About Face
A$3,550
of $2,800 targetyrs ago
Successful on 19th Jun 2013 at 2:00AM.
About the Project (And Artistry)
About Face is a photography-based, anthropological exploration of diversity in an Australian male context. Between 2011 and 2012, men from all walks of life were invited to be photographed and to share their experiences and thoughts on a range of topics from multiculturalism to racism, sexualities to (dis)abilities and beyond. The resulting collection of photographic narratives aims to provoke thought and discussion on the many under-acknowledged issues that persist in contemporary Australian culture. In doing so, it hopes to show how people who might otherwise seem to occupy incompatible social circles can come together and recognize the underlying humanity that binds us together and, at the same time, appreciate the uniqueness that makes us all special.
In the spirit of encapsulating the notion of commonality and uniqueness, this book contains 39 portraits that are both as similar as they are different. Water and a bathroom setting are used as connecting twin themes throughout. Why water? Because it has a universal significance, as one of the fundamental building blocks of life, that transcends all cultural boundaries. And while water is found in a variety of everyday activities, a bathroom setting is chosen due to its inherently private nature, thereby affording a more intimate glimpse into the subject’s personal lives. It is in these private moments that the style of photography is carefully mobilized in order to capture a real sense of each individual, balancing the contradiction of sameness and uniqueness in the same image.
Project Outcomes
The aim of this project is to further discussion on diversity through the creation of a book. The reason is that unlike websites, which was the medium in which the project was originally published, books are items to be treasured, talked about and shared. In this case, the book is a collection of very personal stories and portraits that capture a snapshot of honest experiences and opinions of what's it like being who they are in our world today, which is a collection to be treasured, talked about, and shared.
Sincerely,
~Keo
About Face is a photography-based, anthropological exploration of diversity in an Australian male context. Between 2011 and 2012, men from all walks of life were invited to be photographed and to share their experiences and thoughts on a range of topics from multiculturalism to racism, sexualities to (dis)abilities and beyond. The resulting collection of photographic narratives aims to provoke thought and discussion on the many under-acknowledged issues that persist in contemporary Australian culture. In doing so, it hopes to show how people who might otherwise seem to occupy incompatible social circles can come together and recognize the underlying humanity that binds us together and, at the same time, appreciate the uniqueness that makes us all special.
In the spirit of encapsulating the notion of commonality and uniqueness, this book contains 39 portraits that are both as similar as they are different. Water and a bathroom setting are used as connecting twin themes throughout. Why water? Because it has a universal significance, as one of the fundamental building blocks of life, that transcends all cultural boundaries. And while water is found in a variety of everyday activities, a bathroom setting is chosen due to its inherently private nature, thereby affording a more intimate glimpse into the subject’s personal lives. It is in these private moments that the style of photography is carefully mobilized in order to capture a real sense of each individual, balancing the contradiction of sameness and uniqueness in the same image.
Project Outcomes
The aim of this project is to further discussion on diversity through the creation of a book. The reason is that unlike websites, which was the medium in which the project was originally published, books are items to be treasured, talked about and shared. In this case, the book is a collection of very personal stories and portraits that capture a snapshot of honest experiences and opinions of what's it like being who they are in our world today, which is a collection to be treasured, talked about, and shared.
In order to launch the book, funds are required for the initial order of books at a high enough volume to bring the production cost down as much as possible at this point of time. The books will be launched in conjunction with two local not-for-profit organizations with strong multiculturalism/diversity causes - Victorian AIDS Council & Australian Gay Multicultural Council, which will be beneficiaries of the sales of the books to support their efforts in facilitating togetherness in our community.
Beyond the book launch, funds recovered from the launch will be used in a possible exhibition of the project at the National Portrait Gallery in Canberra (which has flagged interest), or other galleries, which would help spread the project's message beyond its initial local distribution.
Beyond the book launch, funds recovered from the launch will be used in a possible exhibition of the project at the National Portrait Gallery in Canberra (which has flagged interest), or other galleries, which would help spread the project's message beyond its initial local distribution.
PS:
A big thank you to the people who have believed in my vision to be a part of the project since I started it in 2010. To me, About Face isn't about making a book or making money, it's about doing my part to bring people together in a time where it seems that we might be growing further apart.Sincerely,
~Keo
Get a warm fuzzy feeling for supporting a great cause with supporter credit in: -the website Plus, get a 50%-OFF coupon for any order at my online Etsy Shop.
2 chosen / 198 available
Est. delivery is Aug 13
Get a warm fuzzy feeling for supporting a great cause with supporter credit in: -the website -the book. Plus, get a 50%-OFF coupon for any order at my online Etsy Shop.
20 chosen / 80 available
Est. delivery is Aug 13
Receive the book with a custom hardcover featuring any portrait from the project. Plus supporter credit on the About Face website, and in the book. And get a 50%-off coupon for any order at my online Etsy Shop.
6 chosen / 4 available
Est. delivery is Oct 13