Project Proposals (1&2)

PROJECT PROPOSALS: GENDER REPRESENTATIONS IN THE MEDIA vs IDENTITY THROUGH HAIR

PROPOSAL 1: FEMALE IDENTITY THROUGH HAIR

Jean Shrimpton, evening dress by Galitzine, Hair by Alexandre, Paris, August 1965 - RICHARD AVEDON

Twiggy, hair by Ara Gallant, Paris, January 6, 1968 - RICHARD AVEDON

Sophia Loren, hair by Ara Gallant, New York, October 2, 1970 - RICHARD AVEDON

Mkpuk Eba, 1974, Silver Gelatin Print - OKHAI OJEIKERE

My own photograph (see post STUDIO)

PROPOSAL 1:

Inspired by the work of photographers I have researched, including J.D. Ojeikere and Richard Avedon (see separate posts), and after practising a replication of Avedon’s work using fast shutter speed and lighting techniques in the photographic studio capturing hair movements, I had the idea of exploring this theme further by focusing on the movement of hair and consequently the way the hair of my subject/subjects used represents their identity. I could use female and/or male subjects, of varying ages and hair types etc., but I would aim to use a neutral/plain background to allow the form of the hair to be highlighted. 

PROPOSAL 2: GENDER REPRESENTATION IN THE MEDIA 

(See corresponding posts for image references)

PROPOSAL 2: 

Inspired by the work of Mayotte Magnus, Mary McCartney (see RESEARCH TRIP TO LONDON post) and the photographs presented by Richard Avedon, Terry O’Neill in my INSPIRATIONAL IMAGES post, as well as theory presented by John Berger, Stuart Hall and Susan Sontag (see separate blog posts), I propose a project theme centred around the portrayal and receival of gender representations in the media. More specifically, how women are portrayed in the media. I can illustrate gender imbalances through the portrayal of a female figure dressed in male clothing (suit) and direct my subjects’ body language to be stereotypically masculine and dominant – creatively and symbolically using camera angles to mimic different power relations/sexualisation of men and women, also.

FEEDBACK

After presenting both proposals to my peers and tutor, the unanimous support was in favour of my second proposal, investigating the imbalances in gender representation in the media through photography. 

It was felt by my tutor and peers, and agreed by myself, that this theme had more potential for a deeper and more complex investigative project, allowing myself to experiment more with camera angles, subject, costume etc. in order to portray a clear message through these. It would also lead to a more interesting and thought-provoking message for my audience, one that is particularly relevant in and transferable to today's society, where gender imbalances in film, society and the workplace are demanding evermore attention. 

Please see separate blog posts 'LAURA STEVENS- HIM', 'NADAV KANDER', 'HE/SHE/THEY EXHIBITION', 'LAURA MULVEY', AND 'CINDY SHERMAN' for deeper critical theory and photographer research on gender representation through photography, including important inspiration from 'male gaze' theory. 

Please see separate blog post 'PHOTOGRAPHY TECHNIQUE AND GENDER' for research into how different photography techniques can be used to aid my portrayal of my gender theme.