Sarah Baker
Page 1 | 2 | Biography
|
|
A Portrait of Bill May, 2004, video still, 7:12
|
|
Sarah Baker grew up in Buffalo, New York where she competed in synchronized swimming and was a U.S. National medalist. Baker received her BFA degree at the San Francisco Art Institute in 2000 and her MA degree at Goldsmiths College, London, in 2002. She is now based in the UK and has been exhibiting her work extensively in the UK and abroad.
Most widely known for her gregarious self-portrait magazine spreads, Baker has also made work about her roots as a synchronized swimmer. Baker’s solo show at 1,000,000 mph in London, "A Portrait of Bill May," focused on one of her former synchronized swimming competitors, Bill May, who continued competing in the female-only sport until he achieved best in the world. In Baker's portrayal, May's graceful movements performed in the water are juxtaposed with Rap and R&B music.
|
|
|
A Portrait of Bill May, C-Print, A0
|
"In my practice I create video portraits of real-life personalities who are excellent in their field despite the onslaught of harsh cultural and political injustices that aim to prevent these heroes from succeeding. I feature role models that are “the best” in their specialized field notwithstanding their disposition- in particular, a male Synchronized Swimmer..."
|
|
Mashicuna, 2007, video still, 4:45
|
|
I Have Nothing, 2007, video still 5:00
|
|
Young Prince, 2007, production still (2:40)
|
|
|
Using the combined visual languages of slick pop MTV videos, and familiar reality television/ news reporting imagery to investigate the fickle artifice of fame, the work aims to uncover the reality behind the façade of famous personas and dissect historical filmic portrayals. In contrast to this reality, I am interested in reinventing real history to create a fantasy utopia, which transcends the strife of nature vs. civilization and where every character is not only judged equally but also placed in gregariously opulent costume and setting that draw from scenes of 1950s choreographed musical numbers."
In Sarah Baker's video, I Have Nothing, Baker unapologetically sings the famous Whitney Houston ballad. Shot like a genuine pop video Baker uses typical tools such as back lighting, wind machine, and black and white slow motion playbacks. The authenticity of MTV style devises is undermined by Baker's outright atrocious singing voice. Horrendous yet powerful, Baker's emotional performance is reminiscent of the tragedy of Whitney Houston’s collapse into drugs and misfortune, as is inherent to the heartbreaking song lyrics.
Baker is interested in evoking physical reactions in the viewer. Weather it be laughter, goose pimples, or tears, which exactly what happens to Baker as she watches TV shows such as X factor or American Idol.
|
|
Baker says, “The 17th century musician, Monteverdi, announced the mission, “movere gli affeti,” or, “depicting the passions” when he revolutionized Baroque music and wrote one of the first operas. I am interested in making the viewer feel the underlying passion in my work, whatever it may be. …when I watch (talent shows) I often cry because I feel the emotion of the performer channeled to me through the tv; not only by listening but by watching too.”
|
Princess Vauxhall, 2007, C-Print
|
Baker’s works engage directly with the role models and promises made to little girls as they grow up in western societies. In many cases she makes a deeply honest statement about the tension between wanting to embrace them directly and firmly taking a critical distance. At an early age, Sarah Baker was drawn to the persona of Jackie Collins and the women created by the airport novel tycoon. Others include – Alexis in 'Dynasty' played by Joan- Later Baker would work these interests into her work, directly engaging with representations of women arising from this theatrical world of glamour and power; exploring her own aspirations to it.(pg 2...)
|
|
|
|
|
