Opening 'Still Life' Visual Research

Guido Mocafico from the series 'De Fruits' (2008).

Guido Mocafico from the series 'De Table' (2004).

Guido Mocafico from the series 'De Table' (2004).

Guido Mocafico from the series 'De Table' (2004).

The meticulously constructed still life images by Guido Mocafico conform both compositionally, technically (lighting) and aesthetically to 17th century dutch still life paintings. The aesthetic of the photographs could also quite easily be associated with the pictorialism movement of the late 20th century. Mocafico's revisiting of past artworks from another medium, is an interesting method of inspiration, but also conjures up ideas of time-less-ness and creates a nostalgic ambiance to his works. The explicit narrative, denoted from the still life, also suggests everyday life scenes from those times. In my work I would like to recreate a similar pictorial/nostalgic aesthetic and soft lighting, which scrupulously illuminates the subject matter. Although, I will initially simplify the composition so that the photograph is neither complex nor layered. Therefore the viewer will be able to deconstruct the image without anchorring text and/or explanation.