| What I have created is a display of photos I have taken with the intent of being critical of media. Using images from media, stock photos, and a web-tool called 'wordle' combined with actual news stories. I projected these onto my subject with the intention of illustrating the metaphor 'media projects ideas onto viewers'. This compilation has taken me quite some time, so I hope you take the time to observe and try to derive some personal meaning from my creations. |
| The first set is somewhat self explanatory, but I believe my interpretation is only one possible interpretation of many. Please take the time to look closer and draw your own conclusions instead of accepting my interpretation as the only one. I was attempting to make a statement about images of the body and aspirations of beauty. The image on the right is a projection of a Ralph Lauren advertisement which caused a lot of controversy when used in print. The model had been altered digitally to not only impossible proportions, but noticeably impossible proportions. It is this sort of representation which creates a false image for vulnerable minds to aspire to. This sort of representation is damaging to the people who seek a model of what they themselves should aspire to. |
| The second set is set up intentionally with color in mind. I was trying to show the colors of our flag made up of images being critical of what our country has come to be represented by; Coca Cola, Fear, and biased media. The subject is in two of the projections trying to protect their face, it is difficult to live in this country while not having ideals or products projected onto us by the powers that be. |
| The third set is three images shown diminishing in size along with the self worth of the subject. An ideal 'weight' is projected, logic and justification is used in the second shot, and finally an unrealistic image in the final shot. The inevitable result of a false aspiration. |
| The fourth set is my personal favorite. The split logic of fear is illustrated in a somewhat random way. Desire to escape from a situation where fear is used against the individual, and the illogical panic to achieve this freedom. The frames can be seen as sequential, or as just divided emotions. It appears as if the images on the left are one; but upon closer inspection this does not makes sense. The subject's head is out of place in the top image, and seemingly cramped by the small space. The more space that is given to observe the world around them, the slow realization of the fear that is being projected just behind the subject. It is easy to succumb to fear, especially when used as a tool. |
| The fifth set again shows fear; but instead of lurking, it is directly projected onto the subject's mind. The list of questions and concepts explodes within the subject's mind soon after, as a direct result of what is being projected onto them. |
| The sixth set is an expression of the rejection and fear of war, compared to the reach for peace. A potentially futile struggle, but a hope still in the back of many minds as a better solution than war. |
| The seventh set is the final breakdown of a projected image. The subject recognizes something is wrong, and immediately seeks to escape from this world where images and concepts are bombarding people every day. The photos themselves are in danger of collapse. The left frame is tilted, and breaks the norm established in this series. |
| Thank you for your time, I hope that I have spoken to you in some way, or at least made you think. Be aware of the world around you, and always be sure to understand just what things are projected onto us as individuals, and as members of a collective society. |
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