'Double Identity' - Initial Research

Now that I have an initial start for my idea, I have began exploring the further development, to specify what the idea is, and what I'm going to produce at the end. Researching the terms of feminist self-image and double identity I have come across many artist/photographers that can aid my project's momentum. Double identity can be a result of social gatherings encouraging certain behaviours and demanding fashions that transform you for the sake of a greater conformity. This split lifestyle can be seen throughout culture and the world.

MELANIE KLEIN - Healing (my) Mind, Body & Spirit.

The first artist who I came across, Melanie Klein, who in this image chooses to show a double identity through a mirrored reflection of a female character. As she sits there, she is seen reflecting upon her own physical image, exploring expressions along the way. Upon further inspection, you can see that the character has lipstick and a hairbrush, among other things, that clearly shows the experimentation of alternating your own appearance. For me, this shows that many young females are exposed to this lifestyle of alternation, showing that (for some reason) females tend to apply facial modifications, along with hair that has gone through its own transformation. These explorations distill an ideal that encourages you to be something more than yourself - aka, wear make up.

GEOFF CORDNER - I'm Sorry That I Think

This next photographer I found has a different take on the harm that identity endures. This depiction of a naked female with her own thoughts written on her skin shows that a fragility has taken damage. The nudity of the female exposes a mortality that physically takes on the words of those who say hateful things. Written upon her body, you can see thoughts and feelings that are reactions within her mind to those things that are inflicted against her, this shows the power that words can have, both against her and from her own thoughts. To me, this shows a battle that greatly involves and affects her appearance, that her body absorbs the words spoken to her, be it positive or in this case negative. This work can influence or indeed empower the idea of a double identity, presenting yourself as two different people according to who you're with. As an extension of this particular image, there is also a great screenshot within One Tree Hill, which is an American television drama, showing one of the main characters showing a similar image:

As you can see, the words of people are inflicted upon you, and the exposure of that can be enlightening for those who do not know of the implications their words have upon somebody.

RHIANNON SCHNEIDERMAN - A self portrait from the "Lady Manes" series

This photograph in particular empowers the woman with one identity, showing only your true self. The idea here is that she exaggerates the imperfections brilliantly, as a response to the expected conformity that the male society has come to expect of females. The retaliation is clearly seen through the use of scruffy hair, a stern expression, and particular outgoing rugged footwear. This attacks that idea of expectation and with the aid of her own self, shows an accelerated pubic growth which may be seen as an abnormality. The male audience may shudder at the idea, but it does create a memorable image. 

This presentation is firmly set on showing individualism through a constructed image. For my project, I wish for a more considerate, documentative approach that allows the audience to see both sides of a story, without creating bias.