MADISON JAMES
Work Inspired By Rosanna Jones
Additionally, the image to the right was created in response to the work of Rosanna Jones. The central image of the top row seems to have the most captivating effect, particularly created by the contrast in colour of the glowing white pearls and the darker shadowing underneath the subject’s chin. Overall, the colour palette used is quite minimalistic and soft, with a focus on shades of blue, grey and hints of baby pink. These colours compliment the use of the seaside background and styling choices in the image in the form of fashion, jewellery and props. In addition to this, the colours provide a further insight into he identity of the subject through their symbolism. Blue typically symbolises freedom and this is also conveyed in the outdoor background and lighting. As opposes to using artificial lighting which would create a warmer yellow light, natural lighting alone has been used, which is colder and brighter. It brings out the aspects of white in the image, symbolising purity, and again providing further insight into the subject’s identity. The composition of the image and the order in which the nine individual photos are displayed is significant. Minor details are depicted before working up to revealing a small part of the subject’s face. By the time part of the subject’s face is revealed, the majority of the subject’s social identity has been deduced already and this illustrates just how successful faceless portraiture can be in expressing identity and that faces are not wholly responsible for expressing one’s social identity.
This is the final image created in response to the work of Rosanna Jones. Whereas Jones uses the paint to frame her subject‘s face, here, the subject’s face has been deliberately digitally obscured. Composition and symmetry has been used effectively as the subject is positioned slightly lower in the frame than the central point in order to capture more of the background and to provide an insight into the age and size of the subject. It suggests the subject is at the start of their life journey still. The image is quite cold, given the blue and dark colours of the background and the use of colder natural lighting. This helps to bring out the blue tones of the hair clips and what the represent. The emphasis of something innately innocent and childish, such as a hair clip, is very telling about the subject’s identity, despite not seeing their face. Being a colder image, the warm tones of the paint obscuring the subject’s face become more prominent. The impact of the colour wheel is notable in this image, with the greatest and most appealing contrast being created in the burnt orange/red tone against the blue. (“Complementary colours, when used together in colour schemes, are especially dynamic and pleasing to they eye” (Nuwer. R, 2012)) . Contrast is also created in the textures of the image, particularly between the jagged rocks and the smooth effect of the paint. This emphasis on texture helps to bring the attention back to the knitted texture of the cardigan and therefore the subject herself. The attire, alone, speaks in volumes about the social identity of the subject and shows how fashion is one of the most significant tools in expressing identity in faceless portraiture.