MA Contemporary Fine Art Degree Show 2009



My work revolves around the notion of identity; the portrait of the individual captured through the lens. I revisit pinhole photography and combine this with digital photography to create a rarity; an image which is left to chance, an image which captures the individual’s unique qualities, an image unlike those produced by modern digital cameras or in photo booths.

I also focus on images captured for the specific purpose of identification; those which must be certified by someone in a position of authority, whether this is for a passport, driving license or workplace ID card.

I draw inspiration from George Orwell’s 1984 and the concept of Newspeak through which the state reinforces total dominance by removing the shades of meaning which construct unique identity. What happens when government intervention dictates that identify be defined by number, not name? Can a number give true reflection of identity? Can an individual be accurately represented by such a method of classification?

Passport Photographs shows a collection of passport images amassed from an array of sources; those found or given to me, digital snapshots sent electronically, others taken by myself. I have recycled these images to create a new piece of work entitled ‘Passport Rejected 2009 (Mirror Stage)’.

This draws parallels with the back-to-front mirror writing scene in Jean-Pierre Jeunet’s Amelie and reflects Jacques Lacan’s concept of mirror stage. Lacan states:

’(the mirror stage is) a phenomenon to which I assign a twofold value. In the first place, it has historical value as it marks a decisive turning-point in the mental development of the child. In the second place, it typifies an essential libidinal relationship within the body image.’

I intend to incorporate a piece of interactive performance art I Certify on the opening night of my exhibition. I will invite individuals to participate and certify their own image by writing I certify that this is a true likeness of…in marker pen onto a mirror. I will capture this on surveillance camera, shown in real time for the duration of the show.



I would like to thank Grantham College and Sheffield Glass for their support with my work.

Passport Photographs

Sheffield Hallam Univeristy