Assignment 1 _ yes/no binary

Bodily autonomy. September 16th, 2021.

    The space between Yes/No lies in terms of accessibility. 

Source: 

    VSCO 

Process: 

The process was rather difficult as an artist. Decisions regarding the subject matter and details were a tight rope. As an artist, I am reluctant to avoid the cliché tropes unless there is a specific purpose to do so - such as mockery. So in creating the composition, there was a struggle to have enough information, without going 'overkill'. 

In addition to this, during my research, it was very difficult to find solid and trustworthy sources. There was also a dilemma in regards to deciding if I address specific geography, time period, etc. In the end, I decided it was best to broadly address the subject matter using a reference for the rationale of the ban or legality of abortion scale in a global reference. I also feel that dating the work signifies a call to an existing socialized dilemma. 

Decisions: 

The decision to position me in the work felt important. There is an element of authorship I felt was necessary. Abortion is still very taboo, and very dangerous to be identified with. The direct gaze at the viewer signals this energy in the work in a way that recognizes power through both elements of discomfort and strength. The difficulty with the subject matter is that taboo lies in the resistance for individuals to be seen. Deciding to photograph this image in an empty bedroom space was meant to create a sense of privacy- and solitude. 

Reflections: 

I believe this theme is an emerging path in my practice and would like to build upon the subject in the future. 

If I had more experience with this medium I would have executed the photographs a little differently. This mostly pertains to the angles and means of taking the photographs. (Taking self Portraits by yourself is rather difficult when avoiding the 'selfie' cliché- but I did the best I could for the time being.) I considered the element of the female nude - but decided I wasn't confident on that as a subject in this project. 

This project feels like an extension of my previous works to some extent. If desired, I can attach my previous works which echo discourse parallel to this assignment. -- I have always been interested in the theme of creation/destruction, making/unmaking, and visible/invisible in my practice. So in light of this, I wanted to incorporate an element of self-portraiture within the visibility and invisibility of identity in correspondence to the binary of yes/no.