To my surprise I was recently notified that several of my fine art images were recognized in the International Photography Awards last week. Although I was not awarded a grand prize, simply being recognized in this competition is a huge honor for any professional photographer and artist, as all of the most talented, innovative and recognized leaders in the industry worldwide were also being considered.

The 2010 International Photography Awards received nearly 15,000 submissions from 103 countries across the globe. IPA is a sister-effort of the Lucie Foundation, where the top three winners are announced at the annual Lucie Awards gala ceremony. The Foundation’s mission is to honor master photographers, to discover new and emerging talent and to promote the appreciation of photography. Since 2003, IPA has had the privilege and opportunity to acknowledge and recognize contemporary photographers’ accomplishments in this specialized and highly visible competition. Visit www.photoawards.com for more details.

My series ‘In Her Image’ was recognized in all three of the following categories:

Fine Art Still Life

Fine Art Nudes

Fine Art Portrait

In Her Image – Artist Statement: These narrative images focus on the mannequin, a common prop in retail stores and a manifestation of the idealized female form. Stripped of their original purpose as displayer of material desire, the mannequins are left nude in order to expose the surgical-esque fissures which joint their appendages, exposing the tension between their lifelike and artificial qualities. These fetishized figures speak to the power of sexuality but also to the physical impossibilities that are so widely accepted and exemplified by the flawless plasticity of the mannequin figure. These Stepford-like scenes juxtapose the glamorous appeal of celebrity with the mundane and stereotypical activities of domestic life. Within these images I examine some of the tools used within the commercial industry and question how they might effect our everyday perceptions of beauty and normalcy. In doing so I create bizarre narratives, seated in a fantasy of Western media-driven ideals.

I also submitted my MFA thesis work which was Recognized in the Fine Art Portrait category as well:

Collector:

COLLECTOR – Artist Statement: This body of work represents my investigation into an individual and societal preoccupation with collecting and the narrative or symbolic power of objects. In creating these images, I consider the personal and social conditions present in Western society that inform an inherent need to possess, create order, gain status, knowledge and to preserve. The images speak to the creation of a persona through possession, but also question to what extent one’s identity is dependant on those possessions.

To see more of my fine art work please view my other site here: http://larissaphoto.com/

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