UNCOVERED...

I am reviewing Uncovered by Thomas Allen. It is a book of photography that I came across on the Internet. It is very interesting work. His work is very unconventional. He takes figures from the covers of old pulp paperbacks, cuts them out and then creates a scene around them. The figures take on a three-dimensional look when placed into the wonderful moments created by Allen. 

The photos have a vintage feel, like something out of the 1950s or 60s. The images are kitschy, and some remind me of old pin-up girls and comic book pictures.Allen combines the figures with interesting everyday objects. His lighting in each scene is impeccable, making the flat figures appear to be coming to life. His use of shadows only increases the believability that these figures are not flat. 

Most of his photographs utilize shallow depth of field which works to his advantage. The scenes he creates are not to be taken too seriously. They are light-hearted and witty. 

Allen is inspired by a long affair with pop-up books and a fascination with the View-Master Stereoscopic toy from his youth. The scenes he creates are generally muted colors with the figures being the main pop of bright color. This definitely draws your eye immediately to the focal point of each piece. 

Overall, I very much enjoyed looking at Thomas Allen's work. I find it refreshing and innovative. Its always fun to create something new out of something old.