Ascent - The opposition of the self

There are many different kinds of emotional, physical and spiritual meanings to the term 'Ascent', and in this project, I am focusing on all three. Following from the theory within the Closing, I am considering the mind as a transitional output of energy and emotion, ascending into the subconscious.

'Ascent' focuses predominantly on the concept of REM (rapid eye movement) within a dream and how this can create an oppositional state within the self, i.e not being fully part of a reality or a fantasy. According to Hobson in 'Dreaming - The science of sleep' REM is

'animated, dramatic, complex, hallucinatory and delusional'  

The use of black will play a momentous part in this series in conveying a sense of infinity and the dramatic mystery of the unknown. It is important that both Closing and Ascent retain a dark yet etherial quality as this will symbolise how the mind remains semi-conscious. Hobson suggest from scientific research that the mind can only dream in colour, and that the misperception of dreaming in black and white is due to 'poor memory'. I find this very interesting as it may be suggesting that only when our mind is released into the colour of the subconscious, can it be completely free and experimental. It begins to challenge the question,

Can creative ideas only originate from an unaware subconscious (i.e dreaming) if there is a possibility that conscious reality is limited to a 'black and white' vision? It is a very interesting thought, as I often think of my most creative ideas when dreaming as appose to being consciously awake.  Ultimately, the use of black and white in this series will clarify the progression of the conscious self merging into the subconscious, and will follow a seamless link into the colourful extension of the hyperreal.

Movement and reflection is key in this series to convey a sense of the mind beginning an ironic journey of conscious self discovery through the means of unconsciousness. It will show the hallucinatory progression of the mind, symbolised through makeup design, photography and post production. I will be testing frequently before the final shoot with designs that share a similar theme of growth, ascending direction. I want to experiment with airbrushing techniques as I feel this would be perfect in representing the idea of growth and progression.

Inspirations for the series: