Tate Modern review

The name of this exhibition was ‘Energy and process’ at the Tate Modern in London. The photographer shown in the exhibition that caught my attention is William Eggleston. His work displays a theme of abandonment as he captures empty towns or of a few people. The photographs are not laid out chronologically but instead create an atmosphere of still time as little life is displayed. His work focuses more on the colours of nature and man-made creations: such as cars and diners. Despite my understanding of America being a huge country of life, his attention of the opposite has focused my attention on the scenery. 

 Figure 1                                                                           Figure 2

By including bold colours (seen from the buildings and blue skies) the photos become interesting without any human life. Even when there are people, a lack of enthusiasm can be seen and by doing this, we focus more on the surroundings and why they appear this way. The colours act as signs: directing you to the less obvious aspects used in photography. Even though he takes photos of an aging gas station, it becomes fascinating due to the areas around it.

I found his work enjoyable to observe because of my interest with stereotyped places. To many people, America is the ‘model’ for grand shots that display cities and striking imagery of mountains and lakes, but to explore the world of lifeless shops and roads provides further knowledge into the lives of real people.  Another photographer that does this is Dan Martensen. Like Eggleston, he captured an empty diner but the inclusion of red, allowed the photos to have excitement in them. 
 

 

                     Figure 4 (Martensen)






Figure 3 (Eggleston)

                                     Figure 5 
I would've preferred to see a variation of styles such as black and white photos or displaying a darker understanding to desolated towns. This is like Matthew Christopher who takes photographs of abandoned places in America. The dark lighting in his photographs allow people to understand the negativity of the situation. If there was a mixture of both brightly coloured photos and dull, a different perspective would've been created.

 My favourite photograph is the one of the gas station. I think the colours really stand out due to their similarities. The blues and reds contrast but let the photograph include life as when compared to the rest of the scene, they appear to be the only lively things involved. The little life allows for the image to be isolated but cheerful. 

  
                                                                                                                                                                    Figure 6

Overall I really liked the exhibition as It let me see into America from different situations. The attention to loneliness focused me point of view to the colours and nature. Unlike many photos that include grand nature, these images do not need this to be fantastic photographs. 

Bibliography
Figure 1. Energy and process, 1976. William Eggleston.
Figure 2. Energy and process, 1970-1973. William Eggleston.
Figure 3. Energy and process. William Eggleston.
Figure 4. www.danmartensen.com
Figure 5. www.abadondedamerica.us/northeast
Figure 6. Energy and process, 1970-1976. William Eggleston.