Overall Concept:
From my research on this topic in Graphics, I have found that there are several key factors that cause young girls to grow up so fast these days. These include the media, advertising, TV and movies, parenting and idols. In turn, these factors have reactions such as teenage pregnancy, anorexia, obesity, violence, text/cyber bullying, drinking, smoking, taking drugs, premature sexuality, anxiety and depression. I would like to deal with several of these issues in a photographic manner, dealing with what the child is doing, what has caused them to do this (this could just be an object that shows what they are doing) and perhaps a metaphorical image that represents it. It would also be quite cool to include brand names or logos that represent each issue and also consumerism.
Putting it Together/Presentation:
I want to use pieces of OHT in a layered way and print one photo on each layer so that when they are put together, they form a photo-montage or collage effect (For example, the image of the child will be on the first layer, the cause on the second layer and the metaphorical image on the third layer... and so on). I would like to put these sheets together in a photo frame that has a clear back on it so you can see through both sides. If these frames were then hung on a white gallery wall (for example), you would be able to see all the detail of the images. I'm not sure yet whether I will get these frames made for me at Polytech or buy them. It depends if I choose to stagger the layers of OHT so that there is a space between each layer, or if they are butted up flat on each other. I chose to use OHT sheets because it is something different and I will be able to explore my use of colour over several layers in one overall image. I also like the idea that they are transparent so images could overlap. Transparency is also, i think, quite relevant to my theme because these young girls don't realize that what they are doing is turning them into people of no substance and superficial.
Ideas for Each Photo-montage:
- Dieting/Caring about their body image: Child= Measuring the size of their waist or standing on the scales (this will be a cropped image where you will only see the section of the body but not the girls face). Cause/Object= Barbie dolls (unrealistic body proportions). Metaphor= Spindly/withered trees or food that is going off because it hasn't been eaten. Logo= Barbie.
- Wearing too much makeup: Child= Putting on red lipstick or heavy eyeliner/mascara (this again would be a cropped image where you can just see the features of the face). Cause/Object= Makeup palette or group of products. Metaphor= Thick icing on a cake or something beautiful and pure that is covered up by something that isn't (such as an aspect of nature that has been tagged on or covered with rubbish). Logo= Cover Girl.
- Internet over-usage: Child= Typing on a keyboard or using the mouse on a desktop or laptop computer. Cause/Object= School computer room or parts of a computer. Metaphor= Spider web (could have a spider in it to represent the dangers). Logo: Second Life/iMac.
- "Tween" shoppers: Child= Hands holding lots of shopping bags that are full of purchases. Cause/Object= Mall or wallet/credit cards . Metaphor= Burning or throwing away money. Logo= Cotton On Kids.
- Underage drinking: Child= Holding a martini glass. Cause/Object= Bottles of alcohol/Fake IDs. Metaphor= Pulling out the plug from a sink/bathtub, water going down the drain. Logo= Pure Blonde.
I think I will need to create at least five of these photo-montages to complete the requirements for this assignment which calls for about 15 photographs in total.
