1st image: Days 1-3, Democratic National Convention. (source: 129 images) 2nd image: Days 1-3, Republican National Convention. (source: 146 images) 3rd image: Day 4, DNC, Obama's acceptance speech. (source: 92 images) 4th image: Day 4, RNC, McCain's acceptance speech. (source: 70 images)
These images are composite-photo studies of the podiums used during the Democratic and Republican national conventions. They were created by aligning and then averaging found-photos of the objects in question. Given the acute awareness of image exercised by both major parties, I thought their respective podiums might be interesting points to examine.
Podiums. Props for propping-up prospective presidents or perhaps puppets...
Uhg... sorry about that last line, I really need to get some sleep.
This isn't exactly a new piece, but given the date (and the recent use of 9/11 as a political device at the RNC), I felt it was appropriate to re-post it.
If I may be allowed to quote myself from sometime last year:
I completed this piece in late September, 2006. At the time, I had been thinking about the use of fear as a tool, and how the Bush administration had developed a habit of invoking 9/11 whenever they needed support. The more I contemplated this tactic, the more it felt like a B-movie horror flick, where the monster suddenly reappears every time the audience thinks it's safe.
It is my sincere hope that no one is offended by the piece. The intent, of course, is to point out an under-handed (but all too common), political practice: the use tragic events to terrify the public into compliance. It's a bit of a re-hash at this late date, but hopefully also a useful reminder that we should question anyone who uses fear as a reasoning device.
John McCain's former campaign chief Mike Murphy and former Reagan speechwriter Peggy Noonan were caught today, on tape, sharing their thoughts on Sarah Palin after an NBC interview. Doh, open mic!
TRANSCRIPT:
Mike Murphy (former McCain advisor): You know, because I come out of the blue swing state governor work. Engler, Whitman, Thompson, Mitt Romney, Jeb Bush. And these guys, this is all like how you want to (inaudible) this race. You know, just run it up. And it's not gonna work.
"Voice or no voice, the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. That is easy. All you have to do is to tell them they are being attacked, and denounce the pacifists for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger. It works the same in any country."
- Hermann Göring
Now, before anyone throws a hissy-fit, I'm not saying that the GOP are NAZIs... but they do seem to be reading from the same play-book. All of those "Country First" signs and banners creep the fuck out of me.
All Democratic and Republican U.S. presidential nominees from 1900 to 2008. Predictably, Democrats are on the left, Republicans on the right. Each composite consists of 28 source images. Individual candidates who were nominated multiple times are weighted respectively here.
LarryHoldaway.com Mailing List - Newsletter for August 2008 Long time, no update... ah, the life of a wage-slave. Too much work, not enough time... same ol' song and dance. I'm trying frantically to catch up on un-answered email, so don't fret if you're waiting for a reply from me. It *is* forthcoming!
Anyway, on with the show:
New Artwork/updates
New foto work (self-portraits) I have recently rediscovered my interest in self-portraits. Maybe it's self-inspection, perhaps just narcissism. In any case, new photos have been added here: http://larryholdaway.com/photography/self/
Website revamped My 'official' website ( http://larryholdaway.com/ ) has been revamped. I'm not entirely happy with it yet, but it is definitely an improvement. You can now leave comments, and I've added an RSS feed ( http://larryholdaway.com/rss.xml ) for updates on new artwork and shows. Stop by, kick the tires and take a look around. Let me know if you see any problems/bugs.
YouTube video by Wake LeRoux Wake LeRoux put together a cool video about my artwork at Club HELL. You can check it out on YouTube here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fu3w3SafjFs
Upcoming Events
Club HELL, August 27th We're back at Club HELL. After taking a month off, Angie and I are returning to Club HELL!
Join us for a night of dancing, drinking and a group art show featuring work by Larry Holdaway, Angelina Cardone and many others.
If you like dark art, loud music, bare skin, tight vinyl or black leather... or any combination of thereof... then this is the place for you!
August 27th 2008 | 9pm-2am | 21+ | $10 cover
FREE entry before 11pm, if you mention my name (Larry Holdaway) at the door! FREE vodka shots before 10pm! (while supplies last)
@ the Ivar/facade 6356 Hollywood Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90028
Miscellanea
Model Call Artist and painter (and my wife!), Angelina Cardone, recently began series of highly-stylized paintings featuring members of the goth/industrial/body-mod subculture(s).
Basically, she's looking for women with tattoos, piercings, body-mods, or unique looks; who are willing to pose nude for photo-studies that will be used as the basis for her new paintings. (Women only, for now... sorry boys, there are already too many men willing to stand naked in front of a woman holding a camera!)
Reposted from the good Doctor Steel: ______________________________________
A CALL TO ARMS
I am normally very supportive of others utilizing their creativity to follow their passions in life. I have been delighted to see many thousands of budding artists and creative minds utilize my image as a springboard for imaginative endeavors.
However, a situation has now arisen that appears to surpasses mere creative inspiration.
Dr. Horrible's Sing Along Blog is a musical "comedy" about a thirty-something, singing mad scientist who's goal it is to take over the world. Complete with vintage propaganda, an "Ask Dr. Horrible" segment and of course...goggles.
With a mainstream powerhouse recycling such personal themes, I must confess that I see potential trouble in the future.
Many members of the Army of Toy Soldiers have been organizing missions to inform the masses. Such support is truly appreciated and I wish to convey my appreciation to all of you who have shown such support for many, many years in what I work so very hard to achieve.
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