Multimodal presentation

Synopsis: 

            James Welling, an American photographer trained at the California Institute of the Arts, showcases his innovative approach in works like "Cento" and "Dark Matter." In "Cento," exhibited at the Musee des Arts Contemporains in 2021, Welling invites viewers to ponder ancient statues through his unique use of photographic methods. Welling states that his use of unnatural colors and gold leaf challenges neoclassical ideals. "Darker Matter," unveiled in 2022 in Germany, reveals Welling's diverse strategies. The monochromatic purple theme in this photo of a fog-shrouded glass building with bare trees evokes mystery. Drawing parallels to outer space's dark matter, Welling deliberately obscures objects, encouraging many different interpretations. The ominous lighting creates an emotionally charged atmosphere, expanding the viewer’s imagination to form their perception of the image. Welling's departure from traditional norms underscores his focus on image construction, prompting viewers to explore the boundless realms of beauty and elegance. Through unconventional techniques, he redefines the possibilities of photography and its use of conveying emotions and hidden meanings.
Change in Perspective:
             Studying the work of Welling changed my perspective in photography in many ways. My former view of photography was to capture an object or scene in full, with as much detail as possible. These two works are the opposite of that, where one is an unclear shot of a foggy building and the other is only part of the full statue. Another thing that Welling's art taught me was how various types of feelings or perspectives that can be conveyed by different choices made by the photographer with regard to how the photo is taken and edited. It is pretty cool to see how something simple like a statue or building can tell so many different stories just by how it was captured.