thetarotproject2017

[thetarotproject2017]

EVALUATION OF PROJECT

This evaluation sets out to critically analyse my Final Major Project for Fashion Styling and Creative Direction (BA). It shall look at its initial concept, production and the outcomes both positive and negative as a result.

The Tarot Project, originally named Profectique de Anima (journey of the soul in Latin) has set out, drawing on inspiration from the Tarot, to reimagine its symbolic archetypal figures in a modern way that is both artistic yet approachable. The Major Arcana, which contains 22 cards are representational of themes and archetypes for the person who is being read. The cards that I most felt could be translated into avant-garde images firstly were The High Priestess, The Hierophant, The Fool, Death, The Lovers and Strength. I felt I could do these cards justice, that they offered balance as a series whilst having in mind what was practically possible with the team I had begun to organise. These archetypes were to be transformed into photographic images which initially were to be displayed on an online platform with some use of film used as an introduction to the series.

Tarot and spirituality is something I’ve grown up with from an early age – the project is incredibly personal to me as well as a unique subject that I don’t feel has been explored extensively in modern art and fashion. I was inspired by the traditional Rider Waite deck and its universal themes – aiming to translate my chosen cards into artistic pieces that were modern while maintaining an element of traditionalism. It was important to me to not only do the cards justice but also that the project be refreshing and current as well as cross over the borders of photography, make-up, fashion and art.

The project overall had significant changes made comparing to its proposal. However, I feel that these changes were organic, well thought out and essential to its evolution. One of the first things decided in my first week of this unit is that I would go back to my original idea and have a physical exhibition instead an online one – this is due to me wanting the cards/characters to be physical creations rather than virtual ones. I also felt that I could achieve a higher standard of work with an actual exhibition.

Having started tutorials soon after, I was in two minds whether to have two models. One male and one female model would show necessary distinctions yet one model transforming throughout would be more reflective of the Tarot’s journey – a journey of the human soul essentially. I eventually settled on having two models as I felt this would result in a cleaner outcome as well as distinguish more effectively the male and female energies. Something I wanted to incorporate from the project’s conception was a portrait style, having been drawn to renaissance and pre-Raphaelite paintings. As I developed the final looks my photographer and I both felt that this would be an ideal style for the entire shoot and that it would offer consistency throughout the series.

My team consisted of a photographer friend I from London Isabella Javore, Marilena Angelopoulou from my year, Yoiwan Kong whose avant-garde make up artistry was perfect for the project, her assistant Erin Stacey and Lorhaine Mendes from my course also whose look I felt would bring an edge to the female looks. Something I did not plan on most definitely was fulfilling the male roles in the shoot. Yoiwan had suggested it and although hesitant at first I decided it was the best decision. I knew the moods I wanted to convey, my look would work well and overall it brought this personal project together. The final looks consisted of seven archetypes/themes with some changes I felt essential – The Fool, The High Priestess, Strength, The Lovers and Death would be accompanied by The Magician and The Star. This offered some variation between the archetypes and completed the series for me. All images were shot with a black colourama to balance out the make-up and styling which also allows ties the images together as a collection.

Beauty and mid-length shots were the focus throughout and the looks were split into two shoots, two weeks apart. This did pose several issues and worries initially as the shoot originally was meant to be over two consecutive days. Consequently, the shoots not only had a week apart but also meant a new photographer had to be used. My good friend Marilena Angelopoulou therefore took Isabella’s place. Although this was by no means planned, Marilena was very well aware of the project’s technicalities, being present at the first shoot. The second shoot ran smoothly and effectively.

The use of props, colour and graphic make up for me ties the key ideas together. The white rose is essential to the start of the story – The Fool – and also its appearance in Death representing both youth and endings. The crystal ball The High Priestess holds signifies her wisdom and feminine power, the apple’s ambiguous connotations in The Lovers and the bound book in The Magician are all central in representing each chapter of the series. It was important for me that a modern edge was given to all the looks – this is perhaps best seen in the painterly faces given to The Fool and Death and the final edit of all the images which possess something slightly undone.

Looking at the project at its completion I can say I am happy with the outcome but also aware that there are several ways it could have been developed – as well as not feeling like I completed everything I set out to do. I am most disappointed by the fact that although I did change the exhibition to a virtual one, a film was still not created. This would have not only shown the project on a multiple of platforms but would have truly created something visually powerful that could be accessed online. Music, sound and movement could have been incorporated also with a film. In terms of the images themselves however, for me they are a great success – being high quality as well as incorporating all the elements I wanted to include.

As I begun to finalise the last few details of my exhibition and with the aid of my mentor, The Tarot Project progressed further in a way that I had not planned at all. While discussing the final outcome and several ideas my tutor and I came to the decision of exhibiting four out of seven of the images at the Art House as planned but combining this with a tarot box version also. The seven images would be displayed in A6 form at the exhibition and a box, along with a crystal and candle, would be submitted physically as a set. The cards were exhibited on a ‘Readings’ style table along with the enlarged A3 images. Adding a tarot box allowed my project to take another form, becoming an artistic keepsake and even has the ability to be used for a mini reading. 

