Alicja M Kurek Feedback 15/08/2011

Feedback from Alicja M Kurek: via email on 15/08/2011

Q. What do you think about the final GIFs?

A. I feel somewhat uncomfortable having to critique this project as I’m not an expert on photography. I do like the final GIFs on the whole, I may have done a few things differently but then this is your project, not mine. With my dress being involved I am bound to be more critical than anyone else as my vision is being translated through someone else’s eyes. I do feel that you fulfilled the brief exactly and I think the finished product is impressive and well thought through.

Q. Was your vision different to the result?

A. I like the black and white but I would have liked to see some colour images too, to show the colour of the material, the depth of soft silk contrasting against raw rocks.

I have to say I’m not keen on the model but again this was not my project, her facial expression seems pained and uncomfortable and detracts from the image. Also it would have been interesting to see the model in other positions i.e. sitting or lying. I understand that by having the models hair down you create more movement but personally I would prefer a sleek, contemporary hairstyle.

Q. Was it beneficial for you to collaborate with us and why? Would you consider collaboration again with other people?

A. I enjoyed the collaboration and would certainly do it again. It is always beneficial to work with other people – It’s great to able to see other people’s working practices, what inspires them. I was excited to see what you came up with.

I also believe that by working in collaboration it challenges one’s “comfort zone”, testing boundaries and allows quicker yet deeper development.

Q. Do you feel we took on board any of your ideas or suggestions?

A. Yes, we did discuss the location and I think what you found was just right.

Q. Do you think the GIFs have any benefits over a still image?

A. Don’t know, again I’m not an expert. I don’t prefer it to a still image but it is an interesting way to display a series of pictures.

Q. Our tutor thought that the dress was very sexual, the shapes on the front of the dress could be seen as symbolic of female genetalia. Was this intentional, or part of your original idea?

A. Yes, it definitely was! The dress is sportswear inspired (exposed zips, hood, and racer back) and I was very much intrigued by the conflict between historically masculine sport clothing and femininity.