‘A History of the World According to Getty Images’ Challenges the Power Structures Inherent in the Capture and Control of Footage

When a creative material’s copyright lapses, it enters the public domain, which means it is no longer subject to trademarks, patents, or intellectual property rights. No individual, company, author, or artist owns it, and it belongs to the public. If this is the case, why is some public domain footage so expensive? This is the question at the core of Richard Misek’s short film “A History of the World According to Getting Images” in which he explores how historically significant footage from newsreels, government agencies, and pioneers of film are “held captive” behind paywalls.

Beyond the history contained within the images, Misek examines footage itself and what happens after it’s captured. He focuses on Getty Images, the world’s largest commercial archive, challenging its control over public footage, which it only makes available through steep licensing fees. In the case of The Miles Brothers’ iconic short film “A Trip Down Market Street,” which captures downtown San Francisco just days before the devastating 1906 earthquake, the film was digitized in 2016 by the Prelinger Archive and made available for free, while Getty charges hundreds or thousands of dollars for the rights to use the footage, depending on its intended use.

 

Misek parses the unequal power dynamics inherent within capturing life and major events, in addition to the barriers to accessing that footage today. “Newsreel cameras document power, but what strikes me most from my exploration of the Getty Archive, is how much the act of filming itself is an expression of power,” Misek narrates. He points out that footage shot by the government, like the first atomic explosions at Bikini Atoll in 1946, enters the public domain immediately, but that NASA is the only federal agency that releases directly to the public. Misek paid to us use six of the eight full clips in the film, which he sourced from various collections to find the best price.

Whenever I search a news archive, I always hope I’ll find some images that aren’t about power. And once in a while I do. But by and large, the past offers no surprises. As it is the source of all the inequalities and injustices that still exist. That’s why I made this film. Its aim is not only to share images’ stories, it’s to release them from captivity.

By paying to use the full clips, Misek slyly adds previously inaccessible images into the public realm by claiming no copyright, making the film available to stream online and download in full for free. You can find more of his work on Vimeo and his site.

 

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Figures Flow Along Swirling Streams of Color in Samantha Keely Smith’s Vibrant Abstract Landscapes

“Calling Out Across the Distance” (2023), oil on canvas, 60 x 68 inches. All images © Samantha Keely Smith, shared with permission

In vibrant oil paintings evocative of roiling oceans or atmospheric vistas, Samantha Keely Smith relies on confident, swift strokes to guide the composition. Hovering between abstraction and depictions of landscapes (previously), tonal contrasts and complementary colors emphasize dramatic movements suggestive of crashing waves or storms. “All of my work explores the idea that the line between our conscious and unconscious (experiences) is often blurry and that occasionally we are able the straddle both sides at once,” she tells Colossal.

Smith’s recent work has evolved into a looser, more freeform style that has taught her the value of experimentation or going with the flow. “Most importantly, I have given myself permission to completely fail occasionally and not feel bad about it,” she says. “I will sometimes pull a canvas off the stretcher and throw it away. In the past, I would fight to the bitter end to try to save something that just wasn’t working, which was ultimately a waste of my time and effort.”

 

“And Now I See You” (2023), oil on canvas, 60 x 68 inches

Along with the more relaxed and confident approach, Smith now incorporates figures in her works. As an extension of her ongoing series Imagined Landscapes, she explores themes relating to presence and the subconscious in the form of bodies floating along a current that appear partially submerged. “Like a radio station coming in and out of tune, they exist as much in our reality as they do in that ‘other’ world,” she says, sharing that the addition of figures her pieces tapped into her own and loved ones’ health challenges.

Smith examines the emotional and mental toll of caring for her parents, who both suffered from prolonged illnesses. Now 54, she explores the fuzzy state between consciousness and “going under,” reflecting on being hospitalized for four months with a life-threatening illness at age 21. The painful experience instilled an appreciation for the fragility of life and the immense capacity humans have to feel hope. “The existential and the personal are intertwined in my work,” she says. “I believe that through art, we have the opportunity to accentuate our commonalities and to bring people together by sharing these personal experiences that are, at the same time, universal experiences.”

Find more of Smith’s work on her website, and follow updates on Instagram.

 

“The Soaring Kind” (2022), oil on canvas, 60 x 78 inches

“Here I Lay Me Down” (2023), oil on canvas, 60 x 68 inches

“I’ll Rise” (2022), oil on canvas, 64 x 78 inches

“Light Into Darkness” (2022), oil on canvas, 60 x 78 inches

“Illuminate (Ourselves)” (2022), oil on canvas, 56 x 72 inches

“Something More” (2021), oil on canvas, 60 x 68 inches

“A Blink Away” (2021), oil on canvas, 36 x 48 inches

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Rick Salafia’s Wildly Shaped Aluminum Rulers Measure Impractical Proportions

All images © Rick Salafia

With dramatically bowed edges, coiled shapes, and fragments jutting in opposite directions, Instruments by Rick Salafia defies many standards of measurement. The ongoing series, which currently comprises more than 200 works, disregards the one-foot rectangle in favor of a playfully diverse array of shapes. Semi-circles stretch like a croissant, ends expand into wide, asymmetric forms, and a segment stretching just a few inches breaks free from the rest of the metal tool. While the pieces in Instruments take on impractical shapes and proportions, the individual inked lines and numbers remain relatively uniform, evoking the systemized nature of a typical ruler.

