Artist Essay 03 - Jean Gaumy
Jean Gaumy is French photography and filmmaker, he is now aged 75 and has been associated with Magnum photos since 1977. He was born on the 28th of August 1948 in Royan, France. He was nominated for César Award for Best Short film – Documentary. He is best known for his famous long-term project on the fishing industry, arctic exploration. As well as his documentation of 1980’s Iran, along with this he did a ground-breaking study on the French penal and healthcare systems. Gaumy produces work that is informative and impactful. Since 2005 he has been involved in location scouting and shoots for films such as ‘Sous Marin’, where he spent four months abord a nuclear attack submarine. In 2008 he started photographic reconnaissance work that had taken him from the arctic seas to the contaminated lands of Chernobyl and Fukushima. Gaumy has received many awards for both his photography and his film and he was elected as a member of the prestigious Fine Arts Academy of the Institut de France in October 2018 his work has been shown worldwide most recently in 2016 in Normandie, France. Gaumy has been living in Normandy France since 1995.
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I have chosen to study Gaumy due to his subject matter of individual people’s lives being portrayed through a singular photo as well as his photography of spaces and extreme landscapes. I am drawn to his use of black and white, as well as the harsh and moody narratives he creates through his photos. Gaumy was inspired by reading about discoveries of the poles as well as the documentary work of film makers such as Jean Rouch who was a Frenchman.
'In front of Bréauté-Beuzeville train station. '
By Jean Gaumy
This photo was taken in Normandy France in 1984, in this photo we can see the image of a street with a reflection used to confuse the viewer.
Black and white is used to create a silent and cold atmosphere as well as adding to the feelings of isolation echoed throughout the piece.
In the bottom right corner of the piece there is a slight movement blur as the people walk by this adds to the photo’s chaotic atmosphere.
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In the centre of the image there is a person walking alone in the street, the viewer is immediately gravitated towards this as it becomes a focal point of the image.
The solidarity of this person helps to add to the atmosphere of isolation. However, the viewer is left questioning who this person is as there is a pole obstructing the full view.
This helps create confusion and interest within the viewer. This is echoed in the piece mainly with the reflections which creates confusion and chaos in the mind of the reader. From this photo I aim to use reflection and rain in my work to narrate an abstract and interesting story.
'On board the Spanish trawler “Rowanlea”'
By Jean Gaumy
In this photo there is a range in the depth of field. With the foreground in focus and the background blurred.
The focal point of the image is the man in the centre of the image.
By setting this man as the focus of the image the viewer is able to connect with him on an emotional level and can begin to understand what he is feeling.
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In the top left corner of the image there appears to be Moss growing, this creates varied textures which allow for an uneasy feeling.
Within the image there are leading lines drawing the viewer to the background of the image. These lines are in the panels on the floor and where the wall meets the ceiling.
The monochromatic tones of the image echo the uneasy atmosphere as well as creating an overall rustic sense to the image. From this photo I plan to use a varied depth of field as well as different textures to create interest in the image.
'Waves in Le Havre'
By Jean Gaumy
This photo was taken in 1984 in France and captures the scene of a large wave hitting a wall.
This photo is taken with the rule of thirds in mind, the person is on the left lower intersect of the thirds. This adds interest to the viewer and helps to isolate the person from there surroundings.
The bird in the top right corner is also on a third line intersect which helps balance the photo.
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The movement from the water in the image creates drama and focus.
In the image the water is surrounding the person creating fear in the viewer as they worry about the perso'ns safety.
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The lack of humans around and the use of black and white help to create an eerie silence throughout the image. The darkness in the top left corner of the image creates a feeling of impending doom in the photo. From this image, I plan to capture motion to convey emotions as well as using monochromatic photography to emphasise structures.
In concl,usion Jean Gaumy is an incredible photographer and filmmaker who had a strong impact on the world. His work has been recognised by the masses and he has been elected for awards as well as his art being seen by many audiences in different countries around the world. In his career he has become part of magnum photos and in 2008 was named ‘peintre de la marine’ which is an award given to artists to devote their talents to the sea. From his photography I aim to capture individuals’ lifv’ through the medium of photography. I also hope to use the sea and movement in my work.