Week 2 PH0703 Independent reflection.

We have been looking at remediation via remixing and appropriation.At first I thought that it was something that doesn’t really feature in my work and to be honest it doesn’t in some of the more obvious examples we have been shown.However because all photography can potentially or rather does have a life beyond what we imagine I’d say all images to lesser and greater extent are appropriated by someone and often reinterpreted even if that is just because they are subject to an audience and their reading which in itself is subjective.

With regards to my own practice my work is often used within a context beyond just the image in a book or exhibition and as such does often take on new meanings, for instance if I shoot an image that then gets used to illustrate an album of music or a book jacket, that image takes on a new meaning and by the use of text or perhaps grading of the image or by adding illustration or graphic design it becomes a different object, a new piece of art even if that art is commercial art.The authorship as shifted and whilst I will nearly always be credited for my photographic image the final piece quite rightly is credited to the designer also.I have had work quite drastically altered by outside processes such as re photography to be used on t shirts and LP/CD covers some with my help and consent others without my help but usually with my consent, I’m actually quite interested in how my work is re interpreted as long as I am aware that the process is taking place.Sometimes I have been paid for the use of the image and not really liked the end result, the re interpretation, in some of those cases I just ask not to be credited.It’s quite mercenary and commercially minded but some work means more to me than others and in those cases I’m happy to sell,I have no problem with that.

If however it was the case that my work was used to promote something I object to maybe a certain political party, product or ideology if it was in my control to stop it I would.

Editorially I have been asked by certain tabloids to use images that alter the initial meaning of the image and whilst that is an issue it was the association with said publication that was the real reason for refusal.

As far as I know no one as used my work as part of their own work to hang in a gallery or create a piece that is solely the art piece with a new author so I am not able to answer that question but as I have spoken about above under the correct circumstances I think it would be exciting, rewarding and really interesting.I’d definitely see it as a positive and interesting experience even if I didn’t really like the end result.

Below are some examples of work that fit into one or more of the categories above, images re appropriated to a lesser or larger degree by someone else to create something else. All with my permission but not all met my liking or approval !