Yann Gross

Although it does not relate to the concept of my work at all, I really love the aesthetics and shooting style of Yann Gross! His series on skateboarders in Uganda, titled Kitintale, really appealed to me in terms of framing, engagement with the subjects, and also the combination of portraits, action shots, and landscapes. After looking as more of Gross’ work, I discovered his series, The Jungle Book (1),  which I also admire. Again, the use of different styles of photograph, and the inclusion of clean, studio style shots appeals to me.

I am starting to develop my own style and use of different types of imagery in my own work, and I feel that I could be heavily influenced by this way of shooting and collating a series. What I like is that there is a definite flow and connection. Each type of image has its place and fits in with the colour palette, lighting, and tone of the rest of the series. Nothing sticks out or doesn’t below, which is important with a large body of work.

I also love the way that this work was displayed for exhibition. The different sizes, the layering of images over each other, the inclusion of both framed and pinned works- it’s organised chaos and I love it! Nothing is static about this style of presentaiton.

I was also able to find a video flip through of the photobook (2), and was surprised to see that there was fun little things included like a fold out map. I feel this helped to add a sense of adventure to the book.

(1) Gross, Y 2016, The Jungle Book, photographic series, viewed 18 April 2020, <http://yanngross.com/?page_id=188>

(2) Editorial RM, 2017, El libro de la selva / Yann Gross, video, viewed 18 April 2020, <http://yanngross.com/?page_id=188>