Task 2: Finding a focus

The central theme of my portrait collection is Music. My goal is to use it to convey and discuss a global issue: mental health problems. In detail, I want to dive deeper into the world of melody, which can be roughly split into two aspects: a songwriter’s and a listener’s perspective. As a songwriter, some often focus on the creativity part, including track and lyric, especially during the beginning stage of song creation; being a beginner means having access to brand new material and tools that are free to explore. Next, as people become more familiar with the songwriting process, they tend to shift their focus from creativity to expression. Many people often use Music as a method to escape the real world, express emotion, and reflect on oneself. Because of this, most songs are overflowed with strong emotions, such as love, depression, and anxiety, and are easy to resonate with one another. Moreover, after undergoing the first two stages, creativity, and expression, most songwriters tend to go crazy with their work. On the other hand, as a listener, the first time they listen to a song, they tend to focus on the unique style or beat of the Music. The lyrics often come later, but it is an essential part of the artwork: they contain the central message the author wants to convey and carry an intense emotion. For Music, the bond between the creator and the audience is important. A listener should resonate with the musician to fully comprehend the song and what is hidden underneath the words and beats. And reversely, the resolution bonds the two groups together, sometimes fighting against the same mental or other issue discussed in the song.

Task 3: Image inspiration

Task 4: Mood Board

Task 5: Statement of intent

The title of this project is “A peek into…” The societal issue I want to explore with my photographs is mental health, and I want to deliver it through the theme of Music. I want my audience to feel the diversity of Music from both the listener’s and creator’s perspectives. Everyone carries their own weight and pressure as they go about their days. Music is a cure: it can be both a way out, a form of expression, or a release of that packed negative energy. In short, I want to draw attention to mental health issue which exist in every age and at different levels.