Existential Photography: I Am More Than My Face

As you know, I’m on a photography kick lately, and I’m loving every minute of it. So far this week, I’ve been writing one photography post per day to feature a unique technique or creative view of self-expression. It’s been a blast to choose what to showcase each day. I don’t know how long I’ll continue doing this, but for now, it sure is a lot of fun!

Today I’ve decided to feature Mitsuko Nagone’s photography series called “More Than My Face.” At some point in their lives, people often ask themselves that famous existential question, “Who am I.” I don’t like that question because the moment we answer it, we put a label on ourselves and a whole mental image of who that person is forms in our mind. It can be a mind meld of messiness. For example, we form a completely different mental image when we think of the words dreamer, worker, slacker, mom, student, boss or bum. Why do that to ourselves? Why do we put ourselves in a little descriptive box?

Apparently Mitsuko Nagone feels the same way. She writes, “With this project, I intend to create myself, instead of finding my identity. People often ask themselves, ‘Who am I?’ However, this may take them away from the truth. The definition of who they are could limit their own possibilities and the infinity of their essences. I believe the self should be created, instead of being found.” In each one of these self-portraits below, Mitsuko’s face is covered. By doing that, she doesn’t give any clues about who she is. Instead, she challenges the viewer’s imagination and stereotypes. Nice! I like it! You can learn more about Mitsuko at Mitsuko Nagone Photography.

Via: [Today and Tomorrow]