Although it took until March this year for me to finally understand what my project was about and where it lives contextually in the world of photography, given it had moved subtly as it evolved. I find I am now able to evolve the images further and refine them in ways I just couldnt achieve prior.
I now have no fear of making beautiful images in response to what are in reality quite ugly human attributes, learning of the Pittura Metafisica where the artists response to the carnage of WW1 amongst other tumultuous events and first adopted by Chirico and Carra in 1917, actually while convalescing at a military hospital having both succumbed to nervous breakdowns. The main characteristics include the use of images designed to convey a sense of mystery, enigmatic, and dreamlike. Typically marked by unreal lighting, impossible linear perspective however most compositions maintain actual structure and convey a sense of timelessness and stillness.
Derived from Renaissance art traditions of the early 16th century. The style also borrowed heavily from the European Symbolism movement. In turn, it had a significant impact on Surrealism, in particular on the classical work of Salvador Dali (1904-89)
So whilst previously I felt sunshine may not have had any place now it feels appropriate although the deep shadows I do enjoy, adding a little mystery in the true sense and faithful to pittura metafisica. I also feel free now to explore my alternate chronology strand into the main body of the work in a way that no longer feels at odds or possibly gimmicky.
References:
All images Brent Guest M, 2020, The Inbetween Places
http://www.visual-arts-cork.com/history-of-art/metaphysical-painting.htm
http://www.visual-arts-cork.com/famous-artists/salvador-dali.htm
http://www.visual-arts-cork.com/history-of-art/surrealism.htm