Portait Series
"I'm kind of a twisted social documentary photographer"
This series of work by Opie is the most recent, the pictures certainly the most simple. It's more of the ideas in
which Opie's work can be seen in these works, her technical ability which is already established and recognised
locally and the world over is put to rest a little as she concentrates on the planning of the pictures for the series of work. The alter ego style
work and costumes, make up, expressions and positioning is what Opie really has concentrated on in these photographs.
In the picture on the right it's the ego of a gangster possibly a reference of a down town LA gang member a
hint of racial issues with the title of this piece 'Whitey' a reference to the colour of the skin maybe. The hat and ear ring
along with the nose ring indicates someone of a harsh origin certainly not your normal looking person, Opie has
created a mean looking person with maybe a hit of contradiction in the facial expression as this person
doesn't really look very mean just seems to have traditional features of someone of whom you wouldn't usually
socialise or be socialised with.
The piece on the left shows similar characteristics to the above photograph the person Opie has created is seemingly
someone who wouldn't be a stranger to a bike, typical American stereotype, the traditional biker in which every town in
America seemingly possesses. The standard bandana and facial hair indicates an element of unfriendly and meanness. In addition
he's smoking a cigarette, but in an unusual way it's very lackadaisical and seems really just to be hanging out of his mouth he's
not really smoking it with a conviction very much posing. In comparison to the previously looked at picture his eyes are
very menacing and fearful, scary looking. The title also relates to a cult type status 'Chief' representing some sort of
authority within that. To be obeyed, to be listened to never to be underestimated, Opie creates a great image of fearfulness
and group relations. The alter ego is enhanced with the title which relates well to the photograph.
This piece is one of the strangest in the selection the seeming element of contradiction within the alter ego. The typical Chinese man
wears a suit and generally has lots of finances available that's the normal assumption. This person again looks as though they're
fairly mean a gang type member. The bald head, facial hair and ear ring giving off fearful vibes although the alter ego is in
some way mixed again by Opie with the pretty section of hair hanging gently over the forehead of this supposed scary type person.
The slight tint of a smile shows Opie's trying to represent and produce something which isn't quite real, strange, contradictory and
different the alter ego certainly is alter the ego isn't something which you would see, certainly not very often. The immaculately groomed
facial hair makes the character in general look amusing to the eye, Opie was trying to have fun with this picture the effect works very
successfully.
This picture is my favourite in the series the stereotypical black person Cool, calm and collected. The long hair, sun glasses
cleverly crafted facial hair indicates many things one in general is drugs. The weed smoking person, living a lifestyle
of illegal drugs and corrupted goings on. Deals not legal nothing straight and general life a laze and what you can make it by
ducking and diving and scraping through day to day life. Even from the facial expression it looks fairly mean, also as with many
of the pictures in this series a person looking like they belong to a gang. Of them all I would class this as the most realistic, maybe
unfairly due to racial issues but from personal experiences it's not an amazingly striking alter ego in comparison to 'Ingin' for example.
This piece from Opie is also enjoyed due to the humorous title 'Oso Bad' a play on the name meaning 'Oh So Bad' The alter ego
is superbly linked with the picture. It's a superb piece and title, but the simplicity works to great results for Opie.
The piece 'Mike' is again going along with previously looked at photographs from this particular collection, it doesn't look very much like
an alter ego due to the fact it looks very life like maybe it is life like, Opie contradicting assumptions and taking a normal picture without
planning, just to upset the law of averages and mix up the collection. Referring to the facial hair again it shows distinct traces of meanness
the plain old white vest along with the tattoo enhances the feeling of normality in regards to it's owners presentation. The facial expression doesn't like the others, give away
what Opie's trying to create and present. It differs in many ways to the others in the collection as it's set on a blue background, probably not of
major significance but something which makes the picture in general look different. Hidden meanings a possibility due to the planeness
and distinct lack on invention and craft on the behalf of Opie. Dullness is not often associated with the artist that's why the feeling of normality
and deliberation comes to mind when first looking at this piece perhaps the idea of normally in regards to 'Mikes' life. Seemingly all days merging into
one and life seemingly more a drag than a blessing.
Out of all the series the picture 'Justin Bond' is certainly the most strange, from the outset it looks very piculiar and along with the title you get
the feeling that something about the piece is not right, extra ordinary, not the norm, different. The basis of the picture is a cross dresser
the alter ego, vast alter ego. The piece is fairly simple as with all in the collection but meaning wise it's in a class of it's own the title and
subject matter contradict themselves the female being a male and the title Justin Bond contradicted due to the fact the correct name
Opie's played on is James Bond. The pose also is something which hits the viewer at first glimpse, tight, bolt upright, correct and meaningful
positioing of the subject matter. The feeling of demand comes from the piece, that feeling is enhanced by the
fact the person is immaculately well dressed, perfectly groomed, not a piece of clothing or strand of hair out of place. Opie does this well in
regards to it playing against the idea of a male being dressed as a female this occurrence in no way can really in a social context be seen as perfect,
the norm or real. The idea of a male dressed as a female to most is of a strange variety and isn't something experienced or seen in everyday
life but the well groomed, well presented female is certainly a common occurrence.
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