rebekahopeeeee

[rebekahopeeeee]

ZINE

This selection comprises the initial set of images I gathered from the 2002 Playboy magazine, which formed the visual foundation for my zine. After scanning the images I cropped and resized them to align with the A4 format. This was the intended size of the final zine.

The images were chosen based on their relevance to the theme of "The Male Gaze" the concept of my project. Each piece was selected for how effectively it reflects or critiques the ways in which women are portrayed through a male dominated lens within media. This initial curatorial phase was critical in setting the visual and conceptual tone for the rest of the zine.

[rebekahopeeeee]

Model Release Form

Project Title: ___________________________________________

Photographer/Artist Name: ___________________________________________

Date: ______________________

Model Information

Full Name: ___________________________________________

Email Address: ___________________________________________

Phone Number: ___________________________________________

Address: ___________________________________________

Release Agreement

I, the undersigned, hereby grant permission to the artist/photographer named above to photograph, film, record, or otherwise capture my likeness, image, voice, and/or performance for use in the above-named project.

I understand and agree to the following:

Use of Images/Footage: My image and/or voice may be used in photographs, video, audio, and other media as part of this creative project, including but not limited to exhibitions, online platforms, social media, educational settings, printed materials, and artistic presentations.

Purpose of Use: I have been informed of the context and meaning behind the work and understand the intentions of the artist. I agree to participate voluntarily in support of the project’s narrative and message.

Confidentiality and Respect: My personal information will be handled confidentially, and any sensitive content will only be used with my full understanding and consent. The artist agrees to treat all contributions with respect and dignity.

Compensation: [Choose one] ☐ I acknowledge that I will not receive financial compensation for my participation. ☐ I will receive the following compensation: ___________________________________________

Revocation: I understand I may revoke this release in writing before the final publication or exhibition of the project, but once released to the public, it may not be possible to retract all uses.

Consent

By signing below, I confirm that I am at least 18 years old and have read and understood this release form. I agree to the terms above freely and without coercion.

Model Signature: ____________________________________ Date: _______________________

Artist/Photographer Signature: ____________________________________ Date: _______________________

[rebekahopeeeee]

Final Evaluation

As I reach the conclusion of this project, it is important to reflect on the overall process, the outcomes achieved and the challenges I encountered along the way. This final evaluation will assess how the project met its original aims and objectives and what I have learned throughout the experience.

Choosing to explore the sensitive and complex subject of "The Male Gaze" presented a great opportunity for both personal and creative growth. Throughout this project, I had the chance to collaborate with a range of individuals - each offering their own perspectives and personal stories. Documenting these interactions became a powerful part of my process, and it brought me a genuine sense of purpose.

Engaging with this topic has been both enlightening and challenging. It has not only deepened my understanding of how gender and perception operate within visual culture but has also prompted me to reflect on my own identity and how I am seen by others. Through interviews, research and also creative experimentation, I’ve learned to question the norms that shape representation, power and visibility.

Despite all I’ve uncovered, one question continues to linger in my mind: What truly defines "The Male Gaze?" especially within today’s society. Is it a fixed idea rooted in historical media narratives, or is it something evolving with the shifting dynamics of gender, power and also representation? This ongoing question keeps the conversation open and encourages me to continue exploring beyond this project within my own personal work.

Several challenges emerged throughout the course of this project. Some of which caused me to question how feasible it would be to bring my vision to life. One of the major obstacles was navigating the ethical considerations involved in working with individuals and their personal stories, especially given the sensitivity of the subject matter. To ensure both confidentiality and professionalism, I had to take the initiative to create my own model release and agreement forms. This step was essential in gaining informed consent and building trust with the individuals involved.

Another key challenge was clearly communicating the intention and deeper meaning behind my work to each participant. It was important to me that every model understood not only their role in the project but also the broader narrative I was trying to convey through their involvement. This required thoughtful conversations, active listening and high level of sensitivity and respect for their perspectives.

These moments tested my planning, communication and ethical decision making skills, but they also strengthened my confidence as a creator. Overcoming these challenges made the project more meaningful, as it ensured the stories being told were handled with care and integrity.

When deciding how to physically present my project, I wanted the display method to be deeply connected to my chosen theme "The Male Gaze." After a great deal of reflection and experimentation, I came up with an idea that felt both provocative and conceptually strong - presenting my work within the format of a Playboy magazine. Known globally as a long standing symbol of mainstream male targeted pornography, Playboy has played a significant role in shaping the way women are portrayed and consumed through a male dominated lens.

