Visual Aspects
This project entitled “Can you see the Real Me?” uses juxtaposition of two images in order to create an impactful divide between how the world sees someone and how they see themselves. There will be two Polaroid pictures placed side by side with a question in the middle. The first Polaroid will have a person looking at the camera with a straight face, and the second Polaroid will have the person smiling. What creates the juxtaposition between the two pictures is the question between them that will read: “Am I _______ or am I ________ ?” The person in the pictures will fill out that question. What the question is really asking is how they think society views them and labels them versus how they view and label themselves.
The Juxtaposition
The juxtaposition found between the two pictures is very powerful. Identity is one of the most important aspects of who a person is. Often times, people are viewed and judged differently than how they see themselves. By creating a side-by-side image of the same person with different facial expression, the juxtaposition between the images and the identity of the person will become clear and understood.
The Question
The question between the two Polaroid images will read: “Am I or am I ?. This question is meant to trigger a powerful response from the person being photographed. As a result of labeling, judging and stereotyping people, others are hurt and put down. This question is meant to allow the person to have a voice and express who they are using only a few words.
Creating a Social Network
A Social Network is defined as “a network of social interactions and personal relationships”. This installation creates a social network because it draws people together. Not only do we have to interact with the person being photographed, but we have to ask them a personal question and create conversation. By creating a social network with them, they will be more comfortable to open up to us and share their thoughts and emotions. Also, once the project is installed, it will create a social network because people will gather around the installation and observe and talk about the project and people’s different responses.
