Gregory Crewdson’s work is highly influenced by film. His work becomes a full-blown production utilizing lighting equipment, a management crew, and even sometimes a set. And although he isn’t creating a film, his work always becomes a narrative, which pulls the viewer into spiraling interpretations of potential explanations for the work. Drawing influence from great American directors like Alfred Hitchcock and David Lynch, Crewdson’s work also tends to have a dark and mysterious reoccurring theme, which is emphasized by his use of lighting and staging.
I’m really drawn to Crewdson’s work because of its cinematic qualities. I love that he is able to tell a story with one image. Where photography is most frequently understood as ‘in the moment’, he draws out the process (literally) and gains control of every single aspect of the final images. That extent of control and deliberation is rarely seen or associated with photography.
His utilization of a cinematic visual language makes for some very stunning images, glad you picked up on that. His whole approach to photography is one of directing and staging, so cinematic in his entire approach. Good summary.
ReplyDelete