Theme : Disguise
In this image, I can see a person sitting on a stool, with their whole body covered (except their arms), with a blue coat. Above them, I can also see a face that has had elements of it removed, adding a disjointed and supernatural aspect to the portrait. It is clear to see that this face is mean to be the main focus of this portrait, which is significant, as it shows the viewer that the photographer's view of themselves may compare to the face. This photo can also give us a slight idea of the subject's life and how the spend their time. This is done by the use of the objects surrounding the photographer, as they may be frequently used, or for work. The colours in this photo are mainly white and grey, conveying a sense of isolation, as the photographer is the only piece of colour in the portrait, and so is unique and different to everything else. Furthermore, there is a large number of rigid and straight lines in this photo, apart from the material covering the photographer, and the face itself, which also relates to the idea of isolation and loneliness. This photo is an identity portrait, as it explores the idea of how people think and feel. This photo is different from a normal portrait, as you cannot actually see the subject. This is significant, as it gives the viewer a deeper insight into the thoughts and feelings of this person, as they have seemingly been isolated from society, and cannot relate to anything apart from their own thoughts and ideas. This relates to the idea of disguise, as the photographer may be trying to create a border between their real character, and the photo, to hide from their inner thoughts.
I think that Lucas Blalock created this image by surrounding himself in objects that he frequently used in his life, and then covering parts of his body. Then, after this photo was taken, I think that he edited his face above him, and then removed components of it. If I was to create an image like this, I would surround myself in everyday objects, and then cover up most of my body with an opaque piece of fabric or clothing, such as a coat. I would either get someone to take the photo for me, or put a camera on a timed setting on a tripod. After the photo is taken, I would edit it on photoshop so that parts of my face could be seen above me. An alternative method to this is to cut, or rip up a picture of my face, take a photo of it, and then hold that picture above my head. This would effectively mimic the style of disguise, as my appearance would be completely changed, as if I was hiding behind a mask, a disguise. I may also incorporate more of a background into my photo, as it could expand on the concept of identity, as it would embed the ideas that may surround my life. Additionally, I think that I could hold my posture and figure in a similar way to the photographer, which could also expand on the deeper concepts behind this photo. For example, the photographer is slouching in the photo, which could signify how his thoughts are affecting his life, and how he is in a low state of mind.
This photo makes me feel pity for the man, as it is clear to see how his thoughts and ideas have taken control of his life. I may feel this because he has to be using a disguise for a particular reason in his life, which may not be his fault at all, and so has to live in seclusion. This photo also makes me feel uncomfortable, as this is clearly how he must constantly feel, as it does not seem staged, and how the subject of the photo looks comfortable in the way he is sitting, as if he has frequently done this in the past. This therefore also makes me feel sorry for the subject in the photo, as he must feel this way very often. Another reason I feel this way for the subject of the photo is because he could feel as if a part of him is missing. This could be because he has removed parts of his face, and so may feel as if he is not whole as a person. If I could speak to the photographer, I would ask him why he has removed elements of his face through editing, and if it has something to do with his thoughts and feelings. I would ask him this because it is unclear in the photo why he has done this. Furthermore, I would also ask him why he has completely hidden his body using the piece of material, and if the reason he is slouching is to do with his state of mind. I would also ask him if the person in the photo is him, and if it is, why he has presented himself in this way. If it is not him, I would ask him if the person in the photo reflects his state of mind, or if the two are unconnected.
After research, I have learned that he often edits specific and chosen components of each photo. For example, the quote "objects that have something pathetic about them" shows the viewer that he may also view himself as 'pathetic', therefore giving an explanation as to why he may be in a low position in life, and also as to why he has removed components of his face. Furthermore, Blalock is interested in revealing what is behind the picture, and not just as simple as a photograph, but actually has a psychological meaning behind it. Therefore, this aspect of the photo relates to the theme of disguise, as it shows how not only the subject of the photo is disguised, but the meaning behind the photo is also disguised. In the photo as a whole, there are possibly a lot of hidden meanings and messages. For example, we can infer that this person may lead a chaotic and disruptive lifestyle. This is because the background shows many cluttered objects, which may signify that he is used to living like this, and it may have something to do with what he does on a day-to-day basis. This is significant to the theme of disguise, as the subject of the photo may want to present himself in such a way, to mislead the viewer on how he lives his life.
