Chandala “Shawn” Hagans

ENC1102

Final Essay

1/28/13

Kent Campus Gallery Review Assignment

On Tuesday January 15, 2013 the Kent Campus of Florida State College at Jacksonville opened the Kent Campus Gallery. The ENC 1102 class attended the gallery opening as a class assignment. The gallery displayed a variety of photographs taken by amateur students and entered in a college wide competition. In review of the photographs on display, three photographs sparked my attention in interesting ways. An unknown source once said, “Clowns wear a face that's painted intentionally on them so they appear to be happy or sad. What kind of mask are you wearing today?” It’s amazing how pictures and facial expressions can influence others feelings. Facial expressions or lack thereof along with surroundings can set the emotional tone of others. Have you ever felt down and out then noticed the toothless smile of a child and instantly felt better? On average people agree that a frown from your boss can instantly upset a good mood. The three photographs that I will describe and discuss ignited emotional response from myself as real life faces can do. All three photographs were dominated by the subject’s facial expression or the lack thereof.

The picture entitled “Don’t Enter” by Charde La Roche displays what appears to be a young lady standing in front of and guarding a door. Her facial expression is mysterious. It is not necessarily good or bad. The picture registers a pleasant vibe for many other visible reasons. The person looks very normal to today’s standards. One would possibly guess her age to be around late teens to twenties. She has a pleasant innocent face and is visually in the average body weight percentage. Her hair is styled and about three tattoos are seen to the bilateral upper arms and right leg. The usage of models that display pleasant but common physical assets can be a way to relate or gain acceptance from a viewer.  The young lady is blocking and guarding the door in a way that suggests that it not be entered. There could be something behind that door that she doesn't want to be seen. Another view could be that she is bracing herself in the doorway and that the title of “Do Not Enter” refers to her.  The contrast of wondering if the focus is the person or the door is interesting. Her facial expression warrants a ponder of finding out if physical assistance is needed or if she just needs an ear to listen as she embraces an important decision.  

“Angel” by Amanda Gross is a photograph of a little girl that instantly warmed my heart. The picture was so simple yet profound. The little girl looked so sweet and precious with her double dimpled smile.  Her naturally high cheek bones allow those dimples to be accented with a ray of sunshine shining and bouncing off her smile. She is dressed in a simple floral summer dress and has her hair pulled back yet flowing in a headband. The picture immediately arose an outward smile and inward feeling of joy for me. A child’s simple and lovely smile can be refreshing and angelic. Initially, I thought that this photo was my favorite of the three pictures that were selected.

On the surface, “Relax” by Pierre Weher seemed like a weird photograph. After careful review, it became my favorite. It displayed what appeared to be a lady covered from face to foot with a nude suit, bound with ties to hands and feet. This photograph expressed how difficult it can be to stop engaging in our surroundings and simply relax or be still. Relaxing can be defined as a form of peace and rest. It comes natural for some and more difficult for others. The photograph also reveals that relaxing can be more difficult for women due to the illusion that women are naturally relaxed. This point is revealed in the positioning of the lady on what could be a bed, yet she has to be blinded and bound to have the result of relaxation. My overall concept and interpretation of the photograph was one that was personal.  Sometimes it might take all of the photographed measures to stop whatever activity, thought, or scenery to allow you a break for sanity. The persons lack of facial features expresses an inability to see, think, or speak. Everything is shut of physically and mentally for this person.

Facial expressions or the lack thereof can ignite personal emotional response from others. We all should watch and be mindful of our countenance because it is usually being read by and influencing others. People use this assessment information to formulate acceptance, belonging, understanding and direction. In a world where there is so much to feel negative about, let’s watch that we are contributing to the positive, or that our face express what we truly mean.