Chameleon Identities Chameleon Identities
Chameleon Identities

“This work follows the transformation of a “chameleon” subject within a collaged panoramic image to investigate concepts on identity, plurality, metamorphosis, time, ability of change and the forming of boundaries. As the figure travels between locations it alters its outward expression, forming a different identity depending on its environment. The image can be viewed as an urban landscape from a distance or at close inspection reveals the details of the chameleon transformation within it.”


Shifting Aspects Shifting Aspects
Shifting Aspects

“Transformation and identity are key concepts that inhabit my current art making. This work aims to explore the multiple ways gender may be expressed within the one individual in a form which suggests movement and the ability of change. The structure itself is comprised of a series of blocks, one placed on top of the other, which are arranged in a spiral formation. Upon the two widest sides of each block is part of an image. If all the blocks were stacked evenly, the image segments would come together to appear as a figure on each side. These two figures, which are both the same person, exhibit binary gender expressions. These could be considered as one more masculine and one more feminine. The twisted configuration of the blocks, however, distorts these images so that aspects of both sides are viewed together as a hybrid character. This ability of movement that the blocks have, suggest the possibility of new variations of subjectivity that could be formed, visualised and embodied. The blending of mediums, photography and sculpture, also lends to this concept of the hybrid identity. The use of photography alludes to the use of the image as a form of social representation and construction. The use of sculpture however, allows for a different kind of interaction between art object and viewer. The scale of the sculpture as larger than life size allows for an element of power and presence, that which the socially constructed image holds. The placement of the sculpture effects the reception of that object. The relationship between location and social expression is then investigated, with the notion of the deliberate choice of self-expression depending upon the speculated reception from others at a particular location or to particular social groups. Perspective plays an important role in this work as the viewer’s position dictates what aspects of the twisted images are seen. This visual technique conceptually refers to the multiple perspectives of the self and the varied approaches towards gender that have been developed and adopted. With segmented characters and shifting block constructions this work seeks to explore the changing social representations of gender and the varied possibilities of expression for the individual.” Jessica Sanders, 2013.


Dreamscape Dreamscape
Dreamscape

“The world of dreaming can be an uncanny and mysterious place within our minds. In this series of panoramas I aim to replicate such a place by manipulating the landscape into a dream-like environment. By using cross-processing, unnatural colours and high contrast are produced in the image, creating an atmospheric appearance. The image itself is a series of analogue photographs which have been shot in succession, then have been scanned in and digitally collaged together. This has enabled multiple perspectives to be placed together, further removing the reality of the actual location. The first work of this series “Dreamscape” has several other photographs added to the landscape. These are childhood photographs which I use to symbolise and possibly act as a trigger for memories of the past. By placing them in the dream scene I suggest that we may access our memories through dreaming. The other three images in the series focus more on the beauty and power of the natural environment. Most constructions such as buildings and vehicles have been digitally removed within the images so that the rawness of the nature and the lack of human presence allow the viewer to feel isolated and unnerved. This display of the natural environment, as well as the use of large scale in its presentation, also alludes to the concept of the sublime.” Jessica Sanders, 2003. 


Coastal Grains Coastal Grains
Coastal Grains

“In this work I seek to present an alternative representation of the traditional landscape. Rather than one continuous image, the environment is dissected into several close-up images. These are presented altogether, so that as a whole they form a gestalt of the location. By having a more intimate perspective in each individual image, I intend for the viewer to perceive the essence of the environment. My aim to represent the landscape with more realism is a shift from the dream-like panoramas I have created previously. For this reason I have also chosen not to alter the photographs with cross processing or digital manipulation which have been key techniques I have used in the past.” Jessica Sanders 2011


Back When Back When
Back When
"In this work I have used childhood toys to revisit my past. The use of black and white film creates a feeling of nostalgia, while the low to ground perspective recreates the viewpoint of a child.” Jessica Sanders, 2007.


City City
City

"This work documents some of the sites of the city, playing with different perspectives and close-up details.” Jessica Sanders, 2009.


Pieces of a Dream Pieces of a Dream
Pieces of a Dream

 "This series of work began my interest with dreaming and my experimentation to re-create the mysterious and strange images that we experience through sleep. The acute cropping only allows the viewer to see part of the subject, creating intrigue and possibly fear as to what is obscured. With this, my use of cross processing allows the colour within the images to appear abnormal, further creating an effect of the uncanny. It is through these images that lead me to develop the series “Dreamscape”. Jessica Sanders, 2013.


Repetition in Nature Repetition in Nature
Repetition in Nature
“These works explore my fascination with the mathematical replication of form within the natural world. I began by studying images of fractals, however as I did not wish to use computer generated images, I then studied live botanic specimens to find examples of self-similarity.” Jessica Sanders, 2010.

Light and the Journey Through Space Light and the Journey Through Space
Light and the Journey Through Space
“Working with the topic “space”, this artwork alludes to the idea of outer space travel and science fiction projections of other intelligent life. I began by experimenting with the way light appears to travel through physical space as it is captured on film. Using a long shutter speed, patterns are created as the camera is moved over a single light source in a darkened room. This pattern acts as a record of the camera’s movement and some of the images that are produced seem to have an alien like appearance.” Jessica Sanders, 2002.

Fabric Manipulations Fabric Manipulations
Fabric Manipulations 

“This work is an experimental piece, playing with the shape and movement of fabric and the body. By viewing the images in inverted colour, the subjects become abstract. Some of the non-living forms then become corporal in appearance aided by the hue and saturation of their new colouring. The body subsequently blends into the curves and creases of the fabric.” Jessica Sanders, 2013.


 Jessica SandersSydney, NS, Australia+61 499924730