4. Nikki S. Lee & Response



NIKKI S. LEE

Nikki S. Lee is a Korean Photographer and filmmaker. Her most noted work 'Projects' (which is the project of hers I am insured by) started when she was still in school.

I find the work of Nikki S. Lee really fascinating and inspiring as she really puts herself out there by placing herself in different situations and making herself vulnerable. I really like the way she has used herself as her model which is something I wish to explore in my work. I think that this photograph is really interesting as the composition of the photograph allows you to be drawn to the specific features of her body. The lip liner she is wearing is the first thing that captures your eye as the focal point of the photograph. After the lips your eye skips to the bright red tattoo she has. I think the contrast of the bright and dark colours are really interesting as they draw your attention to the photograph in an interesting and unique way.

I think that this photograph is really powerful as the composition is very interesting, and the stand out colour red, draws your attention to itself. As it is a very dark image the brighter parts are what grabs your attention and your eye moves around the photo from the red sweater to the beer bottle to the red lips of the models to the white vest and necklace. This photograph is powerful as she is degrading herself and is putting herself in the drag queen atmosphere. The whole attitude of the photograph enforces a perception of women where in they are objectified and are desired. There is a very intimate atmosphere in this photograph as this is all happening in a very confined place and the quality of the photograph isn't great which shows that it is the kind of photograph that would have been taken in that situation. The redness of the photograph shows how de-saturated and amateur this photograph is and because it is a film photograph it just shows how aged it is.

Nikki S. Lee shows a very vulnerable and degraded lost side to herself through this photograph which speaks out to the patriarchal society and the misogynistic views of the world. Here we see that she has no shame and no morals. The limited clothing represents the sexualisation of women even when they are in a drunk / hung-over state. This photo is interesting as it shows how fearless she is on the one hand but on the other hand how degraded she has become. it is also an interesting photograph when you acknowledge the fact that this photograph isn't of perfect quality as it has been taken by a film camera with the date in the corner showing how unprofessional and amateur this photography is. She has made herself look cheap in all this garish fabric. The lighting in this photograph also adds to this amateur allure.

I think that this photo is fascinating as Nikki S. Lee becomes anyone she wants to be in her photographs and here although this is a simple setting she has made herself fit in just as she has made herself fit in in all the other different settings. This photograph stands out as it looks so spontaneous and yet so natural. Nikki S. Lee fits the stereotype that she is trying to portray in that fact that she is wearing a purple coat showing that shestands out as being different although the other two old women are unaware of it. She is a part of a member of the younger generation that is set apart to be improper and self destructing, yet at the end of the day she will still grow up and be just like these other two women. This photograph is like a foreshadowing of Nikki S. Lee's future.

My Responses

I took this photo of Trinity in response to Nikki S. Lee regarding the lighting and the setting, I like that it is a photo that has been taken off guard and therefore is a natural and accurate representation of someone eating a burger. 

I also took this photo for the same reasons and I liked the representation of the aggressive reaction people take when they realise they are being photographed.

I think that this photo shows the obliviousness of people when they don't have anything they need to be concentrating on.


I have decided to discontinue with this photographer as I feel she doesn't link to my project and I don't want to go off on a tangent.