The first portrait was based on personal experiences being transgender. The background is a photograph I have taken from the Russian illustrated bible, the specific page being “Banishment from heaven” as is written at the top. This is one of the most common arguments that I and many others have been subjected to, however by staying religious and reclaiming the biblical imagery in my work I have created a mockery of the argument used against my existence. Any possible joy in the piece is taken away with the lack of colour which was also used to signify death since a lot of people cope by believing that the person that transitioned has died. I made the visual hierarchy rely on shape, tone and scaling to convey the focus of the image instead, however due to how drastically different the 2 photos are in style it is still easy to separate them and focus on each individually. I’ve used a filter to stylise my face and make it harder to identify my facial features, that makes it look more soulless and menacing as well as “corporate-like” which helped signify that I am commonly viewed as faceless propaganda or a predator in the media.
The contrast of thick black figures and the bright pastel lighting of the sunset creates a very inspirational atmosphere. Facial features are mostly hidden which makes the image apply to a wider audience since it helps people picture themselves in place instead. The eagle in the sky helps portray freedom since it is typically what the animal is associated with. The angle from which the picture is taken has helped establish confidence and resilience since it makes the person look more important and helped establish that they are looking towards the sunset and the light instead of the darkness of the blue from the previous night which helps motivate to only look forward. This piece overall signifies the change that comes with a resilient attitude and the motivation to carry on forward.
References.
Юлиус Шнорр Фон Карольсфельд (Julius Shnorr Fon Carolsfield) (1991) библия в иллюстрациях (The bible in illustrations) Published by Свет на востоке (Light on the east)