Chen Man: Rise & Shine, Whatever the Weather

Chen Man's ‘Whatever the Weather’ photoshoot series is one of my favourite fashion editorials, featured in i-D's issue no. 137, Pre-Spring 2012. The Chinese photographer creates pop portraiture-esque visuals that are highly maximalist in nature. Her style is overly saturated and almost surrealist which is what first drew me to her work. Throughout her photographic series, Man plays with contrast through texture, colour, and characterisation.

Consequentially, this creates both visual and atmospheric conflicts that bounce off each other effortlessly.

Juxtaposition is central to Man's visuals; pattern, material, and texture all work together to create a pastiche of styles. For example; the linear nature of the garments VS the patently traditional headdresses, the vibrant and 'wet-look' make-up VS the natural complexion of the models, the rigid/architectural composition of the images VS the human emotion conveyed. Her series is extremely visually stimulating, and the viewer can keep finding new elements that reveal themselves the deeper they look.

Contrasts within characterisation are built using individualised styling and direction. Some models sport high-shine patent gillets, whilst others are clad in seemingly more conservative dress. The models each convey differencing emotions and moods by subtle changes in expression, paired with an overriding colour/tone. Man constructs individual archetypes, which are heightened by each other as each model plays off the other. For example an image that appears maybe cool and vacant will conflict directly with the atmosphere of an image thats high-energy, fiery, or confrontational. The models feel as though they are some sort of exclusive group in which each person brings a different element.

Connecting the entire series is the presence of traditional Chinese dress. Man references culture clashes in much of her work and is particularly passionate about the 'blending of East-West culture', stating that the 'fusion' of modern and traditional culture is the active creation of 'a new kind of sexiness'. The high-end garments festured in the editoirals are worn in conjunction with the traditional headdresses, amped up with M.A.C makeup. This results in strong visual contrasts that aim to disorientate the viewer. Man manages to seamlessly combine the authenticity of tradition with the attitude of modernism.

#ChenMan #FahionPhotography #iD #WhatevertheWeather #PreSpring2012