Imitation of Life is a social commentary that decodes the manifestation of individual image. It investigates the existence and purpose of gender and role-play as social constructs, and examines the role of the gaze in this relationship. It manifests as a series of photographs, capturing staged scenes based on popular media contexts. Each image depicts a single model, assuming the identity of different characters, representative of Western feminine  archetypes. 

Imitation of Life is a social commentary that decodes the manifestation of individual image. It investigates the existence and purpose of gender and role-play as social constructs, and examines the role of the gaze in this relationship. The project will manifest as a series of photographs, capturing staged scenarios. Each image will depict a single model, taking on the identity of different characters, manifesting the likeness of feminine social archetypes which they identify as.

Archetypes have existed within society for over 500 years. However the individuals we recognize as occupying these roles have changed and evolved with culture. My project is a social commentary decoding the manifestation of individual image. The primary focus is to investigate the existence and purpose of gender and role-play functioning as social constructs. In turn, examining the role of the gaze in this relationship. The project will manifest as a series of photographs, capturing staged scenarios. Each image will depict a single model, taking on the identity of different characters, manifesting the likeness of feminine social archetypes they identify as.

I am examining the feminine and the dandy as social constructs; characteristics attributed to an individual’s image.  Focusing on the role of the gaze, I am interested in how they are interpreted and responded to by the viewer. I will also consider the wider cultural connotations of these two traits. Ultimately I plan to establish the boundaries, if they exist, that distinguish the feminine and the dandy, and any grey areas that may imply the possibility of the female dandy.

Christopher Romero - Thesis Studio

Ethan Silverman - Writing Faculty

In a generation where physicality and associated characteristics an individual is born possessing have become the starting point for the image they will ultimately manifest, an investigation into representations of the female form throughout art and cultural history seems futile and outdated.  I am proposing to explore the evolution of the way female image has been represented, and subsequently presented to its audience as a vehicle to communicate different issues, by artists, photographers and the media. I will be paying particular attention to the gaze, composition, and period and social/cultural climate of production

Image. Gaze. Manifestation. Representation. Communication. Vehicle. Composition. Disruption. Manipulation. Femininity.