October 22, 2024

Head Shots

How we respond to images is instant. Do we like, do they trigger memories, are they witty or romantic, are they even at times angry? The instant Vicky sent me these wonderful strong statement visuals I was transported both backwards to Diana Ross, Marsha Hunt, the musical “Hair” or even Minnie Riperton and forwards into the graphic modernity of the statements, which hit the power button unequivocally. They nod at the heritage but remain firmly looking forwards.

The ability to create volume and cloud like forms naturally is unique to black hair, but to balance it without overpowering the models’ features was, back in the day, often achieved by copious amounts of eyelashes, gloss and almost “drag “makeup. Today empowering people with their own natural physical attributes, means highlighting, enhancing and strengthening are more natural creative solutions that applying a mask.

Look at the strength of the model as much as the balance of the silhouette, look at the confidence as she looks at us, this isn’t a disco diva demanding we buy her album, this is a strong woman celebrating her beauty. The role of the make up artist is to bring that into focus, not caricature or over embellish. In creativity knowing when to stop can be as important as reworking or over embellishment.

Tuxedoed, polished, direct, and urban, these images invite us to mentally trace the curve from then to now, to renew and refresh our gaze. Above all it reminds us to be thankful for the celebration of natures gifts of every type of beauty.

Words by Tony Glenville