The A3 images themselves were hung on a plain white wall in the Art House, accompanied by a professional artist write up and labels below each image. It’s important to note here that it was when I was writing my artist page for the exhibition I finally decided to change the name of the project officially to The Tarot Project. It was what I called it naturally throughout the project’s progress and I felt it less cliché and modern than Profectique de Anima which felt slightly pretentious as well as not particularly inviting. I can’t say that I was or am ecstatic about the exhibition space, though it did allow me to play music, burn incense and create my own set up as well as have refreshments which many places would have had an issue with. 

As an age bracket of people aged between 20-30 mostly attended the exhibition, I feel it was successful in attracting a creative and artistic group who either had a very keen interest in mysticism and spirituality or were attracted to dramatically styled images. However, again, I feel the project needed a film to accompany the images which would have modernised the series, given it more life and perhaps initiated a far more emotive connection between the subject and viewer.

Even though I set out to create 6-7 images, if time and finances allowed I would have definitely extended the archetypes/themes to perhaps double the amount and have blown the images up to A2 or A1 size.  This would have allowed further exploration into the Tarot and its meanings as well as be more visually impressive. On the whole it would also be more reflective of the journey of the Major Arcana. I am however very interested in taking the project further and adding new creations to the series as well as producing a film. My first photographer and I, Isabella Javore, are not only very close but share the same passion for the Tarot. Therefore, when we feel we can, we are planning to see The Tarot Project’s progression and completion.

I have learnt so much from my Final Major Project as well as thoroughly enjoyed its process. The importance of a reliable, skilled team was and is crucial for a positive outcome of any project. It also gave me a true taste of what working in industry will be like and effective collaboration. Organising the exhibition was one of the most stressful procedures but I’m also proud of how I handled it’s planning and of all my work overall. The culmination of my University experience, I can honestly say has given me confidence in taking my next steps in the creative world and in my personal development as a creative individual.

[thetarotproject2017]

17/04 - Last Diary Entry

Printing of all the images has commenced and the necessary boxes to be used have been ordered.

A date has also been set for the exhibition for Wednesday 26th April. Fashion Photography student Chloe James , who is exhibiting at the Art House also, and I have decided to host a joint exhibition opening for a higher turn out and a helping hand in prepping for both shows.  

Chloe and I are also in search of a film student to document the exhibition opening – although pictures will be taken throughout.

[thetarotproject2017]

06/04

I was able to discuss my exhibition and images with Sebastian today – the tutorial was invaluable in further developing the Tarot Project. Due to certain restrictions I feel are being placed at The Art House I’ve decided to have some variation in the images sizes.

The final product will therefore consist of four of the seven images being enlarged to an A3 size these will be Death, The High Priestess, The Lovers and The Fool which show variation and are visually impressive in my opinion. All the images will also be printed in A6 form to depict a card likeness. These will be able to be viewed at the exhibition and submitted physically. A personal touch will also be added with a crystal and candle inside the box, creating a set and keepsake.

[thetarotproject2017]

20/03

After focusing on my other assignments over the past week, I am currently reviewing all photographs from both shoots and choosing the final seven. I’ve also contacted the Art House Gallery Cafe in town and have reserved a slot for my exhibition for the end of April. I will need to view the space however to check that it is suitable and if it is, get an idea of the layout of the images.

I’ve let the gallery owner Jani know that they will be A3 size. I will need to see how I will display the description of myself and the project overall. I am thinking of having a separate write up for each card/image describing poetically it’s symbolism and significance.

[thetarotproject2017]

14/03 - Shoot 2

The shoot for the last two looks, The Magician and The Star took place today – Yoiwan did the make up which was essential in order to maintain the style of looks, Lorraine was also needed for the The Star and my good friend on my course Marilena offered to assist with photography and lighting set up as a replacement for Isabella. 

I’m very happy with the outcome of the last two looks – The Star both captures the hope the original card possesses as well as having a high fashion edge. The Magician which I modelled for also came together nicely, with a variety of shots to choose from as well as possessing a slightly different energy than the other cards photographed. Overall, I’m happy with my choices and feel they most definitely flow and connect as a series aesthetically.

[thetarotproject2017]

07/03 - Shoot 1

I am so pleased with what we accomplished today as a team. Though it was a long day for everyone, we managed to shoot 5 out of of the 7 looks which is a huge accomplishment.

Isabella and I arrived at the studio at 9:30 am (half an hour before everyone arrived) and I steamed the garments while Isabella with the help of Chris Overend started with the lighting set up. After testing out some gels we decided that they would be perfect for what we were going for, offering a tint/glow which gave us the ability to adjust the mood from cool to warm. We also decided that a black backdrop was the best way to go.

Out of all the looks shot today I am most happy with Death, The High Priestess and Strength – I feel more variation with The Lovers and The Fool would have been ideal. There are good shots throughout but perhaps more planning with poses would have resulted in stronger images for the last two looks.

