SALEM

     

 

I have contributed this film as a research example because of its relations to the aesthetics of the famous “Blair Witch Project” horror film and also the previous screenshots of “Picnic at Hanging Rock”. The styling is a little further down the route of morbid fashion with the darker toned dresses and jackets but still remains obvious of this sort of abandoned, american farm that could really link to the Renaissance painting itself. I feel like the styling use is very creative and clever of enhancing a character-like presentation of the models that enforces the gothic theme even more. For example, the YSL type shoulder padded blazer set worn by one model almost resembles a frankenstein character but in a very subtle, fashionable way. I also like this use of long, oversized ruffle dresses that reflect a very obvious victorian period which would then help the gothic culture more apparent in a delicate way. Although this is a good starting point for how i can transfer concepts of the Renaissance painting into my own ideas, i think to narrow myself to just this theme of a nostalgic, american farm type setting and appearance will be limiting so i need to expand and see how other fashion editorials use gothic culture.

 

    

This is an Australian historical fiction film about a group of girls at a boarding school that mysteriously vanish whilst on a Valentines day picnic and what effects this has on the community where it is based. Although the concept may be quite morbid and gothic, it is more the aesthetics of this that i feel is relevant. Like the Renaissance painting, the setting is obviously based around a rock field that seems to show signs of contrast between dark and golden lighting. As i am looking into how gothic culture can be used in fashion, i feel this is a good starting point to focus my future research on. The outfits are very victorian like of which today could seem quite errie and completely contradict current fashion trends. So although they may not be dressed head to toe in black and leather, i think a more delicate path of styling with a neutral palette will help represent the Renaissance painting better.

“ADORATION IN THE FOREST”

Lippi was an Italian painter, born in Florence in 1406. From my research it has become evident that most of his history and upbringing – even possible reasons behind concepts of his paintings – came from being passed throughout highly religious families as a child. This painting in particular has always been of interest to me, primarily due to its very dark and gloomy atmosphere of which i found very different to say, Botticelli’s painting. Not only this immediate aesthetic but after researching further into a more conceptual theme behind the painting, it became obvious that his depiction of the Nativity steers different from traditional standards. This includes the subject matter and of course, the characters involved. It lacks characters such as Joseph, Kings or Shepherds and even the extent of any animal iconically involved in this story. I found this interesting as it creates an entirely new, unique story for such a historic setting. One quote i found that i loved was that “Lippi creates a whole set of mysteries, and then preserves them”. Furthermore, Lippi’s style was majorly influenced by a previous artist named ‘Masaccio’ who identified his work as a realistic form of Biblical movements. The characters used amongst his paintings were only depicted if they could be formed as realistic. Apparently, this way of work helped Filippo progress through the Renaissance. It gave him a new way of thinking about representation, and how dark, moody shadows could be shown as a most important feature to highlight the placement of figures or objects or landscapes. This is most probably the reason behind why he leaves out so many traditional characters within this painting.

Not only did i find this concept fascinating, but also the actual historic movement of the physical painting itself. As it was once painted by Lippi for one of the wealthiest bankers of the Renaissance period, in Florence, named Cosimo De Medici which was a very common idea of this time. However, it later on had a very turbulent history. Hitler ordered this specific painting to be hidden sometime throughout WW2 and it became part of the story of a mutiny in the US Army – of which they refused. The gloomy background behind the transitions of movement in physical painting is the most relevant matter that stands out for me to develop my own take on. I love how mysterious and dark the entire painting is, really contrasting from my first painting development of “The Birth of Venus”. It could be interesting to play around with this idea of gothic appearances and highlighting shadows and golden lighting to express figures within my photography. The colour scheme should be carefully considered because of the focus on golden lighting and dark shadows, especially with the interesting glimpses of reds throughout too. Looking into my photographer potentially using red gel lighting could be a great idea in replicating something so subtle in this painting, but making it quite a big deal in my own work.

          

  

 

This approach to an all over denim look is exactly what i want to show, however hopefully in a more Helmut Lang approach. The stylist has managed to create a full look of denim without any clashing or division between each garment. Successfully, the entire outfit blends and becomes one. The brand is evidently drawn towards womenswear so identifying key influences from each outfit is difficult for my androgynous theme, but the posing is also something i want to reflect on and to show my photographer for examples. The model stands very still in an atmosphere of what seems as complete boredom, a position and feeling that can work for both male and female models.

 

  

 

  

 

Im really happy with the outcome of these images! However, i think i will re-do this shoot with just one model and continue with very obvious, exaggerated posing like i initially wanted. This idea of posing was the key element i took from the original painting of “The Birth of Venus” so i should try my best to achieve this throughout all the images.