CHARLOTTE CUMMING

12 STUDIO ARTS

VISION

'Smile'

Throughout Unit 3/4 of Studio Arts I chose to delve into the concept of vision, specifically the sub concept of observation, exploring an array of ways in which an individual can be observed. Within my photography/sculptural artwork titled ‘Smile’ I address the prevalence of security cameras within our society. In creating a two-sided rectangular box, I intended to mimic the shape of a television, an object which is watched. At first glance, from the front, the viewer sees a distorted reflection of themselves and is told “smile you're on camera”. Yet, when looking at the work from the back, the viewer is able to look into the rectangular cube, being confronted with an array of images of security cameras. At a further look at the interior of the box, the mirror is revealed to be a two-way mirror. Therefore the viewer who was initially looking at themselves comes to the understanding that they were being watched, whilst also transforming into the watcher. Ultimately questioning who really are the watchers and watched within our society.

'Erased'

Throughout Unit 3/4 of Studio Arts I chose to delve into the concept of vision, specifically the sub-concept of perception, exploring an array of ways in which an individual is seen and perceived by the world. Within my photography/sculptural artwork titled 'Erased' I address how the judgment of others can impact the way an individual acts or is seen. In creating a two-sided rectangular box, I intended to portray two versions of the self, one nearly completely erased, the other fully present. As a result conveying how the fear of others judgment can cause a person to omit or erase certain aspects of their personality and identity. Additionally the use of invisible ink, which is only seen using a micro UV light, reveals how despite an individual not showing certain parts of their identity, they are still there within the individual, just hidden. The invisible ink also aids in communicating that at the initial meeting of a person, you only see a certain version of them. As a result you have to delve through their layers, reflected in the layers of perspex, and eventually come to know a person as a whole.