Similarities and Differences

In our first assignment, I was asked to discuss the similarities and differences among four artists, all of which use photography as the main medium in their artworks. While I did enjoy several of the works by each artist I found I was truly moved by Teun Hocks. He uses oil paint over top his photographs which gives it a dreary painterly look which as a painter myself, is probably why I'm most drawn to his work. All of the artists seem to have a depressed feel to their work, and in some cases even a little dull, in which they make use of space and diffused light to bring that effect. Gregory Crewdson and Teun Hocks pieces depict wintery, misty, and lonely scenes however the content differs. Gregory uses landscapes from rural residential towns that look almost like scenes from a documentary or a movie. I found that same movie quality in Cindy Sherman's works; the black and white photos depict women that could be direct clips taken out of the Twilight Zone original series!  Jeff Wall's work was the least enticing for my taste, however, I did find "The Destroyed Room" intriguing. I like how it depicts something that already happened, the chaos that went on before this photograph was taken, and what a wonderful way to release energy. It must have been so much fun creating that space!