Texture, Colour, Matt and Gloss

An Evolving Populist Ideology

The photographic work of Thomas Rusch for the cosmetic brand Nars elicits the evolving populist view of the use of make up, that it is something to play with, to utilise in novel ways. Each image seen here is associated with a specific Nars product to generate this concept, so an eyeshadow or a lip lacquer is used to cover the entire face, a blusher creme stick is used to decorate the cheeks in a more informed manner.  Nars may not have the same brand ethos of say Illamasqua, but in delivering this ideology of how make up can be used in the future for the ordinary consumer it is not a million miles away.

The Application of Make Up

The recording of the application of make-up seems to be developing into a theme on this blog and it brought to mind the scene from the BBC shorts drama 'Up In Town', starring Joanna Lumley as Maddison Blakelock, sitting in front of her mirror ruminating on her past as she carefully applies her face before visiting her 'Financial Investment Consultant' at the bank. Watching Lumley carefully construct her appearance in the un-selfconscious way only women who habitually wear make up can apply, suggests that the process of cosmetic application and identity is worthy of further debate.  

Madame Peripetie Strikes Again

 

 Mr and Mrs Tremblehead.

As much as I admire the work of Charlie Le Mindu, I still have to return to the work of Madame Peripetie.

Hopes and Fears

If you enjoyed Gareth Pugh's Showstudio 'Fash Off', then I think you will appreciate the dissertation by practice video by Laura Flynn a student at Southampton Solent University, studying Make-Up and Hair Design for Music Film and Photography.  It follows a similar application of concept by Pugh but this time in public while also recording the reaction of a live audience.  Fascinating.

Skin Jewellery

J. Maskrey started her career as a make-up artist but soon broke away from traditional methods by using crystals to make stick- on motifs and thus developed the original 'Skin Jewellery'.

Andrew Huang - 'Doll Face'

A machine with a doll face mimics images on television screen in search of a satisfactory visage. Doll Face presents a visual account of desires misplaced and identities fractured by our technological extension into the future. Listed among Creativity Magazine's Top 25 "Directors to Watch" in 2008, Andrew Huang's work has been increasingly recognized by his trademark combination of live action, animation and visual effects.

Doll Face 

Promotional video by Andrew Huang 2009.  Delphic - "Doubt"

Delphic - Doubt from Modular People on Vimeo.

After further reflection on 'Doll Face'  I thought it would be useful to see Bjorks music video.