express myself as an artist. I guess, it is my nature. Even though I tried to run my own art space project, to be an art manager in the gallery and to be an art teacher – I always feel that I am out of my element and I waste my time when I do something different from artworks.

Tell us about the themes you pursue in your work
All my works derive from my fantasies about natural and organic beauty. I think that so much visual beauty and power is concentrated in simple, trivial objects such as apples, lemons, etc., that we get used not to notice, though they are always in front of us. Also, digging deeper into the topic of still lifes I was fascinated by how much meaning and symbolism fruits and vegetables carried in the past, in the Renaissance epoch, for example.

In my works, I often look for a balance between abstract forms and real natural objects. As I said before, I am highly attracted by pieces created by nature, and I play around with this existing beauty in my own way, creating my imaginary shapes – little biomorphic monuments. I also like the visual effect of repetitive forms and patterns, that is why all my works are made of repeated elements. For me is very important to leave a room for interpretation of my objects to the viewers, to give a chance to find their own meanings.

Is there something you couldn’t live without in your studio? what is your most essential tool?
My studio is where my table is. It is the basic and the most sacred object for me in my studio. Not sure it can be considered as a tool actually, but it is the most essential element for me for sure.

Tell us how you organize, plan, and prioritize your work
Working with porcelain implies a very high level of discipline and self organization. If there is a tiny bit of rush – everything goes wrong. That is why I always prepare myself mentally in advance for the new series of works and organize my schedule the way that nothing will disturb me and I will devote 100 % of my attention to work. It is like a retreat or meditation.

With watercolor works on paper is almost the same. Since all my graphic works are meticulously detailed, it takes also a lot of concentration. Sometimes, I am so much into work that after hours of drawing, I look at the work and think: oh, wow,  did I really do it myself? Because at some point, I have a feeling that the work guided my hand without my direct participation. I think these works are my favorite ones!

Professionally, what is your goal?
My goal is to reach a broader audience and to get more visibility on international art fairs and competitions. And to have my works in David Zwirner`s collection, of course.

Are there any upcoming exhibitions or projects in the works?
I was working for a quite long time on my solo exhibition  MY SECRET GARDEN, but unfortuntely it was postponed and then finally cancelled due to current situation. Now I am very glad to announce that this show is finally going to happen in Haze Gallery and I am mostly focuced on its preparation. Besides this, I am working on a number of applications for ceramic biennales and art awards.

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Attention! Good news & opportunity for photography artists!

By /NEWS/
Attention! Good news & opportunity for photography artists!

Haze Award 500 Euro, is our new financial reward aimed at photo artists working in the field of fine art and conceptual photography. For the first time, the award will be presented in September on the results of „Art & Technology“ open-call ( Deadline 15 July) that encompasses both the print issue and the exhibition.