Class Task - Research Task

 

Max Dupain

In groups of three complete the following questions : all research must be placed as a blog post and EACH student must have their own info

ARTIST:

1. Online research of the Photographer Max Dupain

Max Dupain is regarded as one of the Australia's greatest photographers. He had many photographic practices and stuck to his own method. Max Dupain served in the war and while he was there, Olive Cotton, his partner and childhood friend, ran his photography studio. 

2. Include 5 bullet points on his background, ie: where he was born, where did he learn his skills, what his family life etc... 

• Max Dupain was born in Ashfield, Sydney to Ena and George Dupain
• He was educated at Sydney Grammar School 
• Max Dupain received his first camera when he was 13 years of age and quickly grew interest in photography 
• Died in 1992
• He learnt his skills by meeting other photographers and entering in many competitions and received a few awards at a young age.

3. Explain his photographic practice: what did he strive to achieve in his work'

Max Dupain strived to achieve simplicity and directness in his work. This created images of boldness, graphic composition and photos of sharp focus. Max Dupain's collection of photographs include beaches, nudes, still life and architecture. He was particularly known for his beach culture in his photographs. Max Dupain was mainly interested in two types of photography. 
Portraiture: Between 1930's - 1960's, Max Dupain's professional mainly consisted of portraiture. Photographs included moody portraits of the Russian Ballet in the 1930's. Max Dupain preferred portraits that had a creative subject field. 

Documentary Photography: The experience at war, influenced Max Dupain to capture documentary photography. In 1946, Dupain was asked by the Department of Information to photograph Australia's way of life as a campaign to increase migration to Australia. 

WORLD:

4. How did Dupain's world influence his work, what subjects did he tend to explore through his photography.

Dupain's world influences his work because depending on where he was around the world he would take different types of pictures. Most of Max Dupain's famous pictures are at the beach. An example of a famous image at the beach is one of a man lying down on the sand on his stomach with his head faced down. His arms are rapped around his head. The photo is also taken at a low view point so his head and a bit of his back is visible. Dupain usually explores the beach subjects for his photographs because most of his most successful photos were taken at the beach. 

5. Locate one interesting quote by the photographer, that gives a personal view about his work.

The quote "Photography is a new means of expression in society. In hundred years it has evolved 

to a state of being a primary visual force in our lives". (1947). This gives a personal view

about his work because he says that it means a new expression in society and Dupain 

certainly brought that through his time as a photographer. He also states that it has become 

primary visual force in our lives. Photography is what drives us to new adventures. It tells 1000 words. We can express our thoughts, feelings and ideas through a still, simple image. He is saying this because it his time it was.

ARTWORK:

6. choose an image by Dupain add it to your post, include the citation details (title, date, medium, size)

Violinist rehearsing at the Methodist Ladies’ College in Burwood, Sydney, 1971 NAA: B4498, 28E7

7. Discuss the structural qualities in the work, composition, subject matter, contrast, techniques etc...

This is an amazing image showing off Max Dupain's photographic practice. This image shows a great contrast between light and dark tones. The composition of the photo is well thought out in producing this compelling image. The subject matter (violinist) stands out really well like the other figures. This is due to the contrast between the light and dark tones. She seems larger than the rest of them. This is maybe because of the viewpoint, where this photo was probably taken at a lower angle. This has was probably done to create strong focus on the violinist.