In her photographic practice, Clare Rae explores ideas of performance and gesture to question and subvert dominant forms of representation. Her work is inspired by feminist theory, and presents an alternate and often awkward experience of the female body.

“My aim with all my photographs is to subvert the dominant ways we depict women’s subjectivity.”

Inspired shoot

edited images:

Image comparison:

Although both images are set in different locations, there are still lots of similarities. This includes the unusual/awkward positioning of the girls giving both images a sinister and weird feeling. Also the way in which both images use hair and play with how it falls to add a sense of drama to the images. In my opinion, these images could be seen to represent death as seen in Clare Rae’s image (on the left) as the sitter is laying on a metal tray which could be seen to represent the trays they use in mortuaries and crematoriums for the dead bodies. The limp position of her body also adds to the idea that this image is a representation of death. This is mirrored in my image (on the right) as the girl is also positioning herself to look limp and lifeless giving a similar effect. Both images include some kind of metal element whether its the metal tray that the girl is lying on or the metal banister, this material is known for being cold to the touch which adds to the portrayal of death. Overall I think the images have many similar qualities and yet are still both original and unique outcomes.