Project In Practice

When determining the most effective medium to capture the essence of the project's objectives, a range of options were explored, including poetry, photography, videography, digital art compositions, and more. Each medium possesses unique strengths, prompting the decision to merge several together to fully encapsulate the desired narrative. By intertwining words and imagery within diary entries, the vivid essence of the "Black girl experience" was brought to life.

Early in the project, it was decided to adapt an Afrofuturistic exhibition, drawing inspiration from the narratives behind the art as conveyed through the diary entries. The chosen medium to fulfil the project's aims was a collection of diary entries penned by diverse black women, articulating their life stories and the profound impact on their identities. These entries were then expanded into ten art pieces—one for each of the eight participants, with two additional pieces dedicated to delving deeper into the stories of two participants, enhancing the narrative clarity.

To unify the project, a documentary-style interview format was selected, providing direct insight from the participants themselves on how their identities are formed. This approach ensures authenticity and amplifies the voices of the women whose experiences serve as the cornerstone of the project.

KEY STEPS

The initial step involved eliminating the background from the source image. Afterward, I overlaid a mixture of textures incorporating reggae patterns, mathematical equations, test tubes, space imagery, planets, and a bookcase. Following that, I crafted the text effect, shaping the photo with lyrics from the participant's beloved song. Subsequently, I adjusted colours and contrast, intensifying red tones. Lastly, I merged all layers and effects using the "linear dodge tool" to create a cohesive composition.

"HARMONY OF HERITAGE"

This participant in her diary hints at her passion for reggae music, which reflects her cultural heritage. She also discusses her deep affection for the teaching profession and the profound impact it has on children, which is a significant aspect of her identity.

MOODBOARD

marcia u waan see har ladadada ladadadada natural enuh ladadadada got to let dem know lada

TYPOGRAPHY

TEXTURE

"BINARY
ESSENCE"

The participant suggests that her identity is deeply intricate and multifaceted, resisting easy description. She likens it to puzzle pieces, where numerous small elements come together to form one grand, intricate picture, visually portraying her identity. To illustrate this concept, I devised a representation using 1s and 0s akin to binary code. This depiction features bioluminescent colors and glowing features, symbolising how the woman's identity shines even in darkness.

KEY STEPS

First, I assembled various Afrofuturistic backgrounds highlighting space and technological structures into a collage. Next, I abstractly trimmed around the subject, preserving a border around the shoulders to accentuate the typography feature. For the typography element, I shaped the text to follow the contours of the face and body. Then, I heightened the brightness while experimenting with neon and bioluminescent colors to evoke an electronic ambiance.

SOURCE
IMAGE

BACKGROUND IMAGERY, ABSTRACT CUTTING AROUND SUBJECT

"GUIDED BY LOTUS"

The participant pens a captivating poem, drawing inspiration from her mother's wisdom that has molded her into the woman she is today. She poetically likens her mother's words to the delicate petals of lotus flowers and daffodils, emphasiSing their enduring influence in guiding her through life even to this day.

MOODBOARD

KEY STEPS

I formulated the background, depicting a lotus and daffodil garden with rain and a hint of sunlight breaking through, symbolizing the joys and challenges of life that the participant's mother's words assist her in navigating.
Adding the typography feature, I shaped it around the curves of the petals and rainfall to harmonize with the theme.
Next, I began cutting out sections of the participant's face and hair, strategically leaving spaces for the emergence of daffodils. In line with Afrofuturism aesthetics, I aimed for a quirky and slightly surreal appearance.
Subsequently, I experimented with saturation and the color wheel to introduce a pink tint that complements the flowers and enhances the overall visual appeal.

"GUIDED BY LOTUS PART 2"

Inspired by the symbolism of the lotus, Part 2 serves as an extension of the portrait, evolving into an independent art piece. It ingeniously incorporates the delicate poem within the flower itself, employing the same typography feature. This approach enables viewers to discern the narrative essence deeply embedded within the project, further enhancing its significance and impact.

"CROWN CHRONICLES"

"STAGES"

This participant reflects on her upbringing in Jamaica with her Hindi grandmother, growing up in a strictly Catholic environment, and remaining a devout Christian who deeply loves God. She has traversed through various stages in her life journey, from her roots in Jamaica to relocating to the UK, pursuing her nursing degree, and meeting her husband at a young age. Her path also includes diligent studies to become a nurse.

