Media tests: Decalcomania and Photography

[shanmonster]

Today I experimented with applying colour to clear plastic film in order to create a Josef Albers-style interaction of colour. I first tried applying ink to the plastic, but it did not dry properly and anything that touched it took away the colour. Then I decided to attempt applying nail polish. It went on too streaky, so I thought this would be a good time to incorporate decalcomania. After putting on a good layer of nail polish, I took a piece of crumpled cling wrap and pressed down on the wet polish. I did this several times, and the end result was textured and transparent.

Here it is placed over white paper.



I then took another piece of the clear film and did a media test on it to figure out the best way to affix it to paper. White glue did not work, but rubber cement created a good bond.

The next tests I did were with photography. I am studying two photographs. One is a self-portrait by Claude Cahun.



I don't have access to a photo studio or studio lighting, so I used my bathroom mirror and natural lighting. This is what I came up with.



The other photo I'm studying is Stapled Flesh by Kansuke Yamamoto.



I did a basic lighting test in my bedroom. Bright lights cast too much of a shadow. Without studio lighting, I'll need to work with natural light.



My next test shot worked much better. I set it up in my drawing studio with a navy backdrop and increased the brightness to make the skin glow.



I will do this shot with different models, print the photos, augment the printouts, and photograph the results.