The Examination of Imari Thomas - Midterm

The subject of my self portrait is my 'burnout.' The contents of my self-portrait are: photographs, sketches, water-coloring, and rose petals. I decided to use photographs because I'm a video production major whose familiar with telling a story/ conveying a message through images. I chose drawing/sketching as my second medium so the photos could tell a story within the drawing (my heart). I think this image may convey a 'loss of self' narrative that depicts how painful and confusing it feels when you lose your sense of individuality. Jean-Michel Basquiat and Lauren Hill greatly influenced my self-portrait. One technique that was discussed in class that I used in my project is repetition. This project represents my inner conflict as a creator. The left side of my brain features an image of my 'self' walking away; this is meant to convey the loss of my talent, motivation, and inspiration. It's as if an error occurred in my brain that allowed for my "it factor" to steal out of me. However, the dead rose petals that come alive as they descend further reveal that what is true in my heart will always remain true and that while I might have lost my "it factor" it isn't gone forever.