In her diary, this participant chronicles her journey of embracing her natural hair, a reflection rooted in her upbringing in Eritrea. Now, she celebrates her natural hair, delighting in braids and cornrow hairstyles. Empowered by her hair, she has become a symbol of strength, cherishing her crown as a testament to her inner power.

KEY STEPS

Cultural Background: I began by replacing the background of the original picture with elements reflective of my Eritrean heritage, grounding my narrative in cultural identity.
Close-Up Focus: Zooming in, I framed a close-up shot of my face, aiming to capture the essence of my reflection and inner journey.
Costume Symbolism: Adorning myself with a traditional costume, I sought to symbolize the power and strength I've found in embracing my natural curls, weaving cultural pride into the visual narrative.
Experimental Flourish: Feeling adventurous, I experimented with the orange brush tool, crafting a neon-like aura around my hair, infusing the image with a touch of enchantment and whimsy.
Homage to Heritage: Behind me, I intricately incorporated a braid pattern, paying homage to the intrinsic beauty of black hairstyles and celebrating the diverse expressions of cultural identity.
Color Dynamics: Playing with the color palette, I explored the interplay of orange and blue filters, adding depth and dimension to the visual storytelling, enriching the emotional resonance of the composition.
Typography Integration: Finally, delicately integrating the typography feature, I sculpted the text around the curls of my face, seamlessly intertwining words with image, crafting a visual symphony that echoes themes of empowerment and self-acceptance.

Library Background: The first step was selecting a background that symbolises the participant's dedication to education as a nurse. I chose an image of a library to represent this commitment.

Layering Participant: Next, I layered the participant onto the background, experimenting with different shapes and sizes to create visual interest and depth.

Incorporate Rosary Illustration: I then incorporated an illustration of her rosary, which she mentioned in her interview, maintaining consistency with recurring motifs. This addition adds depth to her spiritual journey.

Pop Art Addition: To represent her journey in motherhood, I added a pop art-style illustration of a mother and child's hands above the participant. This element contributes to the narrative of her life stages.

Blending and Blurring: To maintain an ethereal feel and enhance cohesion within the piece, I experimented with blending and blurring modes, ensuring a seamless integration of all elements.

Typography Integration: Throughout the entire composition, I added the typography feature strategically to highlight key aspects and add depth to the overall composition, providing visual contrast and emphasis.

"ANGEL OF WISDOM"

In her diary, the participant emphasises the significance of aiding and motivating others, a sentiment akin to that of an angel. I aimed to visually capture this likeness by incorporating over-highlighted and over-exposed elements, giving her portrayal an ethereal quality. Ensuring anonymity, a key feature of Afrofuturism, I covered her face, symbolising the concept of identity within the movement. To symbolise the memories and experiences that have shaped her identity, I integrated blended polaroids cascading from the sky. Each falling polaroid represents a moment lived and a memory made, contributing to the narrative of her journey.

KEY STEPS

Subject Isolation: Initially, I meticulously cut the subject out of the original background, ensuring precision in the extraction process.

Cloudy Sky Underlay: Following that, I introduced a cloudy sky backdrop, strategically positioning it to give the impression that the subject is emerging from the clouds, evoking a dreamlike ambiance.

Polaroid Addition and Blending: Subsequently, I incorporated polaroids into the composition, applying a slight Gaussian blur to soften their edges and seamlessly blend them with the background. This technique enhances the nostalgic and reflective tone of the artwork.

Sunray Enhancement: To enhance the ethereal atmosphere, I added sunrays and extended them through the clouds, imparting a sense of radiance and warmth to the scene.

Hue Adjustment: Deliberately altering the hue of the participant alone, I adhered to the Afrofuturistic art style, where subjects are often portrayed in unconventional colors, adding a distinctive visual element to the composition.

Holographic Elements Addition: Finally, I introduced holographic elements such as wings and a heart for an extra layer of visual impact and symbolism, enhancing the overall aesthetic and narrative of the artwork.

