The title of this project is “Facades portraits from the Hutong”. This title suggests a focus on both the external surface and the deeper, often hidden stories within Beijing’s historic alleyways. The story of individual identity with a traditional setting. I aim to create a series of portraits that explore the unique human spirit of people living in Beijing’s Hutong’s. These neighborhoods are known for their shared, communal life, but my project will focus on the individuals within them. I want to examine the subtle tension and harmony between a person’s inner self and their outward appearance and environment. The concept is to reveal how individuality persists and expresses itself in a context that may seem uniform to an outsider. So when they look at my portraits, I want them to feel as if they have made direct eye contact with th subject, creating an immediate and personal connection. This should be powerful, but not always comfortable. I hope the audience feels compelled to look closer, to question their own preconceptions, and to reflect on the complex stories behind every face. The goal is to move beyond a simple aesthetic appreciation and evoke a deeper, more contemplative emotional response.

I will get inspiration and develop my ideas by looking for photographs that use direct, confrontational composition and explore the abstract concept of identity through real people. Specifically I will study:

  1. Photography that use a square format and and direct flash. The square frame creates a focused and intense composition that focused attention on the subject. The direct flash, even in daylight, creates a raw unflinching quality with harsh shadows, revealing texture and detail.
  2. Portraits where the subject engages the lens with a direct gaze. This technique breaks the barrier between the subject and the viewer, creating a powerful and intimate connection that can feel both compelling and unsettling.
  3. Images that employ dramatic lighting and shadow to create a sense of mystery. By using light and darkness, I can guide the viewer’s focus and add a layer of drama and storytelling to a portrait.
  4. Work that finds the extraordinary in the ordinary. I am inspired by photographers who turn everyday people and scenes into powerful symbols, making the audience see the familiar world in a new and thought provoking way.

Inspirational Artist Images Related to the Theme

My primary inspiration is Diane Arbus, whose black and white portraits are abstract in concept despite depicting real people. She isolated her subjects, turning them into powerful symbols that make viewers question ideas of identity.

Her photograph “Identical Twins, Roselle, New Jersey (1967)” is a perfect example of how slight differences in nearly identical subjects can create a haunting image.

I’m also inspired by Melissa Breyer  who brings a minimalist aesthetic to street photography, often focusing on solitary moments using negative space and reflections. This approach could inspire quieter, more contemplative shots within the Hunting.

Melissa Breyer’s “Watchman”