Identity

In this series I explore our need to compartmentalize - and thereby label - people based on outside aspects of identity, without personal knowledge of the individual. We began with an informal discussion and a customized word search puzzle to help us get acquainted, which often put us at ease. Sometimes very private, heart-felt moments emerged although we had yet to become friends. I can only surmise that this occurred because the participants were aware of their physical...
More Description

In this series I explore our need to compartmentalize - and thereby label - people based on outside aspects of identity, without personal knowledge of the individual. We began with an informal discussion and a customized word search puzzle to help us get acquainted, which often put us at ease. Sometimes very private, heart-felt moments emerged although we had yet to become friends. I can only surmise that this occurred because the participants were aware of their physical vulnerability, soon to be revealed in the upcoming nude photograph.My expectations while exploring this concept was to investigate the relationship of one's self while hidden (clothed) and while exposed (nude). People are emboldened in their cars. They are protected and somewhat hidden, yet we display readable signs of behaviors/personalities in numerous ways. The type of car they drive, bumper stickers, what hangs from the rear view mirror, and what audio cues you hear coming from the vehicle, all say something about who they are without actually exposing much of their physical or personal self. I use the rear-view mirror as a mask, which is a metaphor for the decorative accessories that surround us and make us feel less vulnerable.My objective - with the combination of eyes reflected in a rear view mirror, super-imposed large enough to somewhat mask their identity, while exposing their body by removing all the external protections - was to see how they reacted in front of the camera. Would they behave shyly or boldly, stand stoically, or become animated?Through this process, will the viewer feel a greater connection to these individuals, understanding and appreciating them for who they are? Will some of the stereotypes and labels fall apart, revealing them as unique, beautiful, and vulnerable?