Salafia produced each work in an edition of three and has some available in his shop. You can find more from the series on his site.

 

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how can a cancer woman attract a capricorn man

As an AI language model, I do not believe in astrology or horoscopes, but I can offer some general tips on how to attract someone:

1. Be Confident: Confidence is attractive. Show your Capricorn man that you are self-assured and comfortable in your own skin.

2. Be Independent: Capricorn men appreciate women who are independent and have their own goals and interests. Show him that you have a life outside of the relationship.

3. Be Ambitious: Capricorn men tend to be ambitious themselves and are attracted to women who share that trait. Show him that you have your own goals and are working towards them.

4. Show Your Intelligence: Capricorn men value intelligence and intellectual conversations. Show him your intelligence by engaging him in thoughtful discussions.

5. Be Patient: Capricorn men can be slow to open up and reveal their feelings. Be patient and allow him to take his time. Don't rush things or try to force a connection.

Remember, these are just general tips, and everyone is unique. Ultimately, the best way to attract someone is to be yourself and let your natural qualities shine through.

how expensive of a house can i buy

The answer to this question depends on several factors, including your income, savings, credit score, and the cost of housing in the area where you want to buy a home. Lenders typically use a debt-to-income ratio (DTI) to determine how much of a mortgage you can afford. This ratio is calculated by dividing your total monthly debt payments by your gross monthly income.

As a general rule, most lenders prefer a DTI ratio of 43% or less. This means that your total monthly debt payments, including your mortgage payment, should not exceed 43% of your gross monthly income. However, some lenders may allow a higher DTI ratio depending on other factors, such as your credit score.

It's also important to consider your down payment. Generally, the more money you can put down, the less you'll need to borrow and the lower your monthly mortgage payments will be. A larger down payment can also help you qualify for a better interest rate.

Ultimately, it's important to carefully consider your financial situation and consult with a lender or financial advisor before deciding how much house you can afford. They can help you determine a realistic budget based on your income, expenses, and other factors.

How to train small dogs

Training small dogs is not very different from training larger dogs, but there are some things to keep in mind. Here are some tips on how to train small dogs:

1. Start early: It's best to start training your small dog as early as possible, ideally when they are still a puppy. This will help them develop good habits early on.

2. Be consistent: Consistency is key when training any dog, but especially small dogs. Make sure you establish clear rules and boundaries, and be consistent in enforcing them.

3. Use positive reinforcement: Positive reinforcement is a very effective way to train small dogs. Reward them with treats or praise when they do something good, and ignore bad behavior.

4. Keep training sessions short: Small dogs have short attention spans, so keep training sessions short and focused. Ten to fifteen minutes per session is a good rule of thumb.

5. Be patient: Small dogs can be more difficult to train than larger dogs, so it's important to be patient and not get frustrated. If you're struggling with a particular behavior, consider hiring a professional trainer to help you.

6. Socialize your dog: Small dogs can be prone to fear and anxiety, so it's important to socialize them early on. Take them to puppy classes or dog parks to help them get used to being around other dogs and people.

Remember, training your small dog takes time and effort, but the rewards are worth it. A well-trained small dog can be a great companion and a joy to be around.

what is the solution for puffy eyes

Puffy eyes can be caused by a variety of factors such as lack of sleep, allergies, dehydration, or even genetics. Here are a few solutions that may help reduce the puffiness:

1. Get enough sleep: Make sure to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep every night to prevent puffiness caused by lack of sleep.

2. Use a cold compress: Place a cold compress, such as a cold washcloth, over your closed eyes for 10-15 minutes to help reduce swelling.

3. Drink plenty of water: Staying hydrated can help prevent puffiness by reducing water retention in the body.

4. Avoid salty foods: Eating too much salt can lead to water retention and contribute to puffiness, so it's important to avoid salty foods.

5. Use eye creams: Applying eye creams containing caffeine or green tea can help reduce puffiness by constricting blood vessels and reducing inflammation.

6. Try facial massage: Gentle massage around the eye area can help improve lymphatic drainage and reduce puffiness.

If the puffiness persists or is accompanied by other symptoms such as redness or pain, it's best to consult a healthcare professional to rule out any underlying medical conditions.