‘Unseen’ started life as an exam theme in A level fine art. The challenge was to interpret 'unseen' in a creative, personal way but also to relate it to an established photographer; Patty Maher was chosen.  She is a Canadian based in Ontario who uses staged self-portraits and those of female models.

A key feature is that her models never show their face. They are placed in naturally occurring or constructed landscapes. Her prize winning series “The Salvage Mission” used wrecked cars with model clothing chosen to blend with the decaying remains.

For the ‘Unseen’ project both landscape and ‘urban explorer’ settings are used, and models wear a mask to hide their face. Clothing is based on Lolita fashion, a radical form of street style from 1990’s Japan. All outfits are sourced from 42Lolita.

As well as the literal interpretation there is more personal dimension relating to ‘sense of self’. A disguise with costume and mask takes attention away from body and face thereby providing a second identity. The real self is protected and unseen!