Content from 12 Months of Hope, Empire & Jedi

12/12 | The Death of Vader

nobody@flickr.com (egerbver) — Tue, 31 Dec 2013 12:14:13 -0800

egerbver posted a photo:

The twelfth and final photograph in the series is entitled “The Death of Vader” and is based upon Jacques Louis David’s Death of Marat. Jacques Louis David has always been a favourite of mine and throughout my “12 Months of Hope, Empire and Jedi” I have finished each movie sequence with one of his works. “The Death of Obi-Wan”; my homage to David’s “The Death of Socrates” was the final image in the “A New Hope” sequence of images, while “Oath of the Skywalkers”; my homage to “Oath of the Horatii”, was the final image in the “Empire Strikes Back” sequence of images. It seemed only fitting to complete the final movie sequence; “Return of the Jedi”, with “The Death of Vader”; my homage to David’s “The Death of Marat”.

I have wanted to recreate David’s “Death of Marat” for sometime now and the moment of Darth Vader’s death in Return of the Jedi seemed to fit well. I am aware that compositionally my version is not exactly the same as David’s original, but I wanted to be true to the film as it was the last image of my series. Vader finally passes in Luke’s arms while on the ramp to the Imperial shuttle. I felt that I needed to show the ramp and this obviously caused some issues compositionally as in David’s original, Marat is depicted in the bathtub moments after his murder by Charlotte Corday. I am also aware that Vader should be missing his right hand as it was cut off by Luke only moments before his death, but I felt that without it, the image looked incomplete.

Once again I would like to send out a BIG thank you to those of you who have followed my projects over the past three years. I am continually humbled by the emails, comments and world wide recognition I continue to receive. Thank you all once again.

What do I have planned for 2014 you ask... Once again I have been playing around with a few ideas, but if I’m honest, I haven’t narrowed it down as of yet. I guess you’ll just have to keep on the look out!

Enjoy!

Subscribe via RSS | Email | Tumblr | Twitter | Facebook | Google+ | Pinterest

Visit our Cast of Star Wars Characters at www.365DaysofClones.com.

11/12 | Las Ewoks

nobody@flickr.com (egerbver) — Sat, 30 Nov 2013 18:25:14 -0800

egerbver posted a photo:

The eleventh photograph in the series is entitled “Las Ewoks” and is based upon Diego Velàzquez’s Las Meninas (the Maids of Honour).

Diego Velàzquez was a Spanish painter who was the leading artist in the court of King Philip IV and arguably the most important painter of the Spanish Golden Age. His Las Meninas was his crowing jewel so to speak and is one of the most widely analyzed works in Western painting. The work’s complex and enigmatic composition raises several questions about the reality versus the illusion and seems to create an uncertain relationship between the viewer and the figures depicted. I have done my best to re-represent some of his illusions in my recreation.

As the title suggests, Velàzquez’s painting depicts the young Margaret Theresa; the future Holy Roman Empress, German Queen and her Maids of Honour. I have chosen to replace Theresa with See-Threepio as she is surrounded by her Maids of Honour; similarly, Threepio is surrounded by the Ewoks in Return of the Jedi. Threepio is seen as a God by the Ewoks. If you look carefully you can see that he is starting to "float" (with a little help from Luke of course!) In comparison, Theresa would have been seen as a God like being to the people of Spain. Teebo and Logray have replaced the two Maids of Honour (doña Isable de Velasco and doña Maria Augstina Sarmiento de Sotomayor). The two dwarfs have been replaced by Artoo Detoo and Wicket. These switches seemed to make sense as the older of the dwarfs is stoic and wearing a blueish dress, while the other is very curious and poking the dog with her foot. Similarly, Artoo is depicted standing straight and Wicket is poking Paploo; who has replaced the dog, with his spear. Leia and Han have replaced Theresa’s chaperone and bodyguard. Luke has replaced Velàzquez who has been thought to be painting a portrait of the King and Queen who are depicted in the mirror in the background (I have replaced them with Yoda and Obi-Wan as Force Ghosts). Finally, Darth Vader can be seen entering or exiting the Ewok hut, similarly, there is a mysterious figure who is either entering or leaving the room. Not much is know about him, but it is thought that he may be related to Velàzquez.

Enjoy!

Subscribe via RSS | Email | Tumblr | Twitter | Facebook | Google+ | Pinterest

Visit our Cast of Star Wars Characters at www.365DaysofClones.com.

