primal faces: 2010

Vannfuller
was inspired to photograph nudes with African masks initially for aesthetic reasons. He believed juxtaposing primitive art against the female figure created an engaging image. But as he began to uncover the stories behind the masks a deeper relationship began to emerge. Africa’s history– our common ancestry– and the pervasive use of masks raised some intriguing questions.

Why do Africa’s masks matter?
It all started there. Man is by nature a social animal, and you might say masks are one of human being's first attempts to win friends and influence people. A tool that projected a formidable self-image and made a lasting impression. Masks were also a means for expressing a personal aesthetic– an idiosyncratic and profound part of what makes us human.

What is a face?
The concept of face is Chinese in origin, though many cultures use “face” metaphorically to mean prestige or reputation. The expression “to lose face” on a primal level means to lose one’s spirit– our true face. The mask, on the other hand, allows the wearer to embody a spirit and is the virtual persona of one’s self image. Sociologists believe the face is a mask that changes depending on the situation. We are emotionally attached to our faces and strive socially to maintain the face we have created. Loss of face can be emotionally devastating, so we cooperate to maintain each others’ faces.

Why do we use masks?
Philosophers, poets and politicians have wrestled with that question for millenniums. History shows that despite all our technological advances human behavior hasn’t changed much over the years. And masks may simply be how we raise our self-esteem. Whether Aboriginal, Venetian or Kabuki– wearing masks is culturally universal. To Vannfuller, interpreting the stories behind the masks through photography is a way to explore the true subtext: ourselves. By exposing our primal fears, desires, hubris and frailties– understanding the human condition becomes a little clearer.

What can a photograph tell us?
With 53 countries on a continent bigger than China, Europe and the United States combined, Vannfuller is under no illusion that these pictures barely touch on Africa’s full cultural diversity. This series is but a first step on a personal journey. Making photographs that may reveal insights about who we are. He encourages you to look behind the masks and draw your own conclusions.

Vannfuller's story
As the former owner and creative force behind Pinkhaus Design Corp. in Miami, Joel Vannfuller has worked with many highly regarded professional photographers. His graphically trained eye has served him well as he made the leap from designer to photographer. A deeply grounded history of starting with a solid idea before shooting a single frame explains what makes Vannfuller tick. Over four decades of creative pursuits have given him a sensibility that can now be seen on gallery walls. His first public exhibition "13 stories" opened Nov 2009, and can be seen at: 13stories13photos.blogspot.com

Upcoming
Vannfuller is preparing his third solo exhibit later this year, called "Seescapes, Folly Beach".

Inquiries
To purchase prints, or if you are interested in publishing or exhibiting Vannfuller's photographs, contact: vannfuller@gmail.com
828.231.0449

1/10/10

"Primal Faces" Exhibition

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