A Personal Overview
Creative, authentic, original works of art completed by a real artist, is the outpourings and embodiment of energy, mind, and soul. It is a visual expression of what is in the human nature of the individual artist.
From my mind with ideas, well thought-out aims and mission of a project determines the medium, methods applied, and techniques utilised, to secure the best final outcomes. Every project is different, requiring a new and different approach.
In the ‘decisive moment’ when the photographic image is captured with a camera, in a fraction of a second, can hardly be compared to an image created by a painter’s brush, working in a studio space for weeks or months. The work is all shared experiences, before the finished portrait of the seated model, is presented to viewers.
That method of working is an ancient craft, going way back to the beginning of fine art traditions in painting, and making portraits. Creating a portrait is not only about capturing an accurate likeness, but also making visible the essence of the individual’s nature, personality, and true character.
Working Method
With that aims and task in mind, my approach to this body of works – ‘Portraits of Jamaican Music Culture in the UK.’ While working, I make all attempts to remove myself, and all evidence of deliberate intrusion on the scene, completely. Leaving it, as if I was never there.
As I capture and document, in a fraction of second, the image is frozen in its naturalistic motion. Keeping everything in the scene, undisturbed as a natural flow of time in space.
Rarely moving or posing a person, with very little speaking, I quickly move around to find the right angle, perspective, light, press the silent shutter button on the camera, and it’s done. Usually, without the knowledge of the person realising it’s all over. I work rapidly, free form without congestion and baggage, to restrict or distract from the joys of looking, seeing, and capture.
At that time, armed with only a small M-series Leica camera, and rolls of Black & White films in my pocket. Discreetly, people rarely knew if or when I was photographing. At the beginning, I would also carry a small light reading meter, until I was able to judge the light levels, and emittance by sight.
When printing the images, I was able to extract the latent image, from the light sensitive coatings on the plastic celluloid films, through timed chemical processing, the choice of papers, developing chemicals, and the use of selenium toning. At that time, in my case, studious and motivated, the real hard work began in the wet darkroom.
Singers & Players of Instruments
The transference of feelings and emotions, into music – sound, vibrations, tone, rhythm, and harmony, generates energies and frequencies containing healing qualities. Through music, every area of the brain is energised and activated, at times, without the individual listener being conscious or aware that it is happening. Specific use of music is utilised for purposes such as ritual, and ceremony in all cultures and communities.
I follow and enjoy all forms of popular cultures, especially music of all genres. One of my favourites, is all types of Jamaican music.
The ‘Golden Age’ of Jamaican Music is classified to be during the 1970s. With global influences, Bob Marley & the Wailers – Kings of Reggae, one genre among many. Spread the music of the tiny sunshine Island, in the eye of the Caribbean Sea, all over the world.
Now, Dancehall Music, with its unique, dynamic pop-cultures, style, fashion, passion, and much more. Are continuing the trend over two decades, into the twenty first century.
View the exhibition now: www.danijahart.com/gallery & www.acapr6.com/word.