Self Portrait Assignment "Damned if You Do" (Police Brutality)

Throughout my piece I am determined to tell a story through my own interpretation of Police Brutality pertaining to African American males in an urban environment, through the usage of still photography. Some of the photos of which I have interpreted are based on actual events, with the means of inflicting a response.

A tremendous amount of research and planning was incorporated to ensure that each photo holds a factual yet relevant representation. During the making of my project a few familiar, inspiring artists came to mind, which includes contemporary and triptych artist Jack Shainman and photographer Gordon Parks. Each artist has a way of telling their own truths, and the audience can certainly relate.

I have chosen to create very little space throughout each photo to give off a claustrophobic aspect with the intention of making my audience uncomfortable. The only way to do so was to place each subject in an uncomfortable situation, where they felt like they could not breathe in a sense. Each photo is cinematic in a sense to give off the idea that these photos could possibly be clips from an unknown film of some sort. 

My piece also instills a bit of symbolism with the usage of a photographer of an African American male by the name of James Byrd Jr. The decision to display blood within my piece was necessary in my opinion considering the dire need to express my concern for my generation, and generations to come. The color scheme red and blue, symbolize the crooked police.

My reason for creating a photography project surrounded around the topic of Police brutality is due to the unfortunate events of which still take place during these modern times, and my passion for inducting change. Police Brutality has not only physically damaged innocent bystanders, but it has also created a mental damper on the black community as well. 

The over whelming sight of an African American male, or woman being brutally assaulted by an officer of the law, is disgusting and mind bottling all together. Little words are said when the people who are supposed to be protecting you are assaulting you with brute force, and little consideration at that. 

My piece "Damned if You Do", relates to my previous work in a truthful aspect, however the topic at hand is different. As far as my professional aspirations are concerned considering I wish to become an advertiser/director one day I must keep my audience in mind.

Identity, race, and gender are a few elements from the class that I have chosen to address. When you really think about it African Americans are treated entirely differently due to the color of their skin. Being black is more than just a form of color, but it is also viewed as a fear tactic. On the other hand, white individuals are viewed, as less frightening even though they may have committed a crime of which should not go unnoticed. 

 

RIP JAMES BYRD JR.