October 2021 

digital photograph septych (RAW images taken on Canon EOS Rebel T8i (ISO 1600, f/20, 1/200 s, 24-35mm, and flash) and edited in Photoshop)

40 x 9.5 in.​

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We are all actors. We are trying to leave a particular impression on audiences through our ongoing performance of just existing in the world. Whether this performance is for yourself, your close ones, or a large group, keeping up with the role is important. As your audience grows, you tend to mask yourself from them for your own security. As a result, we are never completely in the moment of the performance. We consider how we communicate and present ourselves to the audience, as these factors are key to a successful performance. Using facial expressions to display a certain emotion is one pertinent method for our performance. If you can channel basic human emotions for a diverse range of audiences, then the audience may find your role to be memorable.

 

This photographic septych explores the significance of having a role and maintaining the role for all sorts of audiences. The seven universal human emotions of happiness, surprise, fear, disgust, anger, sadness, and contempt are expressed in each photograph. Three faces can be seen in each photograph to represent the levels in how you deliver your performance. The Japanese concept of individuals having three faces and Stanislavski’s 3 Circles of Attention inspired the three levels of performance seen within each photograph. The notion that we are never completely detached from ourselves in performance is indicated by the faces representing the second and third circles of attention masking the face that represents the first circle of attention. The photographs are color graded to resemble a Polaroid, and the framing of each image emulates the concept of headshots that actors need to land a job, while also questioning why we were cast to take on the role that we continue to perform. ​