The idea behind my portrait was to transform myself into something mystical and imaginative. This led me to think about different fairytale characters or myths, which made me think towards the direction of mermaids. When I was younger, I was always curious to see how it would be to live under water with a bunch of different see animals (especially since I can barely swim). So this was an opportunity to reimagine myself into a completely different scenario, surrounded by aquatic life and bright blue water. I also wanted to incorporate an out-of-the-box element of a crowd of people looking up at me. I wanted it to reflect that if mermaids were real, the scenario of them being contained for people to view or enjoy is quite a likely reality.
Mermaid Tail: https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-wearing-mermaid-costume-3656206/
Bubbles: https://www.freepik.com/free-psd/realistic-bubbles-isolated_49681149.htm#fromView=keyword&page=1&position=10&uuid=fd8aae55-9221-4f4e-92e4-6567917be974
All other images are from me
This work shows Jennie as a mermaid in an aquarium, turning a childhood fantasy into a living portrait. She is shown on display in an aquarium water tank with silhouettes of people on the outside pushing the display aspect and aquarium setting. Sea creatures swim around her, and the composition highlights her underwater with the movement of bubbles, jellyfish, and other marine life. The motion in this piece creates a realistic underwater environment.
ReplyDeleteThis image of Jennie as a mermaid speaks to her imagination, creating a sense of wonder and fantasy. It taps into her inner child and alludes to the idea of still holding onto dreams and creative visions. The mermaid form is often associated with freedom, mystery, and the allure of the unknown, traits that may show her desire for exploration and self-expression in this portrait. By placing herself as a creature of both land and sea, Jennie embodies a fantasy of being able to bridge different worlds, one where there is no boundary between fantasy and real life.
There were sufficient visual clues to interpret the work. The aquarium setting, sea creatures, and viewer silhouettes provide context that Jennie is a mermaid on display. It is definitely transformative, reimagining her as a creature of the sea. It successfully works as a portrait, drawing out both her personality and imagination. The imagery provides enough depth and context for viewers to grasp the intended narrative while leaving room for personal interpretation.
The use of motion is effective in enhancing the depth and the believability of the composition. The gentle drift of bubbles and jellyfish swimming around Jennie conveys the fluidity and impression of her being underwater. The motion deepens the sense of transformation by showing that she is not just posing as a mermaid but is living in this aquatic world.
Jennie’s portrayal as a mermaid brings with it layers of culture. The mermaid, a mythological figure, is often seen as an icon of mystery and freedom; It is woven into folklore, media, and even branding (Starbucks). Mermaids symbolize our fascination with the sea, the unknown, and a want to live a magical life. By portraying herself as a mermaid, Jennie shows with these cultural themes, and her transformative portrait engages with broader ideas about self-expression and the role of fantasy in our lives. The idea of preserving animals in aquariums and zoos also comes to mind and hints at the ethical questions around captivity and conservation. This work, then, is not only a personal portrait but a piece that encourages reflection on our treatment of both real and mythical creatures.
Overall, this work transforms Jennie into a mermaid, merging childhood dreams with a visually compelling underwater setting. Through realistic motion, the composition has depth that is successful in creating a believable aquarium setting. The portrait is both imaginative and culturally relevant. Jennie’s depiction as a mermaid in an aquarium is an exploration of her own inner world while also engaging with broader social ideas, ultimately making the work a meaningful and transformative piece.