OUR CHILDHOOD FEARS

Phobia
(noun) an exaggerated and often disabling fear usually inexplicable to the subject and having sometimes a logical but usually an illogical or symbolic object,
class of objects, or situation.

What were you scared of when you are a kid?

For me, a lot!

This is a conceptual project that captures our youthful terrors that had when we were young. I recreate people’s personal haunting memories to illustrate that having fear is normal and it is a part of being human.

So what is your childhood fear?

This conceptual project was my thesis to complete my Master in Fine Art in Photography in Academy of Art University. I worked with this series for 20 months and it evolves tremendously that I learned so much to build up my narrative skills, technical aspects (lighting, post-production, etc) and my personal style.​

MY CHILDHOOD FEARS
The Beginning

The concept came to me when we did fear assignment. I know I have a ton of fears to cover because I am a fearful person as I grew up. I think I used this opportunity to do my own therapy and convert this weakness into a strength. I can't stress enough that tackling sensitive issues like this into a creative outlet. It is unique and never thought before.

I started with My Childhood Fears, it is a self-portrait series that shows my terrors that keep me awake and paranoid when I was a kid. I focused on myself as the main subject and work on my storytelling and photographic execution. I looked for cinematic approach with a distinct style of color and humor but it shifts more to a subtle and serious perspective.

OUR CHILDHOOD FEARS

On my journey of this project, I selected the people the I already knew. I believe that this series deals with delicate matters, like vulnerability and memories. It is not easily be given without a good relationship with my subject. The fears that I portray to my subjects are their actual fears and stories. This project becomes successful because of everyone's participation. This image showcases humanity and vulnerability of being a child.​

The photographic approach that I used in this series is based on "Body Distorted". Black and white, high contrast to amplify the drama and for this series, it is the fears. Side lighting to cast the Rembrandt/high contrast effect that I achieved. Consistently do it in all of the images to make it cohesive. Post processing is also the same, manipulating the highlights and the shadows.

The concept of My Childhood Fears is still observable, the childlike costume, the usage of props and the location to portray the idea of the fears are well thought. Lastly, the appearance of the stuffed toy, bear, that represent the "childhood" realm and that acts as the bridge to the whole series.
I would like to say thank you to all who shared, inspired, and modeled for my project. I also want to say my deepest appreciation to my advisers Adrienne Pao, Chloe Meynier, and Connie Begg for making it possible for me to present this project into a whole different level and to prove that I have this creative vision that I can execute it in the best way possible.

PORTFOLIO

I prepared a portfolio that fit my series. I used a metal casing from Pina Zangaro (matte black) that fits letter sized images. I printed 5x7 images and mat it to 8x10 archival matboards. I can enclose 10 images for viewing when I go to portfolio or gallery reviews. It contains my business card and CD/USB stick with the rest of the images, artist statement and resume. It has my logo and branding throughout the contents of it.
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