In the fading light of a typically grey and dull Guangzhou afternoon, our intrepid young street photographers, organised themselves, within their groups, into: location scouts, stylists and shooters and set about recreating Cartier-Bresson through the lenses of their DSLRs, compact cameras and smart phones. They Congregated back together later, au cafe, (one of the nicest Starbucks in Guangzhou), to review and share their shots.
Read MoreThe Medium is the Message
"The Medium is the Message" was a statement by Marshall McLuhan (appearing in his widely known book, "Understanding Media: The Extensions of Man", published in 1964), meaning that the form of a message (print, visual, musical, etc.) determines the ways in which that message will be perceived. McLuhan argued that modern electronic communications (including radio, television, films and computers) would have far-reaching sociological, aesthetic and philosophical consequences, to the point of actually altering the ways in which we experience the world.
Read MoreModelling Reality for Art's Sake
If you follow contemporary art at all, you will know John Gerrard's work through pieces such as "Infinite Freedom", as seen at The Manchester International Festival this year. This piece is typical of Gerrard's commitment to the creation of sculptures taking the form of 3D, real-time computer graphics. Borrowing from the video-game industry, Gerrard excels in creating hyper-real, cinematic-style experiences. The creation of which is dependent upon the careful direction of many groups of people who will take the work through a series of labour-intensive steps.
Read MoreKickstarting a New Product
This weekend was my first time being involved with shooting an advert. . .
Read MoreThe GUANGZHOUNAUT at the Chimelong International Circus
It's been ages since I have been to a circus of any sort. Coming to Guangzhou presented me with an opportunity to investigate the myths of what a Chinese circus might hold in store.
Read MoreThe GUANGZHOUNAUT at the Fish, Bird and Plant Market
One of the ways you can simultaneously get an understanding of the scale of markets in Guangzhou as well as gain an insight into what motivates Cantonese people is to visit the sprawling Huadiwan Fish, Bird and Plant Market in Fangcun District.
Read MoreEveryone's a Photographer
Predictably, on the “taster” evening that follows, I am confronted with a group of restless teenagers, ranging from the very serious, the out-rightly arty, to the "I don't -even- know- why- I -am -here- tonight, I -couldn't -decide -on- anything -else"- types. When I ask the question: "how many of you have brought a camera?" two hands go up among the assembled group of sixteen. A challenging start. "Ok", I say, "who's got a smart phone or tablet with them? "- to which ten more hands go up. Time to think on my feet!
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