MOODBOARD

Here, the participant vividly describes her upbringing as a Rastafarian, detailing practices like preparing marijuana. To authentically reflect this aspect of her identity, I aimed to mirror the Rastafarian symbol of the lion, incorporating its signature colors into the artwork. The piece is intended to evoke the image of a fierce and powerful woman who is also a devoted mother of two children.

MOODBOARD

"WINDRUSHED"

This specific participant's diary revealed that her family immigrated from the Dominican Republic on the Windrush. Born in Paddington, she frequently explored the intersectionality of her British and Dominican heritage. Both aspects have significantly influenced her identity, and I aimed to convey that intersection in the creative process.

MOODBOARD

TYPOGRAPHY MASK

"RASTAFARI ROOTS"

Subject Extraction: Initially, I carefully cut out the participant along with her picture of two lions from the original composition, ensuring precision in the extraction process. I then softened the edges to make the outline appear less harsh by applying a blur effect.

Background Addition: Following that, I introduced the background of a Jamaican street, emphasizing the iconic colors of yellow, green, and red to create a vibrant contrast. I heightened the saturation and exposure to enhance the vividness of the scene.

Subject Enhancement: To distinguish the participant from the background, I applied a yellow and black shadow to her, creating a visual separation. This technique emphasizes her presence within the composition.

Silhouette Addition: Next, I added an image of a mother and two children on her hip, darkening the shadow to transform it into a silhouette. To create symmetry, I duplicated and flipped the silhouette, giving the impression of a mirrored reflection.

Typography Integration: Finally, I incorporated typography in the reflective space, completing the composition and adding a narrative dimension to the artwork.

"ANCESTRAL HOMECOMING"

In this diary, the participant shares her deep connection to her ancestral heritage, describing the feeling of freedom in Jamaica and her profound love for the land and water. For the artwork, I aimed to depict the participant immersed in this atmospheric setting, edited to evoke a surreal and magical standard, reflecting the profound impact it had on her.

KEY STEPS

Flag Fusion: Initially, I merged the flags of Dominica and Great Britain to create a half-and-half composition. I added a wave effect to both flags to impart a sense of motion.

Subject Extraction: Next, I carefully cut the subject out of the original image, softening the edges to gradually blend with the background. I converted the subject to black and white using grayscale, drawing inspiration from the Afrofuturist movement.

Incorporating Windrush: I then added a cutout of the Windrush and increased its exposure until it became distorted, symbolizing its historical significance.

Typography Integration: The typography was added to the background, blended meticulously to ensure harmony with the overall composition.

Distortion Experimentation: I experimented with stretching the Windrush image to introduce further distortion, enhancing the visual impact.

Color Enhancement: Lastly, I boosted the colors of the background using various hues and brightness levels, enriching the overall vibrancy of the piece.

Water Ripple Effect: Initially, I incorporated a water ripple effect to simulate the presence of water, establishing the aquatic atmosphere.

Sky Color Tints: Next, I introduced color tints to the sky, experimenting with hues to evoke a surreal and magical ambiance.

Star Addition: Using the paintbrush tool, I added stars to the sky, enhancing the ethereal quality of the scene and further emphasizing its magical nature.

Gaussian Blur Application: I applied a Gaussian blur to distort the image, contributing to the dreamlike aesthetic and creating a sense of movement.

Participant Integration: Subsequently, I gradually faded the participant into the sea and the sky, seamlessly blending her into the environment.

Stylistic Enhancement: To complete the artwork, I utilised the oil paint stylistic tool and applied the poster edges filter, adding depth and texture to the composition while enhancing its overall aesthetic appeal.

"THE BLACK GIRL EXPERIENCE- A DOCUMENTARY"

JUMPCUTS AND DIP TO BLACK EDITING TECHNIQUE

SPOTLIGHT AND COLOUR LIGHTING EFFECTS

For the documentary, my aim was to create a comprehensive video showcasing the lives and experiences of several participants, highlighting the events that have shaped their identities. I organised the footage based on specific questions, ensuring that each participant answered them in sequence. To enhance the flow between segments, I utilised jump-cut editing and dip to black transitions.

Furthermore, I carefully curated the visual style of the video to align with the ambiance of the final exhibition. I opted for dramatic colored lighting and a dark environment to evoke a sense of intensity and intimacy. Close-up shots were utilised to create a more personal connection with the audience, allowing for a deeper emotional impact.