Amaranthine Serpetine

The photography of Mark Laita focuses on the variation of colour, pattern and shape of numerous animals by providing us with such a range of species for comparison. Bright, intricate and definitely beautiful shots of birds, snakes and sea creatures all with black backgrounds to provide contrast is what attracts me to Laita's work, though quite seemingly a simplistic idea I believe focusing on the creatures really brings out their identity. In 'Amaranthine' we are presented with a life after death where the vibrance of the bird species flourishes in their still state, no less than when they were alive which in a sense provides an idea of immortality prompting thename of the collection. The beauty of each branch from the tree of life can really be appreciated in photos such as these and in 'Sea' we see the diverse array of creatures dancing underneath their reflection in their waterworld. 'Serpentine' however is an illustration of the slender, fluid movement of the snake as well as the range of colour and pattern each species is born with. Definitely an inspiration to mythology as well as visually very applicable for a typeface. My interpretation of 'Created Equal' is obviously that we are indeed one species with each individual born the same and it is indeed down to the circumstances which we grow up around and our experiences that determine the differences. Though I also feel that try as we may to differentiate ourselves from one another, to a degree we are all the same with only our thought processes and life choices really making a little difference in the overall view. However on another note when presented together you see that the great, the ordinary and the despicable have little contrast if you look past their own created image and see them as human.

Aya Huma

"Enormous dancers were stomping around in a circle. They were gigantic, and had heads with two faces. They were dancing rythmically in a circle with great energy. Their heads had 12 points of hair firmly pointing upward. Their eyes were brilliant and their ears were huge. Their dancing was like a whirlwind, although their feet appeared to be backward and never touched the ground. After dancing energetically in a circle, they suddenly disappeared into the corn.

 

The legend states that the man was in awe and created a costume in honor of the dancers that had come up out out of the bowels of mother earth to celebrate the harvest. At the time of the next festival he dressed in the new costume that he had designed to honor the unusual visitors. That same day the man disappeared, never to be seen again. Some say he was take by the Aya Huma who granted him immortality.

 

Today people say that Aya Huma is a mountain spirit that comes down to the people to join in with their dancing at the time of the harvest celebration. When the dancers move in a circle, stomping their feet, they are asking mother earth to join the celebration." - Source

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Northern Carvings

For some reason or another I'm Facebook friends with Inuit throat singer Tanya 'Tagaq' Gillis and due to that I occasionally see some interesting Inuit art. I also remember a project from Uni which focused on worldwide, other than western, views on depicting imagery and upon choosing Inuit styles to study I find the overall perception of this art familiar, though the only name that sticks in mind is Jessie Oonark. Though the materials used could be considered controversial with skulls, claws, antlers and tusk making up the majority. I love the raw beauty found in these sculptures, evenmore so when they become wearable such as in the work of Ruben Anton Komangapik who includes jewellery in his range of sculpture based work. Another favourite is Davidee Itulu, the antler etchings are amazing! Here they are below:

Nick Sikkuark, Mark Tunglik, Emily Pangnerk Illuitok

John Terriak

Ruben Anton Komangapik

Davidialuk Alasua Amittu

Ruth Qaulluaryuk

Maynard Switzer

Amongst the large portfolio of photographer Maynard Switzer, I found imagery that documents the vibrant and diverse looks of worldwide cultures. From China to Morocco, Bolivia to India and everywhere in between, colour is vital for the independent expression of ceremonial, national and day to day attire.