Expression & Pain
This photograph was a personal and fan favorite from my Signature Series. The creation of this photo comes from a Fine Art class I had when I was nearing the end of my time at Nossi College of Art, where I was workings towards a Bachelor of Graphics Arts (BGA) degree in Photography.
As seen in this image you can see such intense emotion displayed. What does it “scream” to you? What does it make you feel? Can you relate? These are all questions that I wanted this image to come to mind when presented to the viewer. It speaks of not only physical pain but emotional pain. For this particular shoot it took personal sacrifice not only for the model but myself as the photographer. Mutual agreement to peel back layers of ourselves and expose deep emotion that is typically hidden from others.
If you can believe it the model didn’t even make a sound. But she didn’t have to because that “Pain” was felt from deep within. While a safe environment was provided, this allowed her to express that emotion in such an intimate way. It’s ok to feel pain and it’s ok to release it, we’re all humans capable and entitled to emotion.
This style is derived from Classical Paintings, Renaissance era Sculptures, and European styles of art. There is something to be said how they portray and utilize the female form to create art, tell stories and convey emotional messages. Body modification, artificial light (using strobes), hair styles, and even clothing are modern touches on such a classical style. Mixing these various concepts together, gives a sense of value, cultural relevance, and the ability to relate.
By shooting in Black & White it removes the distraction of color and creates an emphasis on emotion and the subject matter being captured. Amplifying the viewers interest, emotional connection and becomes a catalyst for personal reflection. Black & White further symbolizes the two sides of life and the shades of grey represent the areas in-between. These can be a moral dilemma, hi’s & low’s, uncertainty, confusion, or loss of self or direction.
Art is bits of emotion and messaging hidden or revealed in a creative auditory or in this case physical form.