Week 5 Reflective Journal - 20th February - PechaKucha Presentation, Research, Model dropped out and Styling designs for the 3 series of photoshoots

PechaKucha Presentation

PechaKucha Powerpoint

After the PechaKucha presentation, I have received feedback from two mentors about my project. They commented that they like the idea of using Chinese Opera theme and suggested to me to develop more research on Chinese Opera. On the other hand, they have commented that I will need to do more research on Surrealism in order to create my own interpretation and more unique pieces of Surrealism work. 

Next Step...

• Do more research on Surrealism 
• Start doing test shoots
• Prepare and get all the props and garments ready for the photoshoot and fashion film

Model dropped out: 

Since the fmp proposal, I have asked a model to take part in the photo shoot of "You, me or her?". However, because of personal reason, she is not able to participate in this project and I have to find another model to take part on this project as soon as possible. 

Research:

Surreal Photography-

Ren Hang was a Chinese poet and photographer and within his works, I found that he has used red colors a lot in his works. His photographs style feature the surreal elements and I like the color of his photographs where it has got the vintage touch in it. Animals are being used quite often in his artworks to show a irrational and distorted images. 

https://www.foam.org/userfiles/headers/museum/tentoonstellingen/3000x18
00untitled_2016_c_ren_hang_courtesy_stieglitz_2.jpg

https://timedotcom.files.wordpress.com/2017/03/ren-hang-taschen-photographer-china-022.jpg?quality=85&w=374

http://payload282.cargocollective.com/1/9/294757/7940331/000039.JPG

http://d2jv9003bew7ag.cloudfront.net/uploads/Lara-Zankoul-The-Unseen-2013-cover-865x577.jpg

On above is a photography piece "The Unseen" by Lara Zankoul and it presents the idea of surrealism through the use of animals head combine with human body. It inspires me that I could combine my model with an unrelated object that shares similar functions to create a surrealistic outcome. 

http://iloboyou.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Surrealism-photography-by-Thomas-Barb%C3%A8y-artists-I-Lobo-you14.jpg

On above is a photographs created by Thomas Barbey, a Lebanese conceptual photographer. Her work demonstrates the mysteries of the human psyche, while combines with unusual elements. Through her work, I understand that I could change the objectives of one thing and look at the function of it and combines with another object's function. 

Film - Eight And A Half 

http://www.movie-film-review.com/devFilm.asp?ID=3962

Eight And A Half is a semi-autobiographical comedy-drama film in 1963 directed by Federico Fellini. It is acknowledge as an avant-garde film and there are scenes which features fantasy which has got the elements of Surrealism. On above is a picture from one of the fantasy scene where the protagonist leg tie with a stroke and he was flying in the sky. This presents the concept of a kite and I found it very surprising when I first watched the scene. This allows me to understand that in my film, I could experiment with different angles to shoot the scene to create a unique and surprising scene. 

Changes on the photographers and film makers position:
At the beginning of this project, I have decided to collaborate with a photographer and a film maker for my photo shoots and fashion film. However, I have changed my mind now and I will also take part in being a photographer and filmmakers. I have experienced with taking photos and understand how to set up the lighting in the studio. I also have experience on filming fashion film as last year I have created a fashion film by myself. I know how to function Photoshop and Premiere Pro CC to edit videos and I think this time, the experience will help me to reflect back to the things that I have learnt at university and I could use this opportunity to develop my skills as well. 

Face charts &Hair Designs & Styling

Design 1 : "Profits Pouring From All Sides"

The design takes inspirations from a dolly make-up. The circles on the cheeks represent fulfilled as which is what Chinese people identify the shape is. I have used red glitter to create the circle shape to make the photo represent more the happiness in Chinese New Year. The make-up also features matte red lips to create a contrast to the glitter. While on the hairstyle, I have used a  short black blunt wig to create a fashionable outcome and the black color hair is used to represent Chinese people's hair color. On the outfit, I want to choose something red and baggy to match the dolly make-up.

Design  2: " Who are you? My lover"

The design features an elegant look and I want to keep the make-up look clean and simple as I don't want to distract the red string within the photoshoot. Red bold lips, clean dewy make-up base and brush up brows are featured within this look. While for the hairstyle, I want to use a low ponytail with a middle parting to show an elegant look and match the red cheongsam. 

Design 3 - "You, me or her?"

The design takes inspirations from Chinese Opera's costumes. Chinese Opera performer's make-up features pinkish red color around the eyes and cheeks and I want to use this characteristics to create a contemporary style while I will just apply the eye shadow around the eyelid. In traditional Chinese opera, performer's eyes feature dark black color around the eyes and to make this features contemporary, I will do a winged eyeliner. The drawn eyebrows on my face chart is inspired by the Chinese face masks on the bottom left corner. The hairstyle features a high ponytail, while at the front, I have create the finger waves to reference to the Chinese Opera performer's hair at the front to create a similar shape to theirs. The high ponytail on my hair chart reminds me of the Chinese paint brush and the writing which features straight hair. For the outfit, I want to choose a garment which is red in color and flowy so to refer to the Opera performer's costume. I have also added a red ribbon on the ponytail to embellish the hairstyle. 

Reference:

• Angie Kordic, (2016), 10 STUNNING SURREAL PHOTOGRAPHY EXAMPLES YOU HAVE TO CHECK OUT! [ONLINE]. Available at: http://d2jv9003bew7ag.cloudfront.net/uploads/Lara-Zankoul-The-Unseen-2013-cover-865x577.jpg [Accessed 27 February 2017].

• ARTISTS , (2015), Surrealism photography by Thomas Barbèy [ONLINE]. Available at: http://iloboyou.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Surrealism-photography-by-Thomas-Barb%C3%A8y-artists-I-Lobo-you14.jpg [Accessed 27 February 2017].
• Unknown, (n.d.), Eight And A Half / 8 1/2 / Otto E Mezzo [ONLINE]. Available at: http://www.movie-film-review.com/devFilm.asp?ID=3962 [Accessed 27 February 2017].

• REN HANG, (n.d.), REN HANG [ONLINE]. Available at: https://www.foam.org/userfiles/headers/museum/tentoonstellingen/3000x1800untitled_2016_c_ren_hang_courtesy_stieglitz_2.jpg [Accessed 27 February 2017].
• REN HANG, (2013), REN HANG [ONLINE]. Available at: https://www.foam.org/userfiles/headers/museum/tentoonstellingen/3000x1800untitled_2016_c_ren_hang_courtesy_stieglitz_2.jpg [Accessed 27 February 2017].
• REN HANG, (n.d.), My Mum [ONLINE]. Available at: http://payload282.cargocollective.com/1/9/294757/7940331/000039.JPG [Accessed 27 February 2017].
• Eight and a half, 1963 [film]. Directed by: Federico Fellini. Italy: Cineriz (Italy)