I think that Lucas Blalock created this image by surrounding himself in objects that he frequently used in his life, and then covering parts of his body. Then, after this photo was taken, I think that he edited his face above him, and then removed components of it. If I was to create an image like this, I would surround myself in everyday objects, and then cover up most of my body with an opaque piece of fabric or clothing, such as a coat. I would either get someone to take the photo for me, or put a camera on a timed setting on a tripod. After the photo is taken, I would edit it on photoshop so that parts of my face could be seen above me. An alternative method to this is to cut, or rip up a picture of my face, take a photo of it, and then hold that picture above my head. This would effectively mimic the style of disguise, as my appearance would be completely changed, as if I was hiding behind a mask, a disguise. I may also incorporate more of a background into my photo, as it could expand on the concept of identity, as it would embed the ideas that may surround my life. Additionally, I think that I could hold my posture and figure in a similar way to the photographer, which could also expand on the deeper concepts behind this photo. For example, the photographer is slouching in the photo, which could signify how his thoughts are affecting his life, and how he is in a low state of mind.
This photo makes me feel pity for the man, as it is clear to see how his thoughts and ideas have taken control of his life. I may feel this because he has to be using a disguise for a particular reason in his life, which may not be his fault at all, and so has to live in seclusion. This photo also makes me feel uncomfortable, as this is clearly how he must constantly feel, as it does not seem staged, and how the subject of the photo looks comfortable in the way he is sitting, as if he has frequently done this in the past. This therefore also makes me feel sorry for the subject in the photo, as he must feel this way very often. Another reason I feel this way for the subject of the photo is because he could feel as if a part of him is missing. This could be because he has removed parts of his face, and so may feel as if he is not whole as a person. If I could speak to the photographer, I would ask him why he has removed elements of his face through editing, and if it has something to do with his thoughts and feelings. I would ask him this because it is unclear in the photo why he has done this. Furthermore, I would also ask him why he has completely hidden his body using the piece of material, and if the reason he is slouching is to do with his state of mind. I would also ask him if the person in the photo is him, and if it is, why he has presented himself in this way. If it is not him, I would ask him if the person in the photo reflects his state of mind, or if the two are unconnected.
After research, I have learned that he often edits specific and chosen components of each photo. For example, the quote "objects that have something pathetic about them" shows the viewer that he may also view himself as 'pathetic', therefore giving an explanation as to why he may be in a low position in life, and also as to why he has removed components of his face. Furthermore, Blalock is interested in revealing what is behind the picture, and not just as simple as a photograph, but actually has a psychological meaning behind it. Therefore, this aspect of the photo relates to the theme of disguise, as it shows how not only the subject of the photo is disguised, but the meaning behind the photo is also disguised. In the photo as a whole, there are possibly a lot of hidden meanings and messages. For example, we can infer that this person may lead a chaotic and disruptive lifestyle. This is because the background shows many cluttered objects, which may signify that he is used to living like this, and it may have something to do with what he does on a day-to-day basis. This is significant to the theme of disguise, as the subject of the photo may want to present himself in such a way, to mislead the viewer on how he lives his life.
Response
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I have created 3 photos in response to the work done by Lucas Blalock. I think that these photos are an effective recreation of blalock's photos and concept, as I have incorporated ideas of disguise into each one. For example, in the first of the 3 images, I have attempted a more direct approach to his photo, as I have completely hidden my face, but edited in parts of my face above it. As well as this, I have attempted to make myself transparent, and I think that this gives the photo more of a mysterious element in it. However, in the second two photos, I have attempted to incorporate the idea of disguise, rather than imitating his photo. I think that this is effective, as it shows how a person can hide in plain sight, and also does not show the viewer anything about their character. One way that I think that I could improve the first photo is by also incorporating some of the objects that I frequently use in my life, as Blalock has done in his photo.