Unit 7 · Project 2
Portrait Concept (Social Theme)
Develop a concept for your portrait print that connects to a social theme or issue.
The most powerful portraits say something beyond 'here is a person.' Your portrait print will be connected to a social theme — an issue, idea, or aspect of human experience that matters to you. In this project you'll develop your concept: choose your social theme, explain why it matters to you, and describe how your portrait will communicate it visually. What will the subject's expression convey? What will the setting suggest? How will the high-contrast style reinforce the theme? Submit a written concept proposal before you begin carving.
Objectives
- 1Choose a social theme for your portrait print
- 2Write a concept proposal: theme, why it matters, how the portrait will communicate it
- 3Select which of your 3 portrait photos best supports the concept
- 4Get teacher approval before proceeding to carving
Materials
- Your 3 portrait photos
- Visual journal for concept development
- Reference images for inspiration
Tips
- Specific themes are stronger than vague ones: 'isolation during illness' is stronger than 'loneliness'
- Your concept should change how you look at the portrait — it should add meaning
- Look at artists who use portraiture for social commentary: Kathe Kollwitz, Shepard Fairey, Zanele Muholi
- The concept doesn't have to be heavy — humor and irony are valid social commentary tools