Introduction to Portraiture
A portrait is a representation of a person, usually focusing on their face and expression while conveying deeper meanings about identity and emotion. It showcases the individual’s personality and feelings through careful arrangement and detail. For example, Annie Leibovitz’s portraits often create strong emotional connections with strong expressions. Selfies can act as portraits by reflecting how someone sees themselves, similar to Cindy Sherman’s self-portraits that explore identity. Effective portraits can zoom in on small details, like hands or other body features, adding depth. Abstract images, such as blurry figures in the work of Andreas Gursky, may challenge traditional ideas of portraits by focusing more on the setting than the person. Additionally, a person can be represented through objects that relate to their identity, broadening what a portrait can be and also showing the essence of individuals without showing them directly. Lastly, a series of photos can show different sides of a subject, telling a more narrative story than a single image.
Task 1: Brainstorm – Mind Map
Task 2: Finding a Focus
Societal/Cultural Issue: I want to explore poverty and its impact on identity and community. This theme highlights the struggles and resilience of impoverished individuals and families, capturing their daily lives and moments of joy.
Task 3: Image Inspiration
For inspiration, I will focus on Dorothea Lange and her famous photograph “Migrant Mother” (1936).
Migrant Mother” was taken during the Great Depression and shows a mother with her children, highlighting the struggles many families faced. It reflects the hard lives of migrant workers seeking better opportunities.
The close-up shot emphasizes the mother’s worried expression, while her children cuddle to her, showing their vulnerability. This connection draws viewers in.
The photograph evokes feelings of despair and resilience. The mother’s gaze suggests hope for a better future despite her challenges. This combination creates a powerful emotional impact.
Culturally, “Migrant Mother” has become a symbol of the Great Depression, shifting attention from statistics to personal stories and urging society to recognize the struggles of those in poverty.
This photograph is relevant to my project as it reflects themes of poverty and identity. It showcases the strength of individuals facing hardship and serves as a reminder of resilience in tough times, making it an important source of inspiration.
Task 4: Mood Board
Task 5: Statement of Intent
The title of this project is “Resilience in Shadows.” The societal/cultural issue I want to explore is poverty and its impact on identity and community. I want my audience to feel empathy and understanding for those living in poverty. I will find inspiration by looking for photographs that show the strength of impoverished communities.
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