This body of work is a continued exploration of self – a concept that discusses the ways in which human beings become aware of their own existence.
This series is concerned with the relationship between our internal and external selves; and the ways in which various emotional states of mind are directly reflected through our physical bodies via facial expression and body language. I am particularly interested in the varying perceptions of the human face, which are represented through the dichotomy of the photographed and drawn image.
This work involves lithographic prints and drawings that represent images of my own face, which have been mechanically distorted and manipulated to reflect the fluidity with which we move between varying states of mind. The photographs present myself in a “vulnerable” state, whereby my facial expressions are uncontrolled, and I am not consciously aware of how I project myself externally. This initial photograph represents an exposed view from an outsider perspective; whilst the intimately drawn image becomes reflective of my own vulnerability and unguarded perception of myself through series of emotionally responsive and expressive mark-making. These drawings – whilst referencing the photograph - are automatic, and are derived from a subconscious headspace.
Through this dichotomy of photography and drawing, I aim to explore the tensions between self-expression and revelation through the drawn mark; and the often uncontrollable, revealing nature of the photograph.