10/12 | The Death of Yoda

nobody@flickr.com (egerbver) — Wed, 30 Oct 2013 13:58:33 -0700

egerbver posted a photo:

The tenth photograph in the series is entitled “The Death of Yoda” and is based upon Henry Wallis’ The Death of Chatterton. Wallis is a Pre-Raphaelite English painter from the 19th century.

The subject of Wallis’ painting is the 17-year-old English early Romantic poet Thomas Chatterton. In 1770, Chatterton poisoned himself with arsenic. It is this moment, just minutes after his suicide that Wallis has chosen to paint. Wallis was well known for his hidden symbology in his works and I have done my best to include a couple items as well. Some I will discuss and some I will not.

I remember watching Return of the Jedi and wondering if I would see Yoda again. I was very pleased when Luke went back to Dagobah to continue his training, but I remember feeling sick to my stomach when Yoda gave himself to the Force. When I was thinking about recreating this moment, I knew I had to find a painting that would show how I was feeling when I first watch Return of the Jedi. Wallis’ painting of the Death of Chatterton; although not very well known in comparison to the works of the “Masters”, has always shown great emotion and I knew it would be the prefect inspiration for my remake.

Chatterton has been replaced by Yoda. I have done my best to pose Yoda in a similar position. This was a very tricky task as Yoda is not as “posable” as I would like. Having said that, I am please with the end position. I am particularly happy with the fact I was able to “close” Yoda’s eyes with the assistance of my favourite photo editing software! I have added Yoda’s cane to represent his age and frailty; showing that he is close to death, similarly, Wallis has shown the arsenic which has taken Chatterton’s life. I am very much aware that in Return of the Jedi, Luke is by Yoda’s side when he passes and Artoo is outside of the Hut. I have, however, chosen to include Artoo to Yoda’s right as visual it made more sense than Luke. I wanted to emphasize the peacefulness of this moment and felt that Artoo would not be a visual distraction to the viewer as he could replace Chatterton’s chair and cloak. I have, however, included Luke’s X-Wing helmet to show both Luke’s presence as well as to show his importance to Yoda and the Jedi. The helmet has replaced Chatterton’s box of unfinished poems and writings, his last thoughts so to speak. Similarly, Luke has been trained by Yoda (and Kenobi) and is their last hope to continue the Jedi tradition; although Yoda does mention something about “...another...”

Enjoy!

Subscribe via RSS | Email | Tumblr | Twitter | Facebook | Google+ | Pinterest

Visit our Cast of Star Wars Characters at www.365DaysofClones.com.

9/12 | Princess Odalisque

nobody@flickr.com (egerbver) — Sun, 29 Sep 2013 14:05:02 -0700

egerbver posted a photo:

The ninth photograph in the series is entitled “Princess Odalisque” and is based upon Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres’ Grande Odalisque. It has been said that the anatomy of Ingres’ figure in his painting has two or three vertebrae too many. Studies have shown that the curvature of the spine and the rotation of the pelvis would be impossible to replicate in a real female. I guess it’s a good thing that I use toys and not real figures in my work!

Grande Odalisque was completed in 1814, nearly 200 years ago and represents Ingres’ shift from Neoclassicism to Romanticism. The painting depicts an odalisque or concubine lying on a bed. In my work, I have replaced Ingres’ odalisque with Princess Leia dressed in her slave outfit worn in Jabba’s Palace and on Jabba’s Sail Barge; Khetanna.

The opening scenes from Return of the Jedi set the mood and tone for the third film in the original trilogy, so I have attempted to fit as much symbolism into the photo as I could. If you look carefully you can see Jabba has replaced the curtain to the right while Threepio has replaced the cushions to the left of Leia. I have also included Boushh’s helmet as reference to Leia and Luke’s failed recuse of Solo from his carbonite tomb as well as Artoo’s drinking tray in reference to the great escape on the Jabba’s Sail Barge at the Sarlacc Pit. Leia’s chain is also included to point to Jabba’s imminent death.

Enjoy!

Subscribe via RSS | Email | Tumblr | Twitter | Facebook | Google+ | Pinterest

Visit our Cast of Star Wars Characters at www.365DaysofClones.com.

8/12 | Oath of the Skywalkers

nobody@flickr.com (egerbver) — Sat, 31 Aug 2013 17:31:43 -0700

egerbver posted a photo:

The eighth photograph in the series is entitled “Oath of the Skywalkers” and is based upon Jacques-Louis David’s Oath of the Horatii. It has been argued by many art historians that David’s Oath of the Horatii is the most well known Neoclassic painting.

