Anna-Rebecca Johnson
Artist Statement
This body of work is heavily influenced by the Film Noir genre. I have always admired the work of Noir cinematographers, such as John Alton, for their ability to convey a feeling of suspense and mystery using simple artistic elements like shape and value. I chose to incorporate cinematographic elements such as chiaroscuro and underlighting to reflect my knowledge and appreciation of Film Noir.
My take on this subject showcases my own whimsical personality. Viewers get a look inside my mind and my perception of the world, turning everyday scenes into fantasies. I chose the motif of a skyline to represent a daydream. I am constantly inspired by old movies and how they sweep me away into another time and place, and I really wanted to have the same effect on viewers with these photographs.
Symbolically, I like the tessellation of the skyline against the sky, the light against the dark, and the positive against the negative space. Lightness and darkness can thematically represent good versus evil, yin and yang, or the known versus the unknown. The items I chose to create the cityscapes represent themes in modern society and, juxtaposed with the nostalgia of a black and white photo, create a balance of new and old.
Overall, this collection of photographs combines to things that I love: art and film. It speaks to my personality in that it is light and whimsical on the surface but has a underlying depth and contemplation. Ultimately, it reminds us that perception is personal and unique to every individual.
