Confronting the gaze : an investigation into how a single defining picture of reality can be captured by multiple cameras

Abstract

This practice-based research examines the degree to which a person's character and identity can be captured ‘objectively’ in an image through a specific kind of methodology. The research delves into the entire process from concept creation to creative production by drawing on artistic and philosophical ideas by key artists and thinkers. Through theory and creative practice as a primary mode of inquiry, I attempted to answer the question (in the context of portrait photography) of whether or not a photographic image would be able to capture the sitter’s character and to what extent, with the portrait itself becoming a vehicle for the understanding of issues concerning likeness and resemblance. This creative research was carried out via a symbolic object of representation and a combination of cameras set at different vantage points. The slightest change of angle might reveal different aspects of the sitter’s identity. Reviewing all the images collectively, I was able to put together what I believe is a ‘faithful’ rendition of the sitters’ identity. The overall outcome presented a quite different perspective to the one I had prior to embarking on this research project. The real challenge lies in the combination of all the images each representing a ‘fragment’ of the sitter’s identity and bringing all these facets into a single defining photograph that is close to the subject’s ‘true’ resemblance.