The American Myth by Francoise Gaujour
In the words of the artist Francoise Gaujour:
Many filmmakers have been influenced by the atmosphere of the paintings of Edward Hopper, among them David Lynch. In this album I let myself be influenced both by Hopper and Lynch. Lynch was inspired by Hopper for framework, for this exquisite timelessness, for the color. The filmmaker uses the expressionism of color as a filter that distorts reality. It is in this Hopper line that Lynch transcribes this membership deliciously “fifteen” of the image, although the action takes place nowadays. Lynch is fascinated by this portrait of postwar American myth that Hopper conveyed through his canvases. The painter devote to the serene reflections of back country America, to its peaceful inhabitants and to the dreams of “American Way” of this wild west asleep. Hopper’s paintings reflect a changing society: they depict the quality of life and the existence of the middle class growing in the first half of the twentieth century. They show the loneliness in big cities and characters that seem to regret some disappearing America. When does a time really ceases to exist? Can be when the public is nostalgic for the postcard of old-representation of the American dream.
Hillside houses overlook smoke-belching steel mills in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 1949. Photograph by John E. Fletcher and Anthony B. Stewart, National Geographic Creative
Antarctica René Koster
The Project ‘Antarctica’ shows a series of photographs of a voyage to the South Pole. I travelled with a sailing ship which was built in 1911; the same period the last great expeditions left for the unknown continent.
Thoughts of frozen ships trapped in ice-covered seas cross my mind, images of the photographers who joined these expeditions to report of the unexplored. Fascinated by their stories I head for the same circumstances as those of the early twentieth century. A journey of longing, to a time that once was. An heroic saga; filled with hardship and adventure, in an infinite, barren land.
Images and text via René Koster
