angus.tresnan
Assignment #2 - Colorado has a History of Photography Letter to Rupert
Christopher James, Six Bridges and Viaducts, 1980s
Dear Rupert,
The photo I select to write to you about is actually a series of photos encased in a single frame, Six Bridges and Viaducts, 1980s by Christopher James. Granted, I am not the most knowledgeable about photography or art, I lack the vocabulary to articulate much of what I think is attempting to be conveyed by the artists in many of the photos on display in this exhibition. So please forgive me if I do not provide the most eloquent or insightful articulation of my feelings and takeaways from this. Nonetheless, I am still a human and thus capable of walking away from an artistic experience with some kind of opinions or feelings.
I have lived in Denver for a few years, and not really in the heart of the city-- I don’t spend much time downtown, I have not seen many changes or the way it has developed over time. I just know it how it is now. This pertains to photography, I never had to take photographs with film nor even needed to own a camera. I grew up with digital photography and having a camera on my phone. I just know how it is now. These photos made me reflect on how much Denver, and the world, has changed since the 1980s, seeing the two's development separately, but along similar trajectories. I see a lot of discourse around how the increase in population of Denver, especially due to wealthy individuals from elsewhere, most notably criticized: Californians and Texans, have "ruined" or "tainted" the city and that they, myself included, have changed the city for worse. These out of staters have come in and brought with their own ideals, attitudes, and spending power and altered what makes Denver--Denver. Regardless of opinion or fact this is the perception and sentiment I hear regularly and I bring it up because I feel like there is a soul in these photos, not just the ones I selected but those throughout the exhibition and I don't come across many soulful photographs very regularly. I think just one person in my generation and the people of today have seen and taken more photographs than most people who have ever lived. So I was curious as to your opinion about this, do you believe the normalization of photography has robbed it of its artistry. Of course there are still people who take artful and soulful photos but I feel like those individuals are few and far between and are drowned out by the excess of photographers available, ie anyone with a phone. Its not really an apples to apples comparison but both Denver and Photography have seen rapid advancements and changes that have maybe stripped them of their original identity and glory.
But I wanted to talk about these photos briefly, I love cityscapes and architectural photography especially when done in a manner which showcases the characteristics of the city or building. Cities to me are a living being comprised of the individuals who call it home, cities form out of utility and necessity to serve those who live in it. These pictures depict an area that may be categorized as cede or rough, but to me they feel comforting and peaceful. The night time gets rid of all the hustle and bustle the noise of working society and is reserved for those who love it, those who wish to experience solitude and freedom from distraction or impediment on their being. At night its just you and the world. So when I saw these photographs I saw someone with a deep love for his or her home and wanting to capture it in its resting and tranquil state, showcasing these structures not as the utilitarian infrastructure but as the fabric of their home and for their beauty not just their usefulness.
I appreciate your time, your effort, and your being.
All the best,
Angus Tresnan
Assignment #2 - Colorado has a History of Photography Letter to Rupert
Christopher James, Six Bridges and Viaducts, 1980s
Dear Rupert,
The photo I select to write to you about is actually a series of photos encased in a single frame, Six Bridges and Viaducts, 1980s by Christopher James. Granted, I am not the most knowledgeable about photography or art, I lack the vocabulary to articulate much of what I think is attempting to be conveyed by the artists in many of the photos on display in this exhibition. So please forgive me if I do not provide the most eloquent or insightful articulation of my feelings and takeaways from this. Nonetheless, I am still a human and thus capable of walking away from an artistic experience with some kind of opinions or feelings.
I have lived in Denver for a few years, and not really in the heart of the city-- I don’t spend much time downtown, I have not seen many changes or the way it has developed over time. I just know it how it is now. This pertains to photography, I never had to take photographs with film nor even needed to own a camera. I grew up with digital photography and having a camera on my phone. I just know how it is now. These photos made me reflect on how much Denver, and the world, has changed since the 1980s, seeing the two's development separately, but along similar trajectories. I see a lot of discourse around how the increase in population of Denver, especially due to wealthy individuals from elsewhere, most notably criticized: Californians and Texans, have "ruined" or "tainted" the city and that they, myself included, have changed the city for worse. These out of staters have come in and brought with their own ideals, attitudes, and spending power and altered what makes Denver--Denver. Regardless of opinion or fact this is the perception and sentiment I hear regularly and I bring it up because I feel like there is a soul in these photos, not just the ones I selected but those throughout the exhibition and I don't come across many soulful photographs very regularly. I think just one person in my generation and the people of today have seen and taken more photographs than most people who have ever lived. So I was curious as to your opinion about this, do you believe the normalization of photography has robbed it of its artistry. Of course there are still people who take artful and soulful photos but I feel like those individuals are few and far between and are drowned out by the excess of photographers available, ie anyone with a phone. Its not really an apples to apples comparison but both Denver and Photography have seen rapid advancements and changes that have maybe stripped them of their original identity and glory.
But I wanted to talk about these photos briefly, I love cityscapes and architectural photography especially when done in a manner which showcases the characteristics of the city or building. Cities to me are a living being comprised of the individuals who call it home, cities form out of utility and necessity to serve those who live in it. These pictures depict an area that may be categorized as cede or rough, but to me they feel comforting and peaceful. The night time gets rid of all the hustle and bustle the noise of working society and is reserved for those who love it, those who wish to experience solitude and freedom from distraction or impediment on their being. At night its just you and the world. So when I saw these photographs I saw someone with a deep love for his or her home and wanting to capture it in its resting and tranquil state, showcasing these structures not as the utilitarian infrastructure but as the fabric of their home and for their beauty not just their usefulness.
I appreciate your time, your effort, and your being.
All the best,
Angus Tresnan