Issy, 2015

This photomontage of my friend Issy was taken with a digital SLR and then collaged by hand. This technique intends to highlight and expose identity misinterpretation in current society and popular culture. Issy is a second year student at Loughborough University who is deaf and was recently diagnosed with cancer. She's a very inspirational person to me, because of her relentless and infectious positivity towards everyday life and her experiences. Her happiness and personality show how we should focus on what's really important and that happiness is a choice not dependant on anyone or anything. The collage intends to show her frustration which she keeps inside. The technique uses contrast of harsh line, tonal shape and distortion reflects the defined, ambiguous and lost identities, representing accurate and vague perception. We all identify with group members some might consider ‘different’ or ‘other’ in society and this series celebrates the subject’s bold and courageous individuality.