To a woman, the daily routine of putting their make up on in the morning is very personal, whether it is to cover up blemishes, enhancing ones features by adding colour to their cheeks or to put on a façade to hide behind.
My photographic project explores the morning ritual of three women, as they routinely apply their make up in preparation for the day ahead. In doing so, my work attempts to examine women’s position in contemporary western society, addressing such issues as equality, perception and self-expression.
The performative characteristics of applying ones make up was originally inspired by the film Dangerous Liaisons (1988), directed by Stephen Frears. Set in 18th century Baroque France, the films narrative centres on a game of conquest and seduction, mediated by the central protagonist Marquise de Merteuil as played by the Hollywood actress Glenn Close. Underpinning the story is the opening and closing scenes of the film as one first sees Merteuil delightfully being made up by her servants, ready to rule the day. Her insecurity is exposed at the end of the film, as she is seen wiping off her make up. Significantly, it is unclear whether the real Merteuil is the one fully made up, or the one made bare and unprotected.
I have chosen to portray the morning rituals of three women I am closely related to. The familiarity I have with my subjects allowed me to situate my camera within close proximity to them, allowing the medium to focus on every detail of my subject’s expressions and facial contortions as they prepare themselves for their day ahead.
