The Blurred Lines collection explores the dark side of human emotions. The art looks deep into a woman’s soul to reveal her most tragic moments. Not to expose her secrets, but to let others know that they are not alone. The images are meant to open a dialogue about what we hide from the world and why. There are countless reasons why women hide their feelings. Appearing weak, dishonourable, foolish are just the beginning of the list. We force our shameful feelings down deep and eventually come to believe there is something wrong with us. When we realize others suffer the same, it gives us emotional freedom which then leads to self-acceptance. This is mental fitness.
The images in the exhibition represent women who feel trapped by their secrets. Some believe they are unimportant or a shadow of their former selves. Others are frightened, melancholy, or hiding from reality. Black backgrounds suck the light from the subjects. While somber by nature, there is some color in the pieces to signify hope for the future.
There is darkness and sadness in my work because we all feel that way sometimes. I encourage people to acknowledge it and address it, so the sour feelings do not fester like a sore. I want my art to encourage people to explore the subjects we rarely talk about.
My passion is creating eerie, dreamlike images that usually lay on the shadowy side of the imagination. The art is intended to awaken the imagination of the observer. Inspiration is all around us, so I am never at a loss for ideas. Photoshop allows me to create an illusion atop the reality that I photograph. Using texture and occasionally vignettes over the images reinforce a sense of the dream state.
Mental health issues touch everyone’s life at some point. It could be a relative, an employee, a friend. It could be you. It can be a mild case of depression or as serious as something requiring hospitalization. A study in Norway found that adults who participated in cultural activities were more satisfied with their overall health. Other studies show viewing art relieves stress. It also alleviates symptoms of anxiety and depression. Art can boost confidence and make us feel more resilient. Our community can benefit from what we do as artists.
We all need to escape now and then. Walk in the shadows with me.
The photographs were taken in my home studio. Images are available as Fine Art Giclee prints on velvet paper, archival certified for 100 years, framed in sleek black metal with glare resistant acrylic. Actual images sizes are 12×18″ up to 24×36″
BIO:
Tracy Whiteside is a Chicago-area photographer specializing in Conceptual Art.
She has worked in fashion merchandising, owned a modelling agency, owned a theatre where she taught musical theatre to young people, and led a non-profit organization.
A photographer for over 16 years, Tracy is self-taught. Her biggest influencers are Paolo Roversi, Joyce Tenneson, and Agnieszka Lorek. Her work has been seen in over 15 exhibitions and 80 publications in just the last 2 years, including many magazine and book covers. She recently started entering contests and has already won 4 awards.
With her current creations, Tracy wants to open the viewers’ eyes and mind with images of real women and encourage exploration of the many aspects of the subjects’ mind, soul, and spirit that makes them who they are. Her images are meant to awaken the imagination as well as initiate conversation.
Instagram: @whitesidetracyfashion and @whitesidetracy
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TracyWhitesidePhotography
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TracyWhiteside1 CONCEPTUAL ART: https://www.tracywhiteside.com
PURE FANTASY: https://tracywhiteside.myportfolio.com