Using this publication as a medium allowed me to subvert and challenge its original context by inserting my own narrative into its pages. I sourced a Playboy magazine from 2002 (when the objectification of women in media was arguably even more normalised). I began carefully analysing the magazines content. As I scanned through each page, I selected sections that resonated with the themes of my work, pages where I could insert my own imagery and reinterpret the female form through a more thoughtful, critical lens.

This process not only gave me the chance to reframe traditional representations of women, but it also allowed me to engage in a form of visual dialogue with the past. By reworking this iconic format, I aimed to highlight the contrast between objectification and autonomy, exploring how women have historically been portrayed through the male gaze and how these portrayals might be challenged, redefined or even reclaimed in contemporary contexts.

Creating a digital document to display my work in the style of a Playboy magazine became a powerful visual and conceptual statement. It helped me bridge the gap between critique and creativity, making the final presentation of my project just as impactful as the content itself.

[rebekahopeeeee]

Peer Feedback

Throughout this project engaging in peer feedback sessions has played a crucial role in the development of my work and within deepening my understanding of how it is perceived by others. By participating in these discussions, I have gained valuable insights into different perspectives. This has helped me identify both strengths and areas for improvement in my project. Listening to others interpretations and suggestions not only broadened my viewpoint but also encouraged me to think more critically about my creative choices. This collaborative process has been instrumental in refining my ideas, enhancing the clarity of my message and ultimately creating a more impactful and well rounded final outcome.

After discussion with my peers and tutor I realised that a lot of my images to start where not cohesive and did not look like one body of work. Creating a monochrome story was something that I began to think would work best for myself and my project.

[rebekahopeeeee]

Artist Statement

The Male Gaze is an exploration of how masculinity, identity and power intersect within contemporary visual culture. Through the lens of the male perspective, this project delves into how societal norms, desires also self perception shape the way men view the world and, more importantly, how women are represented within it. Inspired by photographers like Bruce Gilden and Stephen Gill. I seek to uncover authentic narratives, challenging conventional portrayals of gender and identity. Central to my work is the examination of the objectification of women, particularly through the lens of pornography, advertising and performance art, as well as the duality experienced by strippers who navigate public performance and private selves. With an emphasis on consent and ethical responsibility, The Male Gaze aims to provoke thought, spark conversation and critique the power dynamics embedded in visual media, while highlighting the complexities of agency, autonomy, and empowerment.

[rebekahopeeeee]

SCANOGRAPHY

These images have been created through the technique of scenography. I have used a high resolution to create mottled effect on the skin on both images.

[rebekahopeeeee]

Project Proposal

The Male Gaze is the title of my project, which explores the intricacies and layers of the male perspective within contemporary visual culture. In this body of work, I seek to understand how a man's perceptions, desires and the influence of societal norms shape his way of seeing the world. By viewing society through a male lens, this project aims to uncover the nuanced ways gender, power and identity intersect within that framework. This exploration goes beyond the external gaze. It is also delving into the internal processes that inform how men perceive themselves, others and their own environment..

Throughout this journey, I’ve drawn inspiration from several photographers whose unique approaches have influenced the development of my collection. One particularly significant influence is Bruce Gilden and his renowned series Faces. Gilden’s raw also unfiltered style of portraiture, featuring saturated tones and close-up shots captures the essence of his subjects with honesty and intensity. In “Faces”, individuality takes centre stage, with each image revealing the depth of character without pretension. His gritty aesthetic resonates with me as it embraces the full spectrum of human experience and identity. Inspired by this, I approach my own work with an emphasis on authenticity. Aiming to uncover real stories that lie beneath the surface.

Another photographer who has shaped the physical presentation of my project is Stephen Gill, particularly through his collection “Warming Down.” His integration of a music book, made using eco conscious methods and recycled materials, creatively communicates his theme while reinforcing a sense of environmental responsibility. This approach has inspired me to think critically about the materials I use. In The Male Gaze, I incorporate a Playboy magazine a long standing cultural object often associated with the sexualized portrayal of women. By using this medium I hope to open a conversation around objectification and societal perceptions, while reflecting on the cultural and physical impact of such imagery, much like Gill’s ability to blend medium and message.

The core of my project investigates how the concept of the male gaze influence’s identity and power dynamics especially in how individuals, particularly women are represented and perceived within visual culture. I will also consider how the rise of social media continues to shape these perceptions. The project explores the mechanisms that contribute to the sexualization of women and critiques how visual media including pornography, advertising and performance art often reinforce gender roles and stereotypes.

