CAT PALMER, There’s Only One Me, 2010, 1×2′, mixed media
In looking at fashion magazines that line the checkout at the grocery store, we’re used to seeing posed, air-brushed, and predictable images. The majority of these images focus on women and on achieving a nuanced “ideal” of beauty. Yet, as statistics prove, the majority of women do not adhere to these supposed standards.
Such discrepancy provides ample material for local photographer, curator of the Urban Arts Gallery, and art instructor, Cat Palmer. According to the artist, “Women behold a certain beauty and strength that I cannot connect with in men. I have done many different art concept shoots with women concerning violence, empowerment, self-esteem, and loving one’s self even without hair.” Common themes in Palmer’s photography includes cancer survivors, self-esteem, being human, achieving peace in the Middle East, and heroic women. Her 2010 There’s Only One Me represents this artistic interest in individuality and in overcoming obstacles to ultimately accept oneself. Be sure to read her full interview from May 2012 at: http://fosterartprogramblog.org/2012/05/02/finding-empowerment-with-cat-palmer/. Palmer’s next exhibit, “I Have a Secret,” depicts images of women from all over the world and will be held at the SLC Art Hub at 663 W 100 S on October 19th from 6-10pm.
For Art History and Humanities Students:
1. Compare and contrast Palmer’s photograph with images in fashion magazines. What similarities do they exhibit? What differences? Why are these differences important? Think about setting, use of color, clothing, hairstyle, etc.
2. Why is Palmer’s use of pose important in this work? How do we respond as viewers to seeing a united front of women holding hands as opposed to a solitary and posed model? How does this accentuate the artist’s message?
For Visual Arts Students:
1. Create a collage with cutouts from various fashion magazines to make a new model. Be sure to consider pose and visual elements in suggesting meaning. Share your work with a classmate. What response does this collage inspire? Humor? Confusion? Think about the messages and viewer responses that fashion magazines usually inspire. How does your collage complicate a viewer’s expectations?
2. For photography students, take two portraits of a friend. In the first image, depict a natural shot that doesn’t rely on stylization. In the next image, photograph the same person in a specific pose, setting, clothing or hair style, etc.. (Remember to avoid anything controversial or inappropriate to school standards.) Share your photographs with a classmate. How does his/her reaction change to the sitter with the inclusion of stylized elements? How does this relate to our reaction to fashion photography or advertisements?