Oath of the Horatii was completed in 1784 and depicts the Roman legend about two fighting cities; Rome and Alba Longa. Three brothers from Rome; the Horatii, agreed to fight three brothers from Alba Longa; the Curiatii. All three Horatii brothers seem willing to sacrifice their lives for the good of Rome and are shown holding their arms in a salute. David’s work had a huge impact when it was created as the French Revolution was looming and it depicted loyalty to the state.

In my creation, I have replaced the three Horatii brothers with Artoo, Threepio and Luke. At first this may seem odd, however, I have always seen these three characters as one; especially the connection of Artoo and Luke as well as the obvious connection between Artoo and Threepio. They seem to complement each other. Artoo and Threepio are also unwilling; at least Threepio, partners in Luke and Leia’s plan to free Han from Jabba’s Palace in Return of the Jedi. The father of the Horatii brothers has been replaced with Leia as I feel she is the figure head of the rebellion, similarly as the father is the head of the family.

Some of you may be wondering why there are three lightsabers and why they are all different colours. David chose to paint three different types of swords, one for each brother. I have chosen to show Luke’s three lightsabers. The blue lightsaber was inherited from his father; Anakin Skywalker, through Obi-Wan Kenobi. The green lightsaber was the one Luke builds for himself; something traditionally done by Jedi (or after one looses their hand while holding their lightsaber. The red lightsaber represents Luke’s dark side. Something he would struggle with in Return of the Jedi. Luke also had a very brief forced apprenticeship with Palatine when he was forced to replace his green crystal for a red one.

I felt this scene needed to be depicted as it was both an ending and a beginning so to speak. It was the ending of the Empire Strikes Back when all hope seems to be lost, but it is also the beginning of the future where the heroes planned to rescue Han.

Enjoy!

Subscribe via RSS | Email | Tumblr | Twitter | Facebook | Google+ | Pinterest

Visit our Cast of Star Wars Characters at www.365DaysofClones.com.

7/12 | Creation of Luke

nobody@flickr.com (egerbver) — Mon, 29 Jul 2013 12:18:50 -0700

egerbver posted a photo:

The seventh photograph in the series is entitled “Creation of Luke” and is based upon Michelangelo's most famous section of his fresco in the Sistine Chapel, The Creation of Adam. It is believed by many art historians that Michelangelo's work rivals only Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa in popularity and fame.

The Creation of Adam was completed in circa 1512 and depicts God's creation of Adam. In the Christian faith, Adam is believed to be the first man (Eve was believed to be the first woman). The image of the near-touching hands of God and Adam has become one of the most iconic images of humanity and has been reproduced countless times, including of course my newly created work. In my recreation, God had been replaced with Darth Vader and Adam with Luke. It is my belief that Luke's transition into a Jedi; although guided by Obi-Wan and Yoda, was strongly influenced by his various encounters with his Father and "Creator", Anakin; more commonly know by his Sith name, Darth Vader.

The scene I have used to help with my recreation is the infamous lightsaber duel on Bespin; specifically Vader and Luke's encounter in the ventilation vents of Cloud City. It is at this point in the Empire Strikes Back that Vader reveals himself to Luke with one of the most well known lines in movie history; "... I am your Father..." Although I have had to play with a few details; like the direction of the scene, I thought this particular point in the film fit perfectly with the theme of Michelangelo's work. I hope you agree.

Enjoy!

Subscribe via RSS | Email | Tumblr | Twitter | Facebook | Google+ | Pinterest

Visit our Cast of Star Wars Characters at www.365DaysofClones.com.

6/12 | The Birth of a Jedi

nobody@flickr.com (egerbver) — Thu, 27 Jun 2013 16:30:27 -0700

egerbver posted a photo:

The sixth photograph in the series is entitled “The Birth of a Jedi” and is based upon Sandro Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus, originally commissioned by the Medici family of Florence. Botticelli’s masterpiece depicts Venus emerging from the sea as a fully grown nude woman.

As the title suggests; Venus is the central figure in Botticelli’s work, she is being “born” from the sea. Similarly, Luke is being "born" from the swamp. Although Luke did receive some Jedi training from Obi-Wan, it is my belief that he did not truly become a Jedi until he met and trained with Yoda on the desolate planet of Dagobah. The figure to Venus' right has been replaced with Artoo; this seemed appropriate as she seems to be an assistant of sorts, much like Artoo is to Luke. The flying angels to Venus' left have been replaced with Yoda. Again, this seemed to fit for various reasons. Venus' vessel; the shell, has been replaced with Luke's X-Wing. The trees and shoreline have been transformed to a more appropriate "swamp like" setting; including the addition of the snake which was originally found in Luke's bag. Finally the relatively sunny setting of Botticelli's original has had the addition of some mist to help create an authentic swamp feel.

