San Fransico based photographer Todd Hido's work "involves urban and suburban housing revealing the isolation and anonymity in contemporary suburbia. Eerily lit rooms and suddenly abandoned homes increase the effect of loneliness and loss." Hido's work has always struck me as some of the most elegantly made photographs I've ever seen. His work truly does create a sense of loneliness and sadness. In the video below you can see Hido's process in photographing and some discussion on his work.
Behind the Scenes w/ Todd Hido:
Through the incredible blog/website BOOOOOOOM! I came across Barcelona based artist and photographer Emil Kozack and was immediately reminded of the similarities between his and Hido's work.
I especially enjoy his work titled "Big Black Nothing" which can be seen on his website linked above. In this series Kozack says that " It's basically walking until i get scared or cant go any further... take the photo and go back."
Kozack from "Big Black Nothing"
Below I'll show you a few images from each artist to illustrate the similarities in their work.
Todd Hido
Emil Kozack
Todd Hido
Emil Kozack
It appears as though in both Hido and Kozack's work sadness and loneliness are reoccurring themes. Even in Hido's portraiture you can sense despair and desolation within the subjects. Not only do their themes overlap but their shooting style has a few similarities. Whether it be composition or subject matter they both show great skill and especially in their lighting. The quality of light in both of their work is what truly impresses me and even further embodies the sadness in the work.
I actually feel really at peace with the to snow pictures. It's like Finland at Christmas time! I mean, is there anything more romantic than light glistening off a fresh winter snow at night?
ReplyDeleteThis is a great comparison! It's interesting how they have some very clear similarities, but there are differences in the subtleties. Nice assessment of concept and formal aspects!
ReplyDeleteFrom taking pictures at night before I was really struck by the quote of Emil Kozack, " It's basically walking until i get scared or cant go any further... take the photo and go back." It gives me inspiration to test his method on how to create that mood in a photograph.
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