We also unanimously decided that shooting the last two looks the next day was impractical – we were all exhausted and my hair would need to be straightened ready for the next day for The Magician. It was also crucial that Erin attend Uni for her deadline. Although this wasn’t planned and changed my schedule, I decided it was best for everyone. The quality of my shoot is the most important thing and it would also give me more time to make any last minute additions or improvements to the last two looks. 

[thetarotproject2017]

06/03

Isabella arrived today from London and the day consisted of going through all the looks, discussing lighting as well as taking out all the equipment we may need – a canon 700D , tripod and several lenses.

We also purchased the last minute things we needed, such as the rose for Death and The Fool and fruit for The Lovers. In the group chat we finalised the make up looks for The Lovers, The Star and The Magician which were the trickiest cards to portray as well as the last additions.

Overall, I feel confident and well prepared for tomorrow’s shoot.        

[thetarotproject2017]

05/03

Shopping the looks was a big success over the last two days and I am confident with all the garments. Discussing the styling options and make up in conjunction with the lighting set up, Isabella (our photographer) and I feel the prominent shots will be mid-length. This works perfectly with the portrait like feeling I’ve wanted to emulate from the beginning of this project. It will also offer a consistency throughout the series.

We also discussed the colourama options and decided on either a pale yellow or pale blue (used regularly in the Rider Waite deck), grey or black. One colour throughout made the most sense to use for all the shots as multiple colours could easily get messy with the avant-garde make up and styling.

[thetarotproject2017]

03/03

The last week or so has largely revolved around the final looks we are shooting, changes to make up and finalising the times we will be shooting. The consensus is to shoot the hardest looks make up wise first such as Death which is a graphic skull as well as the High Priestess – this will allow the looks to be completed at the start of the day and the rest of the looks can be shot with ease.

I will be returning to London today and over the weekend will shop the final looks. 

[thetarotproject2017]

23/02

The last several days have seen a great amount of organisation take place. I have organised transport for my photographer and have another make-up and hair artist on board to assist Yoiwan on the first day of shooting. Erin will also be covering for Yoiwan on the second day of shooting as she has a work commitment. The complex looks will therefore be done on the first day of shooting, when Yoiwan and Erin will both be present.

I’m delving back into the looks from a styling point of view and looking at colour options that will intertwine with the hair and make-up – I want the clothes to be structured quite simply, as the hair and make-up is dramatic as well as involving accessories and perhaps headpieces. I want to avoid an overdone theatrical outcome.

There have also been significant changes to the card choices. I am switching The Hierophant with The Magician – this is due to the similarity of connotations between The Hierophant and The High Priestess and I don’t want the overall feeling to be of a religious nature. The Magician is also a very significant card in the Tarot symbolising action and I feel it is vital to represent. I also felt that an additional card was needed – I have therefore added The Star. The Star signifies hope and is towards the end of the Major Arcana where the journey is nearing completion. Overall, The Star for me completes my series.

[thetarotproject2017]

16/02

I feel like I have made significant progress with my FMP development. Following my 1-1, I shared with my mentor that I definitely want to switch my outcome from an online exhibition to a virtual one -  which was in fact my original idea. Instinctively, I feel like this will show off the images to the best of my ability. A connection to the ‘cards’ can also be formed between viewer and subject through physical photographs. I want the archetypes to be enlarged images; avant-garde, hyper-real and enlarged versions of the Tarot. I’m looking into exhibition spaces, and ones that will allow an accompanying film to be constantly running.

Having booked the cove at Uni for a two day shoot, I can play with a variety of techniques as well as beauty shots and mid-length shots with the colourama’s available. The filming area of the infinity cove will also be invaluable for full length shots and gaining lots of movement, especially with filming.

I have chosen one female model whose distinct and edgy look is perfect for my project. Lorhaine Mendes will modernise the female archetypal figures and bring them to a contemporary audience. Another major change to the Tarot Project is that I will be modelling also. I have decided this for several reasons. One that I feel my look will work perfectly with the themes that are being explored, two, that I feel because of my deep understanding of the Tarot I have the ability to bring it to life and lastly – that it makes sense on a spiritual and artistic level seeing as the Tarot and mystical arts are so personal to me. The Tarot is a journey I not only understand but one I constantly relate to and grow with. 

[thetarotproject2017]

Final Major Project Journal - 02/02 - First Entry

Having my first 1-1 with Sebastiane was helpful in starting to think about how my project can develop from its proposal. Discussing the proposal and the looks within it, we explored the different forms the project could take. We debated whether to steer away from obvious clichés and perhaps using either a multimedia aesthetic or pursue a dramatised version of the tarot. Either way, we agreed to not play too safe. 

Artists Pierre et Gilles, were quite inspiring to me – their work is theatrical, colourful and delves into mysticism, nature whilst having a portrait-like quality. I’m leaning towards a dramatic interpretation of the Tarot, starting with the archetypes of the Rider Waite deck as planned but involving a slightly theatrical quality that has an art focus.