Who We Really Are by Annette Behrens and Suzanne de Bruin (March 10, 2010) 
(24 votes, average: 3.00 out of 5)
Loading ...
Click image to start video
Categories / Video Art / / Click here to open comments section, click again when done to close / 1 Comment
Introduction by Marga Rotteveel
I think that the project of Behrens | de Bruin (Annette Behrens and Suzanne de Bruin) has a lot to do with the medium of photography and film itself. It deals with the question about how we want to be remembered, capture memories so that we do not forget and last but not least about representation. All these things are of course not in the head of the mother in this film; she is busy and concentrates to photograph her daughter in the best possible way. So later on, when they are at home they can revive this exciting experience over and over again. That is one of the greatest powers of still and moving images, and in this film it is very well captured by Behrens | de Bruin.
Next / Quietness Becomes A Metaphor For Sunnyland / Previous / Their Parents Would Follow Within A Few Weeks /
Our poll "A photo essay always needs a great written story" closed. 267 people voted, 28% agrees, 72% disagrees. 233 people answered our follow-up question "Are you a photographer?" 82% indicated they are, 18% said no. Initially, negative answers to question #1 were almost 100% as was the pecentage of photographers among respondants. Then, when the level of non-photographers started to rise, the percentage of people indicating good text is always essential started to rise too. This seems to indicate that non-photographers think that adding good text to your photo essays is essential. In my opinion: if you want non-photographers to dig your work, you know what to do...
A place where masses of good memories are captured by people’s cameras: Orlando. The city is among the top three tourist destinations of the United States and its amusement parks are well known throughout the world.
In the midst of it we found a shop where little girls can get dressed up as princesses. Surrounded by their both anxious and at times bored parents the girls turn into someone else by means of make-up and clothes.
For us the shop presented a metaphor for the appearance-orientated American society. A society in which external looks seem to be of the utmost importance – at least that’s the impression we perceive from the images we see.
Certainly dressing up is part of childhood but it also carries cross-references to the adult world. Who do we want to be and does this idea coincide with who we really are? Who do we want to be seen as and how do imagery and media affect our wishes?
The short video Representing is set up in the shop, but instead of showing the children the camera is focusing on a mother waiting for her daughter to get dressed up.
How is she trying to capture this special moment and what are her thoughts as she watches her daughter’s transformation? In the meantime the soundtrack tells the story of another woman who is present in the shop. Her exaggerated enthusiasm adds to the absurdity of the situation.
Weblink: suzannedebruin.nl
Annette Behrens and Suzanne de Bruin (1979 / 1979) lives and works in Rotterdam, Amsterdam.
Click weblink annettebehrens.com or browse our archives
Out now! 50pm new issue
Sports Issue Magazine App
Posted in category 665
Suzanne, Annette,
prachtig absurd beeld, the real american beauty. life is worth living being self-absorbed in absence. Een eye opener.
Heel mooi.
A