Looking Glass.
This project visually represents a sociological theory developed by Charles Horton Cooley called The Looking Glass Self. The theory describes how self-perception is formed and ultimately shaped based on how we believe others view us. Cooley described this self-reflection as a “mirror” or “looking glass,” since we often use social interactions as a mirror to gauge how our actions are judged, which helps us gain a better understanding of our worth, values, and behavior. In my research of this theory, I found Cooley’s explanation of self-perception to be somewhat shallow, but ultimately accurate.
I decided to explore this theory through my work as a photographer, but with a twist: I wanted to emphasize that we should not let the actions and decisions of others determine our self-worth.
The images in Looking Glass feature three models, each representing a different aspect of self-perception. I chose female models to represent myself through surrogates, reflecting my experience of basing my self-worth on others' opinions. In the photos, I experimented with how water in various-shaped vessels can distort the face, symbolizing how our self-perception can become warped when we rely on others to define us. I also incorporated mirror reflections to depict the unclouded image we can see of ourselves when we step back and stop seeking approval from others.
The pages of the book alternate between sections of water distortion and mirror images, with about 30-50 images in each section. The book is designed to be flipped through quickly, as each section uses sequential images. This method of viewing also reflects the snap judgments we often make when interacting with others.
Looking Glass was originally a 500+ page book, single-sided and printed on 8.5x11 paper, bound with zip ties and a plexiglass reflective cover. After completing the first edition, I realized that the format didn’t align with or reflect the concept I was trying to convey. It has since been restructured into three separate volumes, with double-sided pages on 8x8 Hammermill 60# paper, printed at the VCU Creative Print Bureau. The volumes are now perfect bound and glued to a Stonehenge cover, featuring the letterpress title, completed at Bauhaus Press.
The featured models are Julianna Garcia, Nadia Essad, and Mia Blumberg.
I decided to explore this theory through my work as a photographer, but with a twist: I wanted to emphasize that we should not let the actions and decisions of others determine our self-worth.
The images in Looking Glass feature three models, each representing a different aspect of self-perception. I chose female models to represent myself through surrogates, reflecting my experience of basing my self-worth on others' opinions. In the photos, I experimented with how water in various-shaped vessels can distort the face, symbolizing how our self-perception can become warped when we rely on others to define us. I also incorporated mirror reflections to depict the unclouded image we can see of ourselves when we step back and stop seeking approval from others.
The pages of the book alternate between sections of water distortion and mirror images, with about 30-50 images in each section. The book is designed to be flipped through quickly, as each section uses sequential images. This method of viewing also reflects the snap judgments we often make when interacting with others.
Looking Glass was originally a 500+ page book, single-sided and printed on 8.5x11 paper, bound with zip ties and a plexiglass reflective cover. After completing the first edition, I realized that the format didn’t align with or reflect the concept I was trying to convey. It has since been restructured into three separate volumes, with double-sided pages on 8x8 Hammermill 60# paper, printed at the VCU Creative Print Bureau. The volumes are now perfect bound and glued to a Stonehenge cover, featuring the letterpress title, completed at Bauhaus Press.
The featured models are Julianna Garcia, Nadia Essad, and Mia Blumberg.
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