Image and Text:
‘Illusions of Voice: Comedy or Horror’

Comedy or Horror? Two different time periods and two different perceptions.

These collection of images project this idea of how time can alter the way an object is viewed and considered within a particular period of time. The Ventriloquist doll is a very interesting object as it holds a range of different perceptions. Within the 1920s the ventriloquist doll was seen as a comedical and very humourous object however the way it is seen now is something that is almost horrific and quite scary which is a very interesting aspect to obtain. The photographs have an element of surrealism which highlights this idea of what this object can produce in terms of atmosphere.All aspects of the project relate to the concept and all help to add to the impact of the images. The photographs tend to show this element of the doll being hidden and show this aspect of being lost and forgotten which is important to link into how the ventriloquist is shown in present day and the reputation it has.
The idea of combining imagery and text is what makes this collection of photographs quite strong and help to reflect the conceptis intended. The whole context of the photographs being this idea of comedy turning into horror is a difficuly concept to capture within a photograph so by using the text the imagery almost becomes clear and adds to the impact on to the audience. The techniques used such as the black and white tone and using medium format film creates this grain and texture on to the photograph which helps to show the idea of time.
The photographers that introduce this idea of image and text help to trully relate to the work that is produced here. The impact that is created within the imagery and it is this that makes the image and text work as a whole. Martha Rosler is an important artist that challenged the idea of image and text and how to bring these two elements together but in a completely different way. She looks at producing these combinations by using the text as an accest to the photograph not to be in the actual image which defines this type of image and text apose to it being used within advertisement. This element is reflected in the work produced here and how its works within certain types of photography and how it can be adapted