Identity

This staged portrait really stood out as the nature of clothing, accessories and adornments, even hairstyles to display one's identity are commonplace. We all recognised the gothic, cinematic, theatrical connections. The Victoriana and steampunk stylings also show the individuality of each person's personal identity as well as their collective one. The location has rumblings of Dracula and Whitby on a suitably gothic grey day.

We were all impressed by the unique approach to identity that this series depicted. In using multiple family members portraits the combined collage of identities into one 'passport' style portrait gave multiple layers of meaning as well as aesthetic. We unanimously agreed that his filled the brief on every level and more.

We all felt that the ease and confidence in this woman's assured stare was a statement of her identity, alongside the markings on her face, coupled with the striking black and white headscarf against a black background. It really focused the composition beautifully. A very positive portrait.

This intense portrait really captures a moment in time in this man's life. The setting is full of clues to his identity both on a cultural and societal level. Being in black and white also heightens the depiction of the scene and as the steam and smoke clear perfectly to frame him. A very strong composition.

We thought this photograph proposed many clues and questions as to the identity of the people whom inhabit this room. We all discussed various possibilities from the identity of the people in the two photos above the beds being the parents of the couple –we assumed elderly couple – whose room it was. We also wondered if their absence was due to them passing or just due to it being taken in the day. Either way, the notions of family, time and identity being passed from one generation to another was great in this picture.