PERSONAL NEEDS
by Linda Dawn Hammond
The original Series (since expanded) consists of 12 self-portraits inspired by actual ads, placed in the
personal columns of newspapers. Each photograph matches an ad as an "ultimate" response, though more often the result
is closer to my own than what the writer of the ad would wish or require. These are self-portraits and as such, permit me the illusion of
becoming anyone's "ideal", whereas in fact, by nature of the disguise and deception, I answer to no one.
There is a message of hope, as the series suggests that only the constraints of our imagination restrict us in terms of who we may become in this life. On a darker side, it explores the prescribed limitations set by others, who seek to limit and mold their intended into a creature of their own making. The images explore sexuality, gender roles, fetishism and the "desperation to connect" as a Human condition. Humour keeps it all in perspective.
The original photographs are made from large format (4 by 5 inch) negatives; the "photo corners" / ads are Canon Laser copies. They were presented in gold and velour frames, accompanied with 11 Fetish boxes, (dim. 8" by 10"), which contained objects,various textures and excepts of text by Gilles Deleuze from his book, Coldness and Cruelty.
12 B&W photographs, (dim. 11" by14"),11 Fetish boxes, (dim. 8" by 10"),
including...
1. Hermaphrodite Welcome ,
2. Biblical Wife ,
3. Planet of Her Own Making ,
4. Gothic Romance ,
5. Heavyset Teddybear Seeks ,
6. New Woman ,
7. Meatless Meal ,
8. Artist or Businessman,
9. Genius With a Big Dick,
10. 4His Slaves,
11. Kitten With Claws,
12. Big Where It Counts.
An additional photograph, 13. Female Touch , was added to the Artefect exhibit in 1991,
in protest of Canada Council funding for Artists being diverted to finance the Gulf war effort. Since that time, additional photographs were created as part of the ongoing series, which have yet to be displayed.
CLICK on the ICONS below to enlarge the individual PERSONAL NEEDS portraits
NOTE: All images on this site are protected under International copyright laws.
*PERSONAL NEEDSl©Linda Dawn Hammond, 1990/2006. The images posted on this site
are of lower resolution than the originals.
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Inquiries regarding current and future exhibitions and purchase orders of this series and others can be made at the following Email Address: info (insert AT sign) dawnone.com
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