Digital Lens
Femella
Photography
February 2020
February 2020
Femella is a series of photos depicting how women are objectified at such a young age. When a woman's figure matures she is viewed differently and in cases, inappropriately. Cindy Sherman's pieces, Untitled #92 and Untitled #87 played a part in creating the body language and significance in my photos. With the use of facial expressions, clothing and female figures. Melanie Martinez's song, Strawberry Shortcake, inspired the story behind how a woman is supposed to look and act.
Inspiration
For many of my projects I have used many movements and paintings as inspiration. I decided that I wanted to experiment with this project and looked for an inspirational song. While searching through my playlist I found one of my favorite albums. I knew that I wanted to use a song from Melanie Martinez and came up with my theme on women and objectification. I also recalled to my art history notes and how we studied many well-known photographers. Cindy Sherman was perfect because she also has work that relates to the theme I'm using.
|
Process
|
Experimentation
While taking photos, I thought that I could use a different pose. I used another photo reference from Sherman's series, "Untitled #87." This photo shows a woman embracing her blanket, looking blankly away from the camera. Her body language and facial expression gave me the impression that she too is going through a hard time. I was going to use this set of photos for my final piece but, I like the use of a school uniform from "Untitled #92." The use of that kind of uniform connects to the song I choose, which takes place in a school setting.
|
Reflection
I have learned a lot from my photography project. This is the time I've ever used these kind of materials and style, and I am very proud of what I was able to accomplish. I will definitely will take into consideration how lighting and setting affects the photos I'll take for the next projects and products. I went through a lot of trial and error, I found it difficult to make my photos look similar to Sherman's Untitled #92. If I could go back and change anything I'd would try to find a different setting to take my photos. I was very limited on space simply because of the size of my room. Other than that I loved being able to dress up my model and direct their positions. It was a bonus that it was someone I'm comfortable with.
Compare and Contrast
Similarities
Differences
|
ACT Responses
Clearly explain how you are able to identify the cause effect relationship between your inspiration and its effect on your artwork.
My initial inspiration helped form my story and theme. My piece deals with women and objectification, and how it starts once a woman reaches an age of maturity. My work depicts a young girl with a worried expression because she realizes that she's going through change.
What is the overall approach the author has regarding the topic of your inspiration?
Martinez's work talks about women, and how from a young age, they deal with stereotypes, objectification, sexualization an other struggles. My theme focuses on how girls that start their physical development are viewed differently in the eyes of men and even other women. That a girl must act and look a certain way simply because they're growing up.
What kind of generalizations and conclusions have you discovered about people, ideas, culture, etc. while you researched your inspiration?
That with Melanie's songs many of her fans are able to relate to her experiences, as well as myself. Her work and symbolism bring light to many struggles in the music industry and in just being a women.
What is the central idea or theme around your inspirational research?
The center idea is how the women of today have to struggle with constant judgement from such a young age. Once a girl reaches puberty nothing will be the same. Getting hit with that realization is a hard pill to swallow.
What kind of inferences did you make while reading your research?
That while researching I also talked to my peers, these girls also feel the pressure of looking and acting their role. When I showed them my idea and process of my project they felt understood. That someone is able to understand what they're going through.
My initial inspiration helped form my story and theme. My piece deals with women and objectification, and how it starts once a woman reaches an age of maturity. My work depicts a young girl with a worried expression because she realizes that she's going through change.
What is the overall approach the author has regarding the topic of your inspiration?
Martinez's work talks about women, and how from a young age, they deal with stereotypes, objectification, sexualization an other struggles. My theme focuses on how girls that start their physical development are viewed differently in the eyes of men and even other women. That a girl must act and look a certain way simply because they're growing up.
What kind of generalizations and conclusions have you discovered about people, ideas, culture, etc. while you researched your inspiration?
That with Melanie's songs many of her fans are able to relate to her experiences, as well as myself. Her work and symbolism bring light to many struggles in the music industry and in just being a women.
What is the central idea or theme around your inspirational research?
The center idea is how the women of today have to struggle with constant judgement from such a young age. Once a girl reaches puberty nothing will be the same. Getting hit with that realization is a hard pill to swallow.
What kind of inferences did you make while reading your research?
That while researching I also talked to my peers, these girls also feel the pressure of looking and acting their role. When I showed them my idea and process of my project they felt understood. That someone is able to understand what they're going through.
Bibliography
Cardona, Gloria. “Cindy Sherman: Analysis Through Imitation.” Sleek Magazine, 10 June 2016, www.sleek-mag.com/article/cindy-sherman-analysis-through-imitation/.
“Melanie Martinez – Strawberry Shortcake.” Genius, 6 Sept. 2019, genius.com/Melanie-martinez-strawberry-shortcake-lyrics.
Sherman, Cindy. “Untitled #92.” The Art Institute of Chicago, Contemporary Art, 1 Jan. 1981, www.artic.edu/artworks/229389/untitled-92.
Sherman, Cindy. “Untitled #87.” The Art Institute of Chicago, Contemporary Art, 1 Jan. 1981, www.artic.edu/artworks/229387/untitled-87.
Stokes, Alyson. “Melanie Martinez Takes on Her Darkest Vulnerabilities in 'K-12' Film.” Alternative Press, 6 Sept. 2019, www.altpress.com/features/melanie-martinez-k-12-film-review-interview/.
“Melanie Martinez – Strawberry Shortcake.” Genius, 6 Sept. 2019, genius.com/Melanie-martinez-strawberry-shortcake-lyrics.
Sherman, Cindy. “Untitled #92.” The Art Institute of Chicago, Contemporary Art, 1 Jan. 1981, www.artic.edu/artworks/229389/untitled-92.
Sherman, Cindy. “Untitled #87.” The Art Institute of Chicago, Contemporary Art, 1 Jan. 1981, www.artic.edu/artworks/229387/untitled-87.
Stokes, Alyson. “Melanie Martinez Takes on Her Darkest Vulnerabilities in 'K-12' Film.” Alternative Press, 6 Sept. 2019, www.altpress.com/features/melanie-martinez-k-12-film-review-interview/.