Perception
(the body // the face)
The narrative around this project is based on perception and the different ways one can capture art.
My goal was to get two main shots of each model - the first being a full body, professionally lit studio shot, and the second being an iPhone selfie - both using the same backdrop.
Placed side by side within the art gallery, the idea was to capture perception in 2 ways:
1) Perception of Self - how you see yourself vs. how you are seen externally. Each of my 15 participants were asked to provide six words prior to the shoot - three that they might use to describe themselves, and three that others might use to describe them. These adjectives were implemented into the final installation as a collage of words placed on a large mirror, as a representation of self reflection and how we perceive ourselves/how others perceive us (pictured below).
2) Perception of Art - like any other artistic medium, a selfie - or social media content in general - can be perceived as a form of art. The lighting, the filters, the IG story stickers, all come together to convey a certain mood or energy. I wanted to display the studio shoot next to the more organic selfies as a way of questioning what we consider art; some could consider social media a form of art to be displayed and appreciated on the same level as a typical fashion shoot.
The complete installation was displayed in February 2020 at Only Elite Matters’ “Freedom Papers” event. In support of Black History Month, the event aimed to address the concepts of money, trauma, and freedom through the lens of the Black community. In the context of the event, this installation represented the freedom that comes with self love and embracing one’s past, present, and future.
The words above were all provided by the project’s participants ahead of time. Words in white are the words they used to describe themselves; words in grey are the words they said others would use to describe them. When anyone viewing the installation looks in the mirror they are faced with their reflection alongside these adjectives, prompting them to reflect on their own perception of self.
