Overview

This mixed media photography project was created during my time in art school as an exploration of identity, societal pressure, and personal resilience. The piece combines portraiture, digital manipulation, and projection techniques to evoke themes of struggle, conformity, and the weight of national identity.

The triptych format presents a progression of emotional and physical tension, with a gas mask serving as both a literal and symbolic barrier. The overlay of the American flag further deepens the narrative, questioning themes of freedom, oppression, and survival in contemporary society.

Concept & Artistic Approach

Theme & Symbolism

• The gas mask represents both protection and suffocation—suggesting a paradox of safety and suppression.
• The American flag overlay alludes to the intersection of patriotism and personal struggle, confronting ideas of identity within a nationalistic framework.
• The triptych format creates a narrative flow, showing transformation, resistance, and exhaustion.

Technical Execution

• Photography: The portraits were shot in high contrast, with dramatic lighting emphasizing emotion and form.
• Projection Mapping: The American flag was projected onto the subject, blending the imagery directly with the body for a layered, immersive effect.
• Post-Processing: The final composition was enhanced through color grading and selective blur to heighten the sense of tension and distortion.

Impact & Reflection

This project was a significant turning point in my artistic development, pushing my ability to merge photography with conceptual storytelling. It also allowed me to experiment with mixed media techniques, reinforcing my passion for blending design, photography, and social commentary.

By combining portraiture, symbolism, and projection, the piece invites viewers to interpret their own relationship with national identity, societal expectations, and personal autonomy.