RED - photography, prose & poetry by Annie Mays
6" x 9"
62 pages
In RED, my third publication, I explore the intricate and multifaceted nature of the color red through conceptual self-portrait photography, poetry, and prose. Red is the color of dualities: it represents passion and rage, love and danger, vitality and mortality. By delving into these contradictions, I seek to unravel the complex layers of human identity and emotion.
Each self-portrait serves as a visual meditation on a different aspect of red. From the fiery energy of desire to the quiet strength of resilience, I use red to highlight the spectrum of experiences that shape our inner worlds. The color red is not merely a backdrop but an active participant in the narrative, guiding the viewer’s perception and evoking visceral reactions.
My approach is deeply introspective, aiming to capture the raw, unfiltered essence of my own emotional landscape. Through the use of varied textures, lighting, and compositions, I challenge the conventional boundaries of self-portraiture, transforming each image into a story of its own. The result is a series that is both intensely personal and universally relatable, inviting viewers to confront their own connections to the color red and the emotions it stirs within them.
In these portraits, I strive to transcend the ordinary, creating a space where the color red becomes a powerful conduit for self-expression and emotional exploration.
Accompanying these visual pieces are poems and prose that offer a continuing intimate look at human emotion and my personal lived experiences. While not directly related to the images, these written works provide a deeper exploration of themes such as identity, love, loss, and resilience. The poetry and prose serve as a dialogue, extending the emotional and narrative journey beyond the visual realm and into the written word.
"RED" is not just a study of a color but an invitation to the viewer to engage with the powerful emotions and narratives that red can evoke. This body of work is an invitation to look beyond the surface, to embrace the complexity of our human experience, and to find meaning in the vibrant hues of red that color our lives.
6" x 9"
62 pages
In RED, my third publication, I explore the intricate and multifaceted nature of the color red through conceptual self-portrait photography, poetry, and prose. Red is the color of dualities: it represents passion and rage, love and danger, vitality and mortality. By delving into these contradictions, I seek to unravel the complex layers of human identity and emotion.
Each self-portrait serves as a visual meditation on a different aspect of red. From the fiery energy of desire to the quiet strength of resilience, I use red to highlight the spectrum of experiences that shape our inner worlds. The color red is not merely a backdrop but an active participant in the narrative, guiding the viewer’s perception and evoking visceral reactions.
My approach is deeply introspective, aiming to capture the raw, unfiltered essence of my own emotional landscape. Through the use of varied textures, lighting, and compositions, I challenge the conventional boundaries of self-portraiture, transforming each image into a story of its own. The result is a series that is both intensely personal and universally relatable, inviting viewers to confront their own connections to the color red and the emotions it stirs within them.
In these portraits, I strive to transcend the ordinary, creating a space where the color red becomes a powerful conduit for self-expression and emotional exploration.
Accompanying these visual pieces are poems and prose that offer a continuing intimate look at human emotion and my personal lived experiences. While not directly related to the images, these written works provide a deeper exploration of themes such as identity, love, loss, and resilience. The poetry and prose serve as a dialogue, extending the emotional and narrative journey beyond the visual realm and into the written word.
"RED" is not just a study of a color but an invitation to the viewer to engage with the powerful emotions and narratives that red can evoke. This body of work is an invitation to look beyond the surface, to embrace the complexity of our human experience, and to find meaning in the vibrant hues of red that color our lives.
6" x 9"
62 pages
In RED, my third publication, I explore the intricate and multifaceted nature of the color red through conceptual self-portrait photography, poetry, and prose. Red is the color of dualities: it represents passion and rage, love and danger, vitality and mortality. By delving into these contradictions, I seek to unravel the complex layers of human identity and emotion.
Each self-portrait serves as a visual meditation on a different aspect of red. From the fiery energy of desire to the quiet strength of resilience, I use red to highlight the spectrum of experiences that shape our inner worlds. The color red is not merely a backdrop but an active participant in the narrative, guiding the viewer’s perception and evoking visceral reactions.
My approach is deeply introspective, aiming to capture the raw, unfiltered essence of my own emotional landscape. Through the use of varied textures, lighting, and compositions, I challenge the conventional boundaries of self-portraiture, transforming each image into a story of its own. The result is a series that is both intensely personal and universally relatable, inviting viewers to confront their own connections to the color red and the emotions it stirs within them.
In these portraits, I strive to transcend the ordinary, creating a space where the color red becomes a powerful conduit for self-expression and emotional exploration.
Accompanying these visual pieces are poems and prose that offer a continuing intimate look at human emotion and my personal lived experiences. While not directly related to the images, these written works provide a deeper exploration of themes such as identity, love, loss, and resilience. The poetry and prose serve as a dialogue, extending the emotional and narrative journey beyond the visual realm and into the written word.
"RED" is not just a study of a color but an invitation to the viewer to engage with the powerful emotions and narratives that red can evoke. This body of work is an invitation to look beyond the surface, to embrace the complexity of our human experience, and to find meaning in the vibrant hues of red that color our lives.