Almost every girl knows how to apply makeup. The routine is second nature, the brush becomes an extension of the hand, and the face becomes an empty canvas. Putting on makeup is thought of as glamorous, graceful, intimate and entirely feminine. Realistically, this is untrue. Almost always, the shoulders are slouched, eyes are wide or unfocused, mouths are agape, faces are twisted and contorted, and afterwards a more "put-together" face arrives. I find it ironic that the application of makeup is messy and fussy, but the end result is supposed to be elegant, clean, and sophisticated.
To portray this, I decided to create clear images. I wanted a high shutter speed to freeze motion. I had a difficult time using light in my images, because I was in a small, dark bathroom or a room that was filled with natural light. I edited the pictures in photo shop to correct the lighting. Also, It was difficult to shoot the "decision moment"; this moment for me was when the girl focused on applying their makeup and forgot about the camera. I wanted the camera to capture very accurate depictions of how the girls put on their make-up.
I knew my images were not going to be flashy or strikingly beautiful. I wanted a strikingly realistic picture that portrays makeup as it should be. The frame and detail are simple, but I really wanted the idea to stand out. I wanted to depict the posture and body language of the girls. I wanted to document every aspect of makeup. Everything from how they held the brush to the way they held their shoulders.
I love that you took an everyday task and was able to show people what they look like while doing it. Sometimes when doing something you don't realize you do something or look a certain way. Taking photos of this allows the subject and viewers to realize how funny and particular they are and look while doing a simple task.
ReplyDeleteThe first photo is funny because it looks like she is trying not to laugh while being photographed and putting on makeup.
ReplyDeleteThis is an intriguing exploration of a ritual many women go through to make themselves presentable to the world.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy how you explore notions of idealized or desired beauty vs. the “real”, albeit stark, uncomfortable, and even grotesque.
I also enjoy the
The project reminded me of the performance artist ORLAN, who explores idealized notions of beauty. She undergoes plastic surgery to sculpt her face into one that society would consider idealized. You may read more about these performances here