A key focus of my work is the experience of strippers, examining both their professional and personal lives. This part of the project aims to highlight the duality they navigate between their public performance and private self. By portraying this contrast, I aim to explore the emotional and psychological aspects of performing for male desire and how these performers maintain agency while navigating societal expectations. This exploration reflects broader questions about identity, autonomy and the complex relationship between empowerment and objectification.

Ethical responsibility is central to my approach. Consent and dignity are foundational principles in this project. All individuals featured have given clear, informed consent and signed model release forms. This ensures that every image is created respectfully and that all participants retain agency over their representation.

In terms of technique, I will use a digital camera to create my images. This choice allows for precise control over image-making, offering clarity and depth that enhances the storytelling within my work. Additionally I will incorporate scenography, the intentional design of visual environments to craft emotionally resonant scenes that encourage deeper engagement. Through this blend of realism and stylized composition, I aim to challenge conventional narratives and invite viewers to question how they perceive gender and identity.

To stay on track, I’ve committed to a structured timeline. I aim to complete four test shoots by Sunday, April 20, 2025, allowing ample time for editing, review, and thoughtful reflection before the final phase of production. My full timeline is available on my personal blog, where I document progress and remain accountable to the process.

[rebekahopeeeee]

SHOOT 2

The aim of this shoot was to explore and capture the performative aspect of a dancer’s life. Specifically focusing on the moments that reflect the act of entertaining and captivating an audience, often through the lens of male desire. The intention was to dive deeper into the complex, multifaceted lives of these women, highlighting not just their artistry but the inherent dynamics of power, vulnerability and expectation that come with performing for a male gaze.

[rebekahopeeeee]

SHOOT 1

This shoot served as the first test for my ongoing project, which explores the concept of masculinity in its most raw and primal form. The aim was to capture men in a boxing environment working out together, where their physical exertion and intensity highlight not only their strength but also their animalistic nature. In this setting, men are stripped of societal facades. Allowing their raw, unfiltered masculinity to come to the forefront. I used digital photography for this shoot, deliberately editing the images in monochrome with low exposure to enhance the dramatic atmosphere. This decision was made to maintain the focus on the men's faces and expressions, bringing their emotions and physicality into sharp relief while stripping away any unnecessary distractions.

The use of monochrome tones and the low exposure technique serve to amplify the visceral quality of the images. Shadows obscure parts of their bodies, but the faces are illuminated. Capturing the intensity, determination and even vulnerability that exists in the act of boxing. By focusing on these moments, I wanted to bring out the raw, animalistic nature of men in physical struggle where instinct, aggression, and power merge. It’s an unfiltered portrayal of masculinity where physical prowess is shown not just as a display of strength, but as a primal force akin to a deeper almost instinctive survival drive.

This collection of images is intended to delve into the notion of masculinity, particularly in alignment with the theme of 'The male gaze.' Rather than presenting an idealised, polished version of masculinity these photos aim to explore it in its most authentic, untamed form. The figures in the photos don’t just look strong they embody an animalistic energy, a rawness that speaks to the innate desire to compete, conquer and assert dominance.

[rebekahopeeeee]

DEADLINE DATES

[rebekahopeeeee]

Book Research - WARMING DOWN - STEPHEN GILL

Stephen Gill's WARMING DOWN is an innovative work that blends both art and environmental consciousness. The project is notable not only for its artistic approach but also for the way it uses the format of a music book to communicate its message. The decision to make Warming Down as an eco book, using recycled materials and production methods, is deeply aligned with the subject matter of the book and the overarching environmental concerns that Gill seeks to address.

I want to take inspiration from this idea when creating my own phonebook, aligning it with my chosen theme of "The Male Gaze."

[rebekahopeeeee]

BRUCE GILDEN - FACE

“My portraits are supposed to tell stories,” Gilden explains, ‘and stories of real life. We make many of our judgments based on what these people look like, not who they are, or what they have lived through.

I will be drawing inspiration from this collection, particularly in the way each image captures raw emotion and vulnerability. The eyes in these photographs convey powerful stories, offering a window into the soul of the subject. In my own work, I aim to emulate this sense of intimacy and depth, using the lens to reveal the unspoken narratives that lie beneath the surface. By focusing on the subtle expressions and details that often go unnoticed, I hope to capture moments of truth and authenticity. My goal is to create images that invite the viewer to engage not just with the subject, but with the emotions and experiences that shape them. I want my work to provoke a sense of connection, encouraging the audience to pause, reflect and see the world through a more empathetic lens. Through this, I hope to explore the complexities of human experience and the stories that are often left untold.

