The Chan-Hyo Bae 'Existing in Costume' series evokes feelings of cultural estrangement. Born in South Korea, Bae often felt these emotions after moving to London and being exposed to the strange British heritage. Fascinated by costume and identity, the images replicate iconography of queens.
Placing himself in the role of female British monarchs from the thirteenth to the nineteenth centuries, Bae's photographs expose his feelings of alienation and prejudice felt by his foreignness. Through the reappropriation of the choreographed poses of the elite, Bae changes the signifiers that were created within the British cultural heritage.
It is is hard to believe that these images in Chan-Hyo Bae Existing in Costume series are in fact photographs because of the rich colors and aesthetic precision caused by the artist's application of the Western painting method.
Cross-Dressing Monarch Photography
The Chan-Hyo Bae 'Existing in Costume' Series Takes on History
Trend Themes
1. Cultural Estrangement Photography - The trend of cultural estrangement photography explores the feelings of alienation and prejudice experienced by individuals in foreign cultures, offering opportunities for creative expressions and dialogue.
2. Reappropriation of Heritage - The trend of reappropriating cultural heritage in art and photography presents opportunities to challenge established signifiers and create new narratives that challenge societal norms and perceptions.
3. Aesthetic Precision in Photography - The trend of using Western painting methods in photography allows artists to create visually stunning and highly detailed images, blurring the lines between photography and traditional art forms.
Industry Implications
1. Art and Photography - The art and photography industry can leverage the trend of cultural estrangement photography and the reappropriation of heritage to explore new concepts and engage with diverse audiences.
2. Fashion and Costume Design - The fashion and costume design industry can collaborate with photographers and artists to create innovative and thought-provoking concepts that challenge traditional notions of identity and cultural representation.
3. Visual Arts Education - The visual arts education industry can incorporate the trend of aesthetic precision in photography into their curriculum, teaching students innovative techniques and bridging the gap between different art forms.