Week 9 - Episode 53 - Weekend Windows

All week we’ve been looking at different aspect of windows, and their use in art and commerce. 

Now this weekend, my suggestion for you is to focus on one particular aspect of our windows theme, and create or collect a series. 

Why? 

Because it can be incredibly instructive to look at multiple takes on the same subject - as well as a lot of fun. And it is even more rewarding to create your own, so if you have time, grab your camera and go window-hunting. 

Here are some suggestions for window-related themes to focus on over the weekend. 

If you would like to dive deeper into the use of windows in art, consider creating a curated collection of art featuring windows by specific artists, or in specific periods. 

William Eggleston, En Route to New Orleans, 1971–1974, from the series Los Alamos, 1965–1974 © Eggleston Artistic Trust 2004 / Courtesy David Zwirner, New York/London

Think Dutch 17th century painting, Edward Hopper, William Eggleston… There are so many artists who keep returning to the window as subject and metaphor. 

If you’re visiting a museum you can of course turn this around and instead of focusing on different artists focus on how windows are depicted and used in artworks in different media, periods and styles. 

And if you’d rather create than curate, here are some suggestions for making your own series on windows.

1. Create a series of windows in your area, a Becher-inspired typology for example. 

2. Look for and photograph people at the window. Looking out, or preoccupied in thoughts or activity. 

Robert Frank, Parade, Hoboken New Jersey, 1955-56, Metropolitan Museum

3. Take ‘windowsill’ displays as your topic. Interestingly, people tend to mimic what their neighbours put in their windows, which can make for very interesting and amusing pictures. 

4. If you prefer for the bigger picture take your inspiration from contemporary photographers like Andreas Gursky and Michael Wolf and use windows as mere patterns in a dehumanised urban landscape. 

Eugene Atget, Une vitrine Avenue des Gobelins à Paris, 1925, Metropolitan Museum

And of course you can always take one of the topics we looked at earlier this week at the starting point for your series, e.g. window displays, or the always fascinating reflections. 

Enjoy creating or curating your own wonderful window collection and do share it using the hashtag #kramerseye on Twitter or Instagram. 

Listen to today’s podcast

Week 9 - Episode 52 - Reflecting the World

Windows are magical objects..

They can provide you with a view. Lure you inside - or invite you to come out.

They can be beautifully crafted in shapes and colours that make you believe - in the Divine, in Handbags, in the healing power of light.

And the can reflect it all back at you.

They can become an architect’s canvas projecting cloudscapes.

Help you see a fresh perspective.

Ladder, Amsterdam, © Else Kramer

Or even - and this is what I find the most magical - show both what’s inside and reflect what’s happening outside, creating a beautifully layered image.

Student housing, Sarphatistraat, Amsterdam, © Else Kramer

Today, look for windows reflecting the world.

Find them, capture them and share your reflections on Twitter or Instagram, using the hashtag #kramerseye.

Listen to today’s podcast.

Week 9 - Episode 51 - Windows as Objects

Windows are ancient.

The Romans were the first to have glass windows, so it depends on your definition how old they really are.

Do lattice-covered openings count as windows? Or a hole in the wall which you can close with shutters?

I’m not going to be the judge of that - because today we’re not going to focus on views. We’ll look at the beauty - and immense variety - of windows instead.

Small window slit, de Pijp, Amsterdam, Else Kramer

Some are huge. Some are tiny.

Some are round. Some are square.

Some are modern. Some are ancient.

Some are fancy. Some are plain.

Whatever age, shape, size they are: they all tell stories about the buildings or other objects they ‘live’ in.

Do they allow people in, or shut them out?

Are they light and airy? Or dark and cool?

Broken Blue Window, Amsterdam, Else Kramer

Cared for? Or neglected?

Are they serious? Or playful?

Train Windows, Dutch Railway Museum, Utrecht, Else Kramer

Going somewhere? Or stuck forever?

Today, spot those stories and capture as many different types of windows as you can. And share them, using the hashtag #kramerseye on Instagram or Twitter.

Enjoy your window-spotting today and if you’d like to listen to today’s podcast you’ll find it here.

Week 9 - Episode 50 - Windows that Invite Us In

Do you recall waiting for the special Christmas Displays in Department Stores as a child?

I certainly do. Every year it was very exciting to see what they had come up with to get consumers into the Christmas spirit and invite them in to spend.

Mortimer’s, 1916

Display windows are relatively new: the availability of plate glass from the late 1800s allowed shop owners to build large windows spanning the full lengths of their shops - and so window-shopping was born.

Shops weren’t the only establishments starting to invite people in by showing what was available on the inside. In Edward Hopper’s famous (and fabulous) Nighthawks above you can see how effective those huge windows are in making us want to go inside, towards the light and warmth.

These are windows that divide the have- and have-nots. A Chanel or Hermes window display is a filter just as much as an invitation.

But the beauty and creativity we can see in store and restaurant windows is undeniable.

Today, look for and capture those windows that invite you in.

To buy, to eat, to drink, to relax. And do share your finds on Twitter or Instagram using the hashtag #kramerseye.

Listen to today’s podcast.