BEAUTY BEYOND LABELS

PHOTOGRAPHY ASSIGNMENT 1: PORTRAITS

Student Name: Catherine BatstoneStudent Number: 13704269

ARTIST’S STATEMENT“Who we truly are is found inside”

Portrait photography of a person is generally meant to depict the subject’s personality, mood or expression. The audience is to draw meaning from the photography and make assumptions about the subject. A process that, in fact, happens in day to day life, every time a human being encounters another.

We are taught by society to analyze our peers, and draw conclusions from codes inherited by culture, history and social conventions.

We see. We decide. We label.

This photography project seeks to disturb this process, because stereotypes rhyme with limitations. One’s tendency to prejudice is highlighted and thus questioned.

Subjects were asked to pose against nude backgrounds, and left free to stand as they felt confortable. The shots were intended to be minimal, clean: portraying the human being in the simplest of contexts. “This is me.”

Later, they were introduced to the topic of “labels”. All subjects were asked what they believed society to “label” them as.

They were then asked to give themselves a label they thought truly defined them.

The second round of answers revealed a truly different aspect to the subject’s identities, challenging the initial assumptions.

There is beauty to be discovered beyond first impressions.

A white line is present in each photo. Its purpose is to add consistency to the photographs whilst also symbolizing the concept that all human beings are equal, no matter who they are.

This series calls for a true reflection on our identities, performed selves, and thought processes.. It wishes we return to the basics: set ourselves free from the performances and simply be true to who we are.

Sami, 31. Muslim. Father

Diana, 24. Romanian. Actress

Luke, 20. Geek. Entrepreneur

Diego, 26. Immigrant. Dreamer

Zainab, 17. Black. Creative

Mark, 19. Introvert. Comedic genius

Malena, 38. Female. CEO

BEAUTY BEYONDLABELS

CATHERINE BATSTONE