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MY JOURNAL; USEFUL INFORMATION FOR THE PHOTOGRAPHER

Ivars Gravlejs, Latvian conceptual artist and photographer living in Prague, presents two pieces.

Moje noviny (My Journal) is a reflection upon the artist’s year-long involvement in Pražský deník (The Prague Daily). Ivars Gravlejs worked for newspapers as a photojournalist and recorded a variety of situation and events across Prague. The photographs that he took, many of quite dull situations, were edited on a computer by the artist before being sent to his editors. Sometimes these were simply unnoticeable changes, however in some situations the artist ventured further and attempted more visible manipulations; without knowledge of the original photograph, however, the change can often not be positively noticed. The interference with the photographs had to be inconspicuous enough not to be noticed by the photo editor.

In the guide to correct photography, titled Useful information for the photographer, he discusses perhaps all the existing faults which a beginner author can commit, which more experienced photographers typically attempt to avert. The formal and technical deficiencies do not lack humour and exaggeration.

Ivars Gravlejs’ works primarily examine the medium of photography; in My Journal he questions the authority of the media world, the verity, originality and objectivity of the message. In the brochure about photography he points out the generally established misapprehension that it is sufficient to purchase an expensive camera and the result is guaranteed.

– Jolana Havelková