Book Stack Assignment

I wanted to explore how to make books stand out and create the most striking images. I experimented with various layouts and book arrangements to find the composition that resulted in the most eye-catching photographs.

Power of Light

In this book stack, I wanted to focus on the middle book, Iron Flame, as when looking at all the books of choice the bright tones of yellow stood out to me more. I wanted to find a way to highlight the vibrancy of the book cover. I decided the two dark coloured books would help create a contrast and fortunately, I was able to find titles which correlated to the Iron Flame book.

La Vie en Rose

This book stack was an experiment on composition rather than the titles having a link or connection. I wanted to play with the colours and the layout of the books to see if I could create an interesting photograph. I worked with different shades of pink book covers to see how well they matched with each other.

12 Rules

For the last stack, I wanted to focus on one book and I liked the way I could organise the books to make the white cover stand out. Instantly your eyes are drawn to the book title as this is the only text you can see. The book chosen also creates an interesting composition as it has many arrows pointing to the other books which cannot be seen. As the other books cannot be seen, I feel like it draws the audience in, as the photograph almost ‘hides’ the 12 rules for life as the titles for the other books cannot be seen.

Field Trip

I enjoyed our field trip to the art galleries as I was able to learn a lot about other artists that I had not heard of before. I found it interesting as a lot of art work was based on different topics e.g. culture, historical events and politics that I have not seen in the UK galleries.

Karen Tam- Scent of Thunderbolts, 2024

The first artwork that truly captivated my interest was Karen Tam’s installation at the Toronto Biennial of Art. What struck me immediately was the monumental scale of the piece, as it enveloped the entire room and invited an immersive experience. The interactive nature of the installation actively engaged viewers, fostering a deeper connection with the work and encouraging reflection on the cultural themes it explored. Tam’s piece, inspired by Cantonese opera, powerfully conveyed this influence through its elaborate staging and spatial arrangement, which resembled a theatrical set. The work not only highlighted the visual aesthetics of the opera but also offered a nuanced insight into Tam’s cultural heritage, making the experience both intellectually and sensorially rich.

While exploring the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), one particular work captured my attention. As someone from an immigrant background, I found the piece deeply resonant, evoking personal memories and ideas that closely aligned with the themes explored in the artwork. Although I do not recall the artist’s name, I learned during the tour that the work was inspired by the artist’s family’s migration journey. The use of ethically sourced, handmade fabrics to construct the piece added a layer of authenticity and meaning to the narrative. The large scale of the work powerfully underscores the emotional and psychological weight of migration, inviting the audience to reflect on the often-overlooked trauma and challenges that accompany the experience. This piece highlights the complexities of migration, making visible the profound impact it has on individuals and communities.