Assignment 3: Wunderkammer

Objective To describe a cultural phenomenon in a single image.

Project Description The history of collecting runs parallel to the development of art and science. The cabinet of curiosities, or “wunderkammer,” has existed as a microcosm of culture.

In this project you will photograph a collection, a setup prepared in the studio or at home. This photograph should culturally enlighten and inform, as well as heighten interest in the collection. (note: You may composite images in order to achieve more density but your image should not have the appearance of a collage.)

Sept 14/15, in class:

1. with a partner, assemble a collection in class

2. brainstorm 3 ways to present this information

3. choose one and work on it in class - present to class at end

Over the next week:

1. photograph some kind of collection - consider the lighting, you do not need to finish an extensive set-up for next week, but you need to formulate what that setup is going to be for your final image

2. sketch 3 ways you might present it that will heighten interest in the collection. (these should be mounted and consist of drawings, diagrams, test photographs)

For extra credit (pass/fail), visit one of the museums listed below:

1. Museum of Jurassic Technology

2. The Getty: Engaged Observers: Documentary Photography since the Sixties

3. Museum of Contemporary Art, LA: Dennis Hopper photographs

take notes and show me for credit

Sept 21/22

1. present your sketches to the class

2. we will have individual crits and talk about what direction you are taking, you must bring to class a paragraph describing your final image

(there will be an in-class reading)

Sept 28/29

Bring in your FINAL collection image. Full class crit. Required: You must use either staged lighting, or a copystand camera if one is available for use. Image must be larger than 8 x 10 and of good print quality and paper stock, mounted.