Johanna Knauer
www.johannaknauer.de
Johanna Knauer is a photographer who resides in Germany. Her reason for creating such unique images is that it provides her with an escape from reality. I find her photography to be fascinating, making use of the human figure to create a eerie, yet atmospheric piece of work. I especially like the use of shadows in her work, as there is a strong contrast between the light and dark areas on her subjects. I believe this was done on purpose in order to emphasise of the muscles of the body.
In my personal interpretation, these images could represent two things. Firstly, if I consider the theme of "disguise", once again, the subjects face is hidden, however we can clearly see the contours of their body. It is as if although we can see them clearly physically, we can't view their emotions. The posture of this first photograph isn't as clear as the others, however we can clearly see that the subject is female from the proportions of the body. The posture can also be viewed as sexual, as the models leg is clear and is raised slightly. I like how the the area where the subjects head would be is concealed in shadow, most likely edited afterwards with the use of photoshop, the same goes for the black mist at the bottom of the image.
The second theme that could be considered in these photographs is the theme of life and death. All of these images remind me of one thing: the modern concept of a grim reaper. With the misty robe/material and the inability to see the subjects face. This is also supported by the colour choice. White is often associated with life, whereas black is often associated with death - hence why it is often worn in mourning.
I like how the model has been positioned slightly off centre in the photograph, this draws attention to the empty space that surrounds the model, particularly on the right side of the photograph. I believe this was done on purpose to create a feeling of isolation in the photograph. The dark mist on the bottom of the photograph makes it look as if darkness is attempting to envelope the light, and the subject.
In my personal interpretation, these images could represent two things. Firstly, if I consider the theme of "disguise", once again, the subjects face is hidden, however we can clearly see the contours of their body. It is as if although we can see them clearly physically, we can't view their emotions. The posture of this first photograph isn't as clear as the others, however we can clearly see that the subject is female from the proportions of the body. The posture can also be viewed as sexual, as the models leg is clear and is raised slightly. I like how the the area where the subjects head would be is concealed in shadow, most likely edited afterwards with the use of photoshop, the same goes for the black mist at the bottom of the image.
The second theme that could be considered in these photographs is the theme of life and death. All of these images remind me of one thing: the modern concept of a grim reaper. With the misty robe/material and the inability to see the subjects face. This is also supported by the colour choice. White is often associated with life, whereas black is often associated with death - hence why it is often worn in mourning.
I like how the model has been positioned slightly off centre in the photograph, this draws attention to the empty space that surrounds the model, particularly on the right side of the photograph. I believe this was done on purpose to create a feeling of isolation in the photograph. The dark mist on the bottom of the photograph makes it look as if darkness is attempting to envelope the light, and the subject.
This second photograph features a female subject sat down in a cross legged position. This photograph is significantly darker than the first one featured on this page, and focuses on the models hands and leg. The material in this shot only covers the models face and legs, leaving her chest and shoulders clear. This draws the eye of the middle of the photograph, primarily on her hands as they are the darkest part of her body. Once again, the model appears to be completely in the nude - however I believe the photographer desired to show off the beauty of the human figure rather than using it in a sexual nature.
The subject is central in this photograph, leaving equal amounts of empty space around her. The photographer has possibly used Photoshop in order to create the black bottom to the photograph, fading up into the gray. Once again, a emphasis has been placed on using the lighting in order to draw attention to the bony structure of the model. This has been achieved by creating strong shadows, especially on the right side of the body.
I particularly like how the material - presumably organza - fans out below the model in this photograph, and doesn't appear to wrap as tightly around her body as in the first photograph. Out of all the photographs featured on this page, I find this one to be the darkest. However it also holds the most contrast in my opinion, as the model is primarily basked in light.
The subject is central in this photograph, leaving equal amounts of empty space around her. The photographer has possibly used Photoshop in order to create the black bottom to the photograph, fading up into the gray. Once again, a emphasis has been placed on using the lighting in order to draw attention to the bony structure of the model. This has been achieved by creating strong shadows, especially on the right side of the body.
I particularly like how the material - presumably organza - fans out below the model in this photograph, and doesn't appear to wrap as tightly around her body as in the first photograph. Out of all the photographs featured on this page, I find this one to be the darkest. However it also holds the most contrast in my opinion, as the model is primarily basked in light.
In this third photograph, we are unable to recognize the gender of the model. However, due to the muscle structure on the upper arm, for the sake of this research I will refer to the subject as a male. This photograph features the model lead on a surface which is covered in the same material that conceals the subjects face.
The lighting comes from above the model, illuminating his arms and hands, much like the other photographs. The hands aren't relaxed, and seem as if they're trying to claw at something - in relation to the theme of disguise, perhaps they are trying to claw at the disguise that covers him, trying to reveal the true emotions beneath the veil.
Once again, I believe photoshop has been used to create the black mist at the bottom of the photograph in order to make it seem as if darkness is drawing in on the restless subject. I believe the photographers intention in this photograph was to show the anguish that living behind a disguise can cause.
The lighting comes from above the model, illuminating his arms and hands, much like the other photographs. The hands aren't relaxed, and seem as if they're trying to claw at something - in relation to the theme of disguise, perhaps they are trying to claw at the disguise that covers him, trying to reveal the true emotions beneath the veil.
Once again, I believe photoshop has been used to create the black mist at the bottom of the photograph in order to make it seem as if darkness is drawing in on the restless subject. I believe the photographers intention in this photograph was to show the anguish that living behind a disguise can cause.
I find this final photograph to be the most intriguing. The model appears to be male, and is stood shrouded in the veil which covers both his face and the lower part of his body. Once again, the clearest part of the photograph is the models hands. This photograph is fairly similar to the first image on this page, with the model being off centre, and the whole subjects body being visible.
Once again, I believe a fair amount of editing has gone into this photograph to achieve the effect of him fading into smoke.
In conclusion, I find Johanna Knauer's work to be fascinating, her use of material to mask her subjects is very effective in creating a mist-like effect.
Once again, I believe a fair amount of editing has gone into this photograph to achieve the effect of him fading into smoke.
In conclusion, I find Johanna Knauer's work to be fascinating, her use of material to mask her subjects is very effective in creating a mist-like effect.