Iconic Photographs Recreated in Miniature
Exploring the Art of Photography Re-creations
At first glance, it might appear like an elaborate movie set; however, it is, in fact, a miniature model of photographer Sam Shere’s well-known 1937 image of the Hindenburg disaster. The eerily realistic work is part of a collection of famous pictures recreated by Swiss artists Jojakim Cortis and Adrian Sonderegger.
The Effort Behind Each Re-creation
Over the last three years, the artists have painstakingly recreated some of history’s most memorable scenes, spending anywhere from two days to two weeks on each model. One particularly challenging project was Stuart Franklin’s photograph of the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests. “Building the first tank was fun, the second one was okay, and then after that, it was just hard work,” said Cortis.
Questions of Authenticity in Photography
The artworks raise profound questions about authenticity: are the original photographs any more real than the photographs of miniature models? According to Cortis, “there are many miniatures that we did which were of faked or staged events.” For instance, “Loch Ness is obviously faked,” he stated, referencing longstanding rumors about its famous monster.
Bringing the Past to Life
Each recreated model transports the viewer back to crucial historical moments. For instance, a model of Francis Brown’s 1912 “The Last Photo of the Titanic Afloat,” suggests the tragic event’s bygone grandeur.
Moreover, various materials have been ingeniously employed, such as Playdough and women’s stockings, to recreate scenes from historical events like the 1972 Munich Olympics kidnapping. The creativity and technical skill of the artists are commendable and highlight the intersection of art and history.
Conclusion
These remarkable recreations not only pay homage to historical photography but also prompt viewers to ponder deeper questions about truth and representation in visual media. In a world saturated with images, the work of these artists encourages new dialogues about what we choose to believe and the stories behind iconic photographs.
