https://www.nowness.com/series/define-beauty/his-sweat-matt-lambert
The way that a whole film could focus on such a strange and taboo aspect really interested me. Lambert investigated how sweat, which is predominantly associated with lack of hygiene, bad odour, or simply a consequence of exercise, actually connoted so much more. It is sexual, biological, attractive, subconscious, ignored and yet noticed.
I decided to push this concept further, looking at more than just sweat: bones, skin, weight, body hair, scars, stretch marks, bitten nails, wrinkles, and so on. How they are a part of all of us, and although they look different from person to person, they are what makes us all equal and united. I want to highlight the beauty in the basics of the human body, and suggest that we should all take more notice of these simplicities.
I decided to combine film, photography and drawing, in order to capture movement (film), detail (photography) and also the stripped-back basics (sketches). Rather than a book or photo series, I want to display the work as an installation that viewers can be fully immersed and surrounded by.
In terms of practical work, I decided to use about 6 models. I think this will give me enough variation in age, skin colour, weight, gender, and so on, to represent all people. Firstly, I contacted a professional life model, who was very enthusiastic about my idea. I think that working with a professional model will be a valuable experience for both myself and for my photographer and cinematographer. Next, I contacted peers who I thought would fit the concept well, looking closely at their aesthetics beforehand. It was lovely to see how willing to help, and how interested in my project they all were.
I thought a lot about where I want to exhibit my installation. It needs to be a small, enclosed space that my audience can enter and become totally surrounded by. I spoke to the Solent art gallery in the SM building, and also looked around more public places like the Art House Cafe. However, they were either fully booked, or too open-plan for my work. I looked around the HC building at Solent University, and due to the ability to manipulate the space with mobile walls, it seems perfect. I can create my own little 'room' within the area, and students and tutors will often be passing through which means good footfall.
Finally, I contacted film and photography students. Through discussions about my idea and from looking at their portfolios, I was able to select who I would like to collaborate with. We completed test shoots and I was happy with their professionalism, attention to detail and the outcome of the imagery. From all this, I was sure that this was the idea I wanted to take through to my final project. I could feel myself becoming more enthusiastic about the idea with every person I described it to.
It was a tricky process to organise the dates and times of my shoots. Juggling multiple models, a photographer and a cinematographer to make sure they are all available on the same day was quite a challenge, and I had to learn to make sacrifices. For example, if my photographer can't make it, I am confident in my abilities to take her place as the photographer. I also have back-ups for models just in case: however, I am not confident that I could create such effective film footage as my cinematographer. This means I have to prioritise his availability. It is also important that I do this because I can see how much effort and enthusiasm he has for my project - from conversation, I learnt that he is in contact with a professional cinematographer who is giving him advice and tips about how to make the film aspect of my project even better. I feel quite overwhelmed to know that he has made this effort for my work, and so it is important that I value him as a coworker.
Test shoot film: https://youtu.be/eGRYeRlqoGU
Test shoot photographs:
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