The Sublime (e-resources)

Idris Khan is a UK artist who uses other photographers and artists (Bernd and Hilla Becher, Karl Blossfeldt, Caravaggio and others)images to create a new image. He rephotographs archive of images of Bernd and Hilla Becher's standardized industrial structures such as gas reservoirs and water towers and by digitally multi-layering them creates a single composite piece.

Idris Khan

''Every...Bernd And Hilla Becher Spherical Type Gasholders''
2004
Photographic print
208 x 160 cm
(image from: http://www.saatchi-gallery.co.uk/artists/artpages/idris_khan_becher_gas.htm)

Kahn's work is often considered as controversial as he uses other artists work to create his singular images which raises many questions as regards originality, autorship and copyright. However Kahn's relationship to photography is very different, '' it's obviously not about re-photographing the photographs to make exact copies, but to intervene and bring a spectrum of feelings - warmth, humour, anxiety - to what might otherwise be considered cool aloof image''(http://the-artists.org/artist/Idris-Khan/), says artist and all images are copies with no originals which is a postmodern idea.

Idris Khan
“Blossfeldt…After Karl Blossfeldt ‘Art Forms in Nature’”
2005
Digital c-print, mounted on aluminium
258 x 192 cm

(image from: http://photoslaves.com/idris-khan%E2%80%99s-multi-layered-photos/)

Kahn's powerful images reminds me of childhood pavement drawings smudged by the rain. Ghostly outlines, denesly compacted details successfully creates the feeling of constant state of flux. The opacity and contrast is adjusted to ensure each layer can be seen and has a presence giving the image effect of an impressionistic charcoal drawing.
I've been familiar with Kahn's work for a number of years and I've always thought about it as something highly aesthetic but fearful at the same time. However my experience was quite disappointing when I came accross the article about Kahn's exhibitions in Victoria Miro Gallery in London(2006) as it was very evident, superficial and felt more like a short description greatlly lacking in depth.


Source:

Williams, E. (2006). Idris Khan: Victoria Miro Gallery, London and inIVA, London. Art Monthly [online], Issue 300. [http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=aft&AN=505180984&site=ehost-live] (accessed online 11/03/12)

Other resources I looked at:

Demos, T. J. (2006). Vitamin Ph: New Perspectives in Photography. London: Phaidon Press.

http://photoslaves.com/idris-khan%E2%80%99s-multi-layered-photos/ (accessed online 12/03/12)

http://the-artists.org/artist/Idris-Khan/ (accessed online 11/03/12)

http://www.saatchi-gallery.co.uk/artists/idris_khan_resources.htm (accessed online 11/03/12)