My images are by graphic artist Anthony Gerace and illustrator Mark Powell who both use elements of the past for different purposes.

Anthony Gerace distorts kitsch vintage photographs from the 1940’s-70’s in collage to create a sense of loss in his series ‘there must be more to life than this’(1). Adding a contextual element of the post-World War 2 consumerism era which was full of prosperity for all and so highlights the relevance of second wave feminism today. The loss of image suggests the loss of past values and a progression towards coherence.

Mark Powell however, uses old envelopes to draw on. He knows nothing about the subject because he wants to “keep a distance between the figures and myself because I like the sense of mystery that it creates” (2) (Powell, 2013). I like the idea of not knowing either the subjects in both pieces so that we can only infer off what the artist has purposefully shown us. I think the choice of medium creates the idea of communication. The highly detailed illustration communicates a visual story of life through the wrinkles on their face. The envelope represents every person and the stories we refrain from sharing.

Image 1- There must be more to life than this

Both use different processes in similar repetitive ways e.g. pen strokes, cutting and placing photos for different aims. I like how they both show the importance of the past today. They raise the question to me ‘how I can use my past influences to make a better change?’ Perhaps through my medium choice or subject matter.

Image 2- Originals

References:

(1) Anthony Gerace. (2013). There must be more to life than this. Available: http://www.hotshoeinternational.com/blog/portfolio/there-must-be-more-to-life-than-this-anthony-gerace. Last accessed 19th October 2017.

(2) Holly Simpson. (2013). Mark Powell Interview. Available: http://www.thelondonillustrationfair.co.uk/markpowell-interview/. Last accessed 22/10/17.

Images-

(1)-Anthony Gerace. (2013). There must be more to life than this. Available: http://paper-journal.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/21_tmbmtltt10.jpg. Last accessed 19th October 2017.

(2)-Mark Powell. (2013). Originals. Available: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/52f658d5e4b0b19928bf39b9/t/594c655ad1758edb0c0ab809/1498178910560/MP.jpg?format=1000w. Last accessed 19th October 2017.