Black Representation - AUSTIN PROJECT

 

Quotes:

"The Spectacle is not a collection of images, but a social relation among people, mediated by images"

"Images influence our lives and beliefs on a daily basis; advertising manufactures new desires and aspirations."

"The Spectacle presents itself as something enormously positive, indisputable and inaccessible."

"Debord defines the spectacle as the “autocratic reign of the market economy.” Though the term “mass media” is often used to describe the spectacle’s form, Debord derides its neutrality. “Rather than talk of the spectacle, people often prefer to use the term ‘media,’”

    For my self-portrait project, I was inspired by Kehinde Wiley because I really enjoy how she uses a floral background. It brings the portrait to life and adds a colorful dynamic that makes it interesting to look at. I wanted to specifically discuss the theme of black representation in the media. It has been so rare to see black people on the face of anything. We are only noticed if we start trends and that is also rare because someone of with a white complexion tends to to take these trends and become popular with it. I love Kehinde Wiley's work because alot of time people create portraits of our history when we were slaves or during the hard times of the civil rights movement but, her paintings are modern and shows unity. Adversiting, fashion and media defintately plays a huge role in identity, cultural and societal norms because it reaches a mass amount of people in the world. What ever is shown at the forefront of media is what people tend to believe. Alot of adverstiments include an array of caucasion models and then they add one lightskin black woman to make it seem like they are inclusive. Young black children are at home watching television or scrolling through social media wanting to see a version of themselves that is successful but its hard to believe in success when its rarely shown from a certain group of people. 

    For my project I wanted to do something that was unique and different. I created each virtual character from scratch using a computer software that allows me to choose every detail of the person's look. I wanted to show that "black" comes in different shades. sizes and forms. In the middle I created a character that resembles myself. I also made each character wear something pertaining to black lives matter because I wanted to make a statement that was upfront and obvious. After creating each character I took their picture and went on photoshop to cutout each of their backgrounds, then I added them on top of the floral background and positioned them closely to show a since of unity and comfort. I feel as though since black people are not usually are the forefront of media, that I was going to create a portrait that shows self-confidence and that contains a message that isnt hidden so that everyone can understand whether you are young or old. This project encourages change in a postive way and show everyone to be proud of who they are. I wanted to also make black people feel seen by letting them know that our lives will always matter despite how many times society shows us that it doesnt. This definately speaks to me because it gives hope for the future.