Online Group Exhibition - "Noir” April 2021
Analog Forever Magazine is pleased to showcase 73 images in this month’s online exhibition, entitled “Noir,” and curated by independent publisher, curator, educator, and photographer, Blue Mitchell. The selected photographs explore, both thematically and literally, the themes of Film Noir. Films that are known for the strange, erotic, ambivalent, and cruel themes of their plots that combine unexpected camera angles and contrasted lighting to make you feel.
The curator, Blue Mitchell, had this to say:
I have to admit, I was gleefully surprised at the number of submissions that, in my head, were spot on with the Noir theme. With the mix of implied narrative and realism, I feel like you made an art film in stills that serves as an homage to the auteur film movements of yesteryear. I’ve always been enamored with this type of analog work and I’m so pleased to see the art alive and well.
I chose more images for this show than I normally would have and it was purposeful. Partly because I had so many excellent choices and interpretations, but more so because I felt like there was an inherent balance between place, people, object, and personal perspective. All of which are important aspects of good filmmaking. The common thread between all the chosen images is the dramatic use of light and shadow to tell a story, which is ultimately why I was attracted to this theme, and photography in general. Admittedly, there are some images that are almost cliché film noir, and I was hoping that would happen so we could weave in the more subtle elements to elaborate on the narrative. Obviously, this narrative is open to interpretation, changing the storyline is as simple as resequencing the images, which I’ve done many times in the jury process just to see what could transpire. I hope the viewers feel the same way. That being said, I’m not saying there’s one storyline here, mostly just impressions of many relatable visions that have been elevated by the artists that shot them.
I find it nearly impossible to pick any favorite images but the images that I keep coming back to over and are the ones that are just great single images that visually and emotionally draw me in.
“Emilia” by Zuza Maria has a bold impact with its lighting, mood, and atmosphere. Classic!
“Still Standing” by Anne-Mette Kelter is just a fantastic Polaroid. At first glance it seems to be a straightforward landscape but what makes that single tree bend so violently. Is it wind? Is it the lens magic? Or is it just like that? Whatever the case, I find its simplicity reveals the true magic of photography.
And what can I say about “Aristrocat” by Adam Welch, this image just IS Film Noir!
There’s so much to say about all this work, I could go on forever. There’s implied violence, sexuality, anxiety, madness, melancholy, calmness, happiness, you name it, our little film has it all. Thanks for the opportunity to view all these lovely artifacts and I hope you feel as inspired as I do when viewing this work. Thanks to everyone for showing me the bridge between now and yesteryear is intact. And thank you Analog Forever for inviting me to celebrate your namesake with you all!
~ Blue Mitchell
GALLERY
About the Curator
Blue Mitchell is an independent publisher, curator, educator, and photographer. Based in Portland, Oregon, he has been involved with many facets of the photographic arts. After Mitchell received his BFA from Oregon College of Art & Craft in 2005 he founded One Twelve Publishing.
One Twelve Publishing is most notably known for its fine art photographic print annual Diffusion (Est. 2009), which focuses on artfully-crafted photo practices. Additionally, One Twelve hosted Plates to Pixels Gallery (2007-2017), publishes the occasional artist book (Contact by Jake Shivery, 2015), and provides an extensive blog with articles, galleries, and a variety of special features. Mitchell is also the host and producer for the Diffusion Tapes podcast.