Enjoy!

Subscribe via RSS | Email | Tumblr | Twitter | Facebook | Google+ | Pinterest

Visit our Cast of Star Wars Characters at www.365DaysofClones.com.

5/12 | Leia Leading The Rebels

nobody@flickr.com (egerbver) — Fri, 31 May 2013 19:21:05 -0700

egerbver posted a photo:

The fifth photograph in the series is entitled “Leia Leading the Rebels” and is based upon Eugène Delacroix’s Liberty Leading the People, a painting that was created to commemorate the French Revolution. Delacroix has created a triangle composition bringing focus to Marianne; the woman who personifies Liberty.

Liberty leads the people of France over their fallen friends and family; similarly, Leia leads the Rebels after the Battle of Hoth. Both Liberty and Leia are atop of a mound of corpses, acting much like a pedestal from which our leading ladies stride. Liberty holds the tricolour flag of the French Revolution while Leia holds a flag that symbolizes the Rebellion. Notre Dame can be seen in the background of Delacroix’s masterpiece. Similarly, the Power Generators of Hoth can be seen in the background behind the smoke. The addition of the X-Wing was my way of adding Luke into the scene. During the Battle of Hoth, Han and Chewbacca take Leia and Threepio in the Millennium Falcon after a passageway collapses and she is unable to make her rendezvous. Luke than proceeds to Dagobah in his X-Wing. As this was the case, it made sense that Luke would not be in the photo. Based upon this logic, Artoo should have been replaced with Threepio. In an ideal World this would have been the case, however, Threepio was too tall and the composition did not look right. I replaced him with Artoo and the shot seemed to flow a little better. Threepio has not been forgotten, he has been placed behind Han and Chewbacca.

Enjoy!

Subscribe via RSS | Email | Tumblr | Twitter | Facebook | Google+ | Pinterest

Visit our Cast of Star Wars Characters at www.365DaysofClones.com.

4/12 | The Death of Obi-Wan Kenobi

nobody@flickr.com (egerbver) — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 21:04:33 -0700

egerbver posted a photo:

The fourth photograph in the series is entitled “The Death of Obi-Wan Kenobi” and is based upon Jacques-Louis David’s The Death of Socrates. David focuses on the story of Socrates death. As the history books tell it, Socrates is given the option of death or exile, he chooses death... Like most Renaissance paintings, The Death of Socrates is open to interpretation.

After looking for countless hours for a painting or photograph that depicted a one on one fight, I could not find one that I thought would have translated well to the duel between Darth Vader and Obi-Wan Kenobi. Instead, I have taken a little creative license to show this critical moment of A New Hope. Although this is not true visual recreation of the infamous lightsaber duel, it does contain all of the same meaning. Kenobi replaces Socrates in the centre of the scene at the moment before his death. He is surrounded by the usual suspects so to speak; Han, Leia, Artoo, Threepio and Chewbacca. Similarly, Socrates is surrounded by many of his followers. Luke, Kenobi’s last pupil, takes the place of Socrates’ most well known student; Plato, and sits in shock, perhaps questioning his master’s choice of death. Finally; Vader holds his lightsaber in place of the deadly hemlock, both items chosen by the soon to be dead.

Enjoy!

Subscribe via RSS | Email | Tumblr | Twitter | Facebook | Google+ | Pinterest

Visit our Cast of Star Wars Characters at www.365DaysofClones.com.

3/12 | Cantina

nobody@flickr.com (egerbver) — Sun, 31 Mar 2013 17:18:41 -0700

egerbver posted a photo:

The third photograph in the series is entitled “Cantina” and is based upon Edward Hopper’s Nighthawks. Hopper’s painting depicts a couple, a solitary man and of course a diner worker in a New York diner late at night. There has been some discussion over the years in regards to the meaning of Hopper’s painting, but to most Historians it has remained very ambiguous...

I have decided to recreate the infamous Cantina scene from a New Hope. It is at this point that our Hero; Luke, has found his droids, discovered who Obi-Wan Kenobi really is and has lost his aunt and uncle to the Empire. Kenobi, Skywalker and the droids are looking for a means of escape and as a result end up in the Mos Eisley Space Port and more specifically, the Cantina. I have chosen to only include the needed characters for the recreation of this important part of the film. Skywalker, Kenobi, Wuher (the bartender) and of course Ponda Baba. This was done for a couple reasons, but mainly because the original painting only has four characters in it. When I was a child, I remember watching this scene over and over. It was one of the turning points of the film for me. The Cantina was what really introduced me to the wonderful universe of Star Wars. All the different characters and creatures where truly unique and who could forget that Cantina Band? Mos Eisley and the Cantina were also where we first saw a Jedi; Kenobi, and the Force in action!

