TRANSLUCENTTranslucent investigates the ‘truth’ behind one’s reflection focusing on the theme of body image, using the mirror as a dominant prop for the visual element of the work. As the working title implies, the mirror allows you limited observation from which you decide what you wish to see.

The project is based around my personal battle with body image and the process of trying to find beauty within myself using self-portraiture. Translucent compares whether mirrors demonstrate a reflection designed by perspective and feeling, or a psychological development evidenced in Lacan’s ‘Mirror Stage’ theory.

I intend to continue investigating my battle with body-image by demonstrating a two-week project which requires the removal of mirrors from my lifestyle, documenting this process as a visual and written diary which I hope to become the spring board for my final body of work. During this, I also intend to create a sound piece that could potentially be used within the exhibition. The idea behind the diary is to study if Lacan’s theory bares truth, using this to reinvent my feelings towards body image.

I also intend to develop the ways I wish to show my work, practising researched techniques to print imagery onto mirrors. The idea for my exhibition work is to allow my audience the chance to see themselves within the imagery, making them consider the ideas that I have during this project. My success at our exhibition depends on this practical element so I intend to frequently practice this process to create a strong final piece.

Polly Penrose, 2014, Unknown, Photograph, BJP Online, http://www.bjp-online.com/2014/07/body-clock-polly-penroses-nude-self-portraits/

In my self-imagery, it is important for me to perform well enough to demonstrate my context. My research will therefore be focused on performance art, such as work by Polly Penrose, whose self-portraiture “candidly portrays a moment, like marks in the calendar of [her] life.” (Smyth, D. 2014. BJP.). I will also be looking at the work of Helena Almeida, who uses performance art to create “questions around the representation of the artist’s body” (Johnson, S. 2016.). Theory wise, I will be reading ‘Performance Theory’ by Schechner to investigate performance art as a ritual.

Helena Almeida, 1967, Untitled, Photograph, AnOther Mag, http://www.anothermag.com/art-photography/gallery/7821/helena-almeida/2

During the Easter break I will be taking part in my two-week project, collecting sound work and written diary entries to create visual work daily. This will lead me to mid-April, where I will be evaluating my small project to conclude my main body of work with imagery ready for exhibition. By mid-May, I intend to be confident with the work I have made, continuing to develop my printing techniques and curation skills in time for the final exhibition in June.

£15.70 – 3 sheets of A1 transparency paper – I am still awaiting measurements of the space I will be exhibiting in; however, this is the largest size I will be working in.

£12.99 – 20 sheets of waterslide decal paper – this process could become an issue as the sheets come no larger than A4.

£4.50 – 18” x 9ft contact paper – this comes as a roll and can be cut to size which will require accuracy.

£8.50 – mod podge photo transfer medium (bottle) Mirrors – I have been donated two A1 size mirrors which will be used for the

final exhibition.

Considering my outcome, I propose a budget of £250 - £300 for the creation of my exhibition, including costs for the printing and hanging of the work.