Self-Portrait Replies
First student
My self-portrait is somewhat up close but not so close that all you see is me. I wanted my photo to be this way so you can see the emotion on my face as well as some of the objects nearby. My emotions are somewhat flat or removed. Dealing with a full time job, three college courses, and life can get overwhelming. I feel like sometimes I don’t know who I am anymore among all the stress. I chose to go with a silver tone filter to portray the monotonous routine of life. I’m situated in my cubicle, during my lunch hour working on my homework. In front of me I have my course book, notepad and a pen. These are at my fingertips showing the importance of these objects to try to keep me focused. I’ve got my cup of coffee nearby to keep me alert.
I think my self-portrait is successful. I wanted to show that life gets busy. We all have a lot going on and life isn’t only about the good. We have to work through a lot of stressful situations to find the good in life. With social media these days, it’s easy to have the perception of your friends and family only having these amazing lives because they only want to post happy moments. Life isn’t always happy. Real life is a rollercoaster.
I took inspiration from Vincent Van Gogh’s “Portrait of Dr. Gachet.” I feel like this portrait shows a lot of emotion. It looks like he has a lot on his mind, as do we being college students. He looks as though he is worried and off in La La Land. I feel like he has a lot to be doing but that he just doesn’t have the motivation or strength to attack his to do list. I feel the same way. I feel like I have all these tools at my disposal however there’s just times when I can’t focus. We all need a break, to reset and recharge. At the end of the school year life gets overwhelming.
Secont student
This photograph was inspired by “Fanny” by Chuck Close from chapter 11:
2. Composition, color, iconography/objects Color is black and white, darker than the painting that I was inspired by. However, I definitely think a dark and white palette is not misleading, it focuses more attention on what is actually being shown and gives more detail. The composition of the photograph serves a personal purpose. I think the purpose of the up close and personal position is to pinpoint flaws and highlight parts of the face and wrinkles to define old age to an extent, it’s not meant to show inner beauty, but beauty on the surface. It’s more defined. The iconography is more specific to culture, in our culture it is considered impolite or rude to stare curiously at a person’s face, however, with Close’s specific painting, it emphasizes on facial features of this woman. Parts of the face are highlighted most and darkened in some, like mine is as well. My face is brighter than my hair, although Close’s painting represents old age, my photograph represents a young age.
3. Overall, although it isn’t quite exactly what “Fanny” looks like, not quite as much detail, the position is off, however, I think it definitely serves its purpose.
4. “Fanny” was done by Chuck Close, it is a representation of old age and defines structure, pores, wrinkles, etc. The pose is a typical pose, she isn’t showing any sort of facial expression, her eyes are focused on the camera and not distracted by anything else. It opposes against the norm in a way, but I think that’s the point of a portrait, to tell a story, either an inner story or a story that can be seen with the eyes, this is can be seen.
Edited by Arianna Hyde on Apr 24 at 3:59pm
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First student
I agree that portraying our daily activities in a self-portrait picture as students are important in helping the others who view the portrait understand what we go through. Placing of the picture in the up-close position best shows the emotions in the face which are not that pleasing….
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