Manny Robertson is a 23-year-old student pursuing his master's degree. His artistic technique varies, but he says he is primarily motivated by magic, science, and religion. I'm particularly intrigued by his "metropolis" series of photographs (the shots have a robotic, futuristic feel since he was inspired by the film Metropolis), in which he incorporates stitching and geometric shapes. This series of images was produced to depict how mental diseases such as depression may cause people to wear masks, and the photos are all about stripping away and removing the masks. The photographs are both striking and provocative to look at.
While there isn't much information known about him, his work has been recognised for its investigation of mental health and emotional complexity. Robertson's photography frequently uses collage and stitching techniques, resulting in visually appealing photographs that explore the subtleties of human emotions. His series frequently attempts to show the inner workings of the mind, providing emotional insights into the difficulties and complexities of mental health.
One distinguishing feature of Robertson's work is his use of images to convey deeper emotional tales. He creates layered compositions by mixing many pictures and using mixed media pieces, inviting viewers to reflect on the underlying meanings behind each image. While detailed biographical information on Manny Robertson is scant, his artistic achievements have had a profound impact on the field of contemporary photography and mixed media art. His thought-provoking picture continues to stir discussions on mental health and emotional well-being.
Image Analysis
This image is from Manny Robertson's series which seeks to depict what mental health is really like, on the surface, the images are taken from two different angles it showing how we may not look like what we are feeling and if you keep those feelings buried inside you it'll build up and turn into this whole other person inside you which is demonstrated in the image on the left it's like the subject as been consumed by lots of emotion and thoughts which have created another person showing the grey and the coloured image to contrast. It's a reminder that looks may be deceiving, and what's beneath the surface may be very different from what seems.
The artwork on the left, with its realistic depiction of swirling emotions and ideas, captures the internal turbulence that may devour persons suffering from mental health disorders. The fractured figure indicates a fractured self-image as if the individual has been overcome by the weight of their emotions, manifesting as a separate creature within.
What I like particularly about all Robertson's images are the way stitches are created around the person and how the person isn't fully formed showing that it's almost as if the person is being repaired back into someone whole and happy they're fixing what's broken and like everything which is healed it may leave little scars.
One of the most compelling aspects of Robertson's work is his use of stitching around the figure. This delicate detail serves as a metaphorical representation of the healing process. The incomplete form of the figure suggests a journey towards wholeness as if the act of stitching is a form of self-repair. It's a poignant reminder that healing is not always a smooth or seamless process and that scars may remain as reminders of past struggles.
Overall, Manny Robertson's images offer a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of mental health. Through his evocative visuals and subtle symbolism, he invites viewers to contemplate the complexities of the human experience and the importance of self-care and healing.
Responses
Camera : Canon 850 ISO : 100 F-number : f/5 Exposure : 1/125 sec.
Camera : Canon 850 ISO : 100 F-number : f/5 Exposure : 1/125 sec.
Camera : DSC02880 ISO : 200 F-number : f/5 Exposure : 1/125 sec.
Camera : Canon 850 ISO : 100 F-number : f/5 Exposure : 1/125 sec.
Camera : Canon 850 ISO : 200 F-number : f/5 Exposure : 1/125 sec.
Camera : Canon 850 ISO : 100 F-number : f/5 Exposure : 1/125 sec.
Camera : Canon 850 ISO : 100 F-number : f/5 Exposure : 1/100 sec.
Camera : Canon 850 ISO : 100 F-number : f/7 Exposure : 1/125 sec.
Camera : Canon 850 ISO : 100 F-number : f/5 Exposure : 1/125 sec.
Camera : Canon 850 ISO : 100 F-number : f/5 Exposure : 1/125 sec.
Camera : Canon 850 ISO : 100 F-number : f/5 Exposure : 1/125 sec.
Camera : Canon 850 ISO : 100 F-number : f/5 Exposure : 1/125 sec.
Camera : Canon 850 ISO : 100 F-number : f/7 Exposure : 1/125 sec.
Camera : Canon 850 ISO : 100 F-number : f/7 Exposure : 1/100 sec.
Camera : Canon 850 ISO : 100 F-number : f/5 Exposure : 1/125 sec.
Camera : Canon 850 ISO : 100 F-number : f/5 Exposure : 1/125 sec.
Development
First i started by selecting two images where it was the same model in two different positions to create a juxtaposition image then i added them onto bridge and
Then to create a crisp white background like Robertson work i remove the background off the image that i will not be using to cut out another image and combine it on top
Using the polgygonal lasso tool i'll cute out a jaggered shape in the style of Manny Robertson for the second image i've chosen
Then using the cut tool I'll make a cut then delete the excess layer
then the layer should show up as something like this and then using CTRL + T I can adjust the sizing of the image and direction I want the image to be.
when I'm happy with the adjustments then I turn the slightly smaller image on top black and white to create the contrast and composition needed to give the overarching image of something bigger going on
Then using the pencil tool I start to draw these stitching-like elements on the model after that I create an inner and outer stitching technique where I draw around the model to make it look almost hand rendered once I've achieved that look I continue by
Then I have an edit which ends up looking like this to increase the elements of the image i start by creating more detailed stitches and look more mechanic and robotic to really show a different reality of the images
Then I used a new layer on Photoshop called lips and eyes and I drew these green eyes to make it more retro and look more like the work of Robertson and then same with the lips
Then at the end of creating all my edits double clicking on the layer i use the layer style on the layer named actual stitching and lips and eyes i add a inner glow which helps the image look more realistic and like it's been made by hand
then using the brush tool at 10 xp and the strength at 0 i then use that to create a new layer called holes where i draw holes around the actual stitches i made to make it look like proper stitches