This photo is part of a large series called, Masquerading Animals. Masquerading Animals is a series of photomontages partially made from images of some of my sculptures and architectural models, as well as images of various animals.

The images of my sculptures and architectural models were placed into my computer where they were isolated from their original backgrounds, manipulated in various ways, in most cases clustered together, and reconstructed back into symmetrical montages. I then replaced the heads of the animals with the photomontages made from my sculptures and architectural models. I added images of my eyes to the symmetrical montages in the appropriate locations that symbolically refer to the eyes of the animals.

I have always been fascinated by the fact that within nearly any image (that has been doubled) one can often find a visual reference to a face, especially if eyes are added to the image. In this case, since I am the designer of the original objects that were photographed to create the photomontages, the addition of images of my eyes seems very appropriate to give symbolic life to these new formations, which are now worn as masks by the various animals.

In general, my intention here is to create images that have never been seen before, juxtaposed to the bodies of the animals. This need to invent new images is a personal requirement that I continually seek in my ongoing explorations into the making of art. In addition, I hope that these photomontages will inspire the viewers to imagine stories about the masks and the animals who are wearing them.

As always my intent is to create new and unexpected images that challenge the state of the art. I have no concerns about how I make the photo as long as the final image is what I want it to be. In my opinion, people too often confuse art with craft. In the world we live in today, editing is the most important part of making art, not how you made the art.

What do you think are the TWO most impactful features that make your image a good photograph? Don’t be shy!

The very unusual looking mask placed onto the gorilla that was placed into an unexpected landscape.

If you would be able to make this photo once again, what would be the ONE thing you would like to do better or different?

I can’t think of anything I would have done different with this photo.

Michael Jantzen shared his photograph in the FRAMES Facebook Group.

Photographer

Michael Jantzen, Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA
WEBSITE
INSTAGRAM
FACEBOOK

Equipment and Settings

Nikon 1
MacBook
Photoshop.