Marlene Wynn - Weekly Post # 11

Julia Fullerton-Batten

1. Artist Technical Choices
1.  Julia showcases the hardship of the Edwardian era working class.  In her "In Service" photo series, Julia tries to show how their wealthy employers often had sexual, aggressive, or simply strange expectations of them.  She was able to find "three stately homes in the south of England that provided eminently suitable backdrops for shooting the series.  Built in the 18th century, their interior decorations closely resemble those found in grand houses in the Edwardian era." Julia dressed up her participants to emulate as closely as possible the era.
2.  Artist Conceptual / Thematic Intents
1. In the first photo, a rich gentleman dictates a letter to his scantily clad secretary.  Though the room is predominantly various shades of yellow-green, the two subjects stand out very well...him in a soft sky blue dress shirt, and her in a jade green top.  Even though the lighting in the room is soft, the scantily clad woman is seems to be highlighted a bit, maybe due to her pale complexion and her light grey up-do.  Also, the rich reds and red-browns stand out in a nice contrast to the greens in the room...especially the bright red lipstick on the secretary.
2. I think this is my favorite photo of the three.  The rich adulterous owner and the curvy scullery maid caught in the act by the disgusted wife.  She doesn't even look scandalized or hurt...just resigned.  Though the room is done in shades of red and red-brown, the scarlet of the wife is a bright and shining beacon, drawing the eye immediately to her...and the bright turquoise hat is the finishing touch.  Nothing else in that room is that color. :-)
3. This picture practically screams of power of the wealthy white man.  Not only is he physically controlling the Asian woman next to him, but he is mentally controlling the maid standing very still on the staircase.  It is clear she wants to keep his attention from her, and she is very afraid for herself and the other woman.  The Asian woman stands stiffly next to him.  Though she grabs his arm, it is more of a voluntary act than to protect herself.  The black and white checkered floor is a stark contrast to the black, white and scarlet red they wear...especially the stark white of his collar.
3. My Response to the artist's Intents
1. These are well thought out and portrayed photos.  Julia clearly knows how to place people in ways that showcase exactly what she wants the viewer to see.  She also uses color and lighting to her advantage.  I really enjoyed the entire series.