Enjoy!

Subscribe via RSS | Email | Tumblr | Twitter | Facebook | Google+ | Pinterest

Visit our Cast of Star Wars Characters at www.365DaysofClones.com.

2/12 | The Fourth of May

nobody@flickr.com (egerbver) — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 17:47:09 -0800

egerbver posted a photo:

The second photograph in the series is entitled “The Fourth of May” and is based upon Francisco Goya’s The Third of May. Goya’s painting commemorates the Spanish resistance to Napoleon’s armies during the Peninsular War of 1808. It was during this time; 1804-1814, that Napoleon’s official title was “Emperor of the French”. In many ways, Napoleon and the French could be compared to the Emperor and the Empire from the Star War universe; similarly, the people of Spain could just as easily be seen as the Rebels; both resisting an imposed authority.

In my recreation, I have chosen to replace the Spanish civilians; the resistance, with Owen Lars and Beru Whitesun; more commonly known as Uncle Owen and Aunt Beru. Although it was not depicted in "A New Hope", it is my belief that Uncle Owen and Aunt Beru fought bravely to protect their adopted son; Luke, as well as his newly purchased droids from the Empire. Similarly, the people of Spain resisted against the Napoleonic armies by ambushing and sabotaging them in every way imaginable. The Rebels approach against the Empire was very similar. By using guerrilla warfare strategies, they became the itch that the Empire could not scratch. In Goya’s original, the French army has been set up as a firing squad on the right side of the painting; perhaps this was symbolic of the French invading Spain from the East? In my recreation, Napoleon’s firing squad has been replaced with an Imperial firing squad of Sandtroopers.

The content of Goya’s painting has been considered groundbreaking by many art historians as it diverges from traditional Christian art as well as the traditional depiction of war. Goya’s positioning of characters, scenery choice as well as the story behind the painting has allowed it to be the influence behind the second tableau in my retelling of A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. It should also be noted that Goya’s “The Third of May” has also bee said to be the first painting of its kind and is acknowledged as one of the first paintings of the modern era.

Enjoy!

Subscribe via RSS | Email | Tumblr | Twitter | Facebook | Google+ | Pinterest

Visit our Cast of Star Wars Characters at www.365DaysofClones.com.

1/12 | The Calling of Obi-Wan Kenobi

nobody@flickr.com (egerbver) — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 18:12:21 -0800

egerbver posted a photo:

Over the past two years I have been overwhelmed with the interest in my various photographic series. When I first began my 365 Days of Clones series, my goal was to create, photographic, edit, and post a new photograph online each day. Similarly, my goal with my 52 Weeks of Star Wars series was to create a new photograph and post it online weekly. This year I have decided to create a monthly series entitled 12 Months of Hope, Empire & Jedi. Once again, the goal this year is to simplify my photographic process; quality over quantity. 12 Months of Hope, Empire & Jedi is a series of 12 images that tell the tale of original Star Wars Trilogy through the recreation of historical paintings and photographs. There will be four images for each of the original films; A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. Like my 52 Weeks of Star Wars series, 12 Months of Hope, Empire & Jedi will also be creations for my Cloned Photos mini-series.

The first photograph in the series is entitled “The Calling of Obi-Wan Kenobi” and is based upon Caravaggio’s The Calling of Saint Matthew. Caravaggio’s painting depicts Jesus and Saint Peter entering the room on the far right. I have chosen to depict Artoo entering by himself. Matthew is depicted at the table with a group of men. Although there has been much debate, it is widely accepted that the bearded man with the surprised expression on his face is Matthew. I have replaced Matthew with Obi-Wan as Matthew was being called by Jesus to follow him. Similarly, Obi-Wan was being asked to help Princess Leia with the assistance of Artoo of course. I should note that Princess Leia’s hologram is seen twice in the film; once by Luke, Threepio and Artoo and then a second time by Obi-Wan. Although Han and Chewbacca did not see Leia’s cry for help, I have decided to add them to the photograph for a couple of reasons. Both characters play very important roles in the rescue of Leia from the Death Star as well as Caravaggio had painted five men sitting at the table, not three.

Enjoy!

Subscribe via RSS | Email | Tumblr | Twitter | Facebook | Google+ | Pinterest

Visit our Cast of Star Wars Characters at www.365DaysofClones.com.