REVERSE PORTRAITS

This series features nine black and white digital photographs of the backs of peoples' heads. I try to obscure the images I make in different ways in order to make the viewer question what they're seeing. In this series, I chose to subvert the expectations of portraiture by only showing the backs of heads rather than faces. Faces are comforting and familiar, so by denying the viewer a look at the figures' faces, the images create a sense of unease and mystery. As described in my general artist statement, I want the viewer to ask questions about the images like:

"Why are they turned away from me?"

"What lies in the shadows beyond?"

"What are they looking at?"

"What can’t I see?"