Samantha Everton -Initial Investigation

'Party Dress' - This image portrays the essence of being defined as person by his/her race. The little girl evidently of an Asian background feels as if she is forever perceived and represented as nothing more and nothing less than a typical and traditional Asian girl. The mirror displays the reflection of the girl in a traditional Japanese kimono whilst reality contradictory displays her dressed in a Westernised clothing. Regardless of what she wears, al that is evident and dominating is the origins of her culture. This could be posing a question to audiences about the representation of a culture in a stereotypical context. Making general cultural assumptions about a race alternative to our own may result in the scenario depicted. The feel of this work is very dreamlike and therefore relates to the viewer on a more emotional rather than a logical and superficial level. The effect and intended message classifies her 'Vintage Dolls' body of work as physiological or even socio-cultural context for the reasons presented above. >">

PARTY DRESS

Pigment ink on rag

Editions:8
1060 x 1210 mm

'Secret Garden'- By representing an outdoor scene it suggests the ideology of being unable to fit in with the majority and their expectations. The enclosement from the real inside in which she is trying to become a part of by peering into the hole suggests that it must be a place of more value to her. I believe that the common theme between all three of these images is the restraints of culture and the opportunities it denies young people of considering their inability to experience life beyond their immediate cultural understandings. This girl appears to be curious of what she is being restricted from and eager to explore what the world has to offer; a typical characteristic of a child.

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Secret Garden
Pigment ink on rag
Editions:8
1060 x 1240 mm

'Siam'- The third image shows the comparisons of body language between the child and the cat. The position of the girl mimics that of a cat whilst the actual cat is escaping from the cage therefore presenting a role switch. The cat appears to have more freedom that the unsure girl has in a submissive and vulnerable position. This could also be analysed from the perspective of dealing with death. The emerging cat would have most likely eaten the bird whilst the young girl is symbolising the overwhelming emotions of dealing with death. I assume that my first reading of the intended message is more accurate as it fits in more logically with the theme of the previous two images; constraints of culture. All three of Everton's photographs have a profound emotional weight to them and use colour to set the intended mood available for the viewer to then take something personal away with them.>">

Siam
Pigment ink on rag
Editions:8
1060 x 1240 mm