[rebekahopeeeee]

Reflection Task

Throughout this year, I have explored themes of motherhood, mental illness and the concept of beauty. These subjects have not only deepened my understanding of what I enjoy researching and photographing, but have also shaped my vision for my career as a photographer helping me define my unique style. In my collection "Organic Beauty" I explored the interplay between beauty and decay, particularly focusing on the aging process.

For this project, I intentionally moved away from traditional photography, opting to create my final images through the process of scanography. This method allowed me to develop a passion for layering materials, which added depth and texture to my work. This approach has given me a more artistic perspective on photography, one that I hope to carry forward into this final project. The experience has not only influenced my technical process but also inspired me to continue pushing the boundaries of how I can express complex ideas through the medium of photography. As I move forward, I aim to incorporate these layers both literally and metaphorically into my future work, challenging the viewer to look closer and find beauty in unexpected places.

[rebekahopeeeee]

Exhibition Visit - NO ICONIC IMAGES. VIEWS OF WAR

I visited the Open Eye Gallery this week to experience the exhibition "No Iconic Images. Views of War." Upon entering the first section, I was immediately struck by the visual representation of various wars that have shaped the world. The piece was a chronological documentation of war, with photographs displayed in a timeline format. At first, I was intrigued but as I continued walking through the room, I started to feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of images scattered across the walls. The room was saturated with them, and I lost my patience after reading through the 11th image statement. It was at this moment that I began to realize this might have been an intentional design choice.

Each image felt like a notification popping up on my phone a constant stream of tragic visuals. The more I thought about it, the more I came to understand that these images, while harrowing, mirrored the way we now consume information. In a rapid, detached manner. In today’s world, social media, the news and other platforms have made us desensitised to such horrors. War and devastation have become part of the background noise of our lives. It’s no longer something we stop to reflect on but something we scroll past, numbed to its gravity.

I believe this exhibition was designed to comment on that desensitization. By bombarding the viewer with so many small images, it made me feel detached and indifferent, a reflection of how society has become ignorant to the deep impact of war. Had one of these images been enlarged to a massive scale, I think I would have stopped and taken more notice. The uniformity and size of the images here, however made it hard to engage deeply with any single photograph. The photographs themselves were powerful, but the display method seemed to strip them of their emotional impact.

I realised that the photographer behind this work was very clever in their approach. The seemingly overwhelming and disjointed presentation felt intentional. A commentary on the overload of information we face daily. This exhibition highlighted the ways in which we've become numb to the devastating realities of the world. It challenged me to reflect on how we, as a society, often view such serious matters from a distance, without fully absorbing their significance.

[rebekahopeeeee]

Book Research - VALE - ROBERT DARCH

The use of colour theory in VALE is one of the most significant and cohesive elements throughout the book. Each page seems to tell its own story through colour, creating a visual narrative that enhances the emotional depth of the images. The colors are carefully chosen to evoke specific moods and atmospheres. For example, the image I’ve selected for this post conjures the feeling of a warm morning sun, with soft golden tones that suggest a sense of calm, reflection and intimacy. The strategic use of color throughout the book not only enhances the overall theme but also deepens the viewer's connection to the subjects and the emotions they convey. Every hue, from muted earth tones to more vivid shades, plays a role in shaping the emotional resonance of the work making the color palette a vital storytelling tool.

[rebekahopeeeee]

Book Research - KINGDOM - ALAN J. WILKINSON

Upon analysing Kingdom, I noticed that half of the book is deliberately enclosed, with pages stuck together preventing us from seeing them. I believe this decision foreshadows the vulnerability of men, symbolising how it is common for men to close off and hide their emotions. The book explores the concept of what it means to be a "man" and the rigidness of masculinity, as highlighted in the quote, "Boys and men live within a gender straitjacket." The idea is that anyone who questions these norms or the roles expected of men is not considered "a man."

The construction and appearance of Kingdom stand in stark contrast to its theme. I believe Kingdom is a highly tactile book, intricately made and bound. It does not possess the typical "manly" aesthetic we might expect. But rather the opposite it appears quite delicate and pretty.

[rebekahopeeeee]

Carnival Strippers Revisited

Between 1972–75, Susan Meiselas followed carnival strippers who performed in country fairs across the northeast of the USA. Her meticulous documentation of their working lives explored themes of intimacy, vulnerability, nomadism, gender politics and sexuality.