Alison Wan
Thomas Jefferson High School｜Alexandria, VA
TEACHER: Tracy Harris
Drawing
Haircut｜11 x 14 in.
Ideas(s): Illustrate letting go of my hair which I've grown for a long time and learned to care for
Material(s): Graphite, gel pen
Process(es): Mirror reflection—the contrast between comb and dark hair shows thinking of how much hair to cut
The piece has a personal meaning. It represents letting go of something I’ve cared for throughout quarantine - in this case, my hair.
Student statement
Student
statement
My portfolio investigates how objects connected to my personal life are reflected on different surfaces. The graphite drawings are based on photographs of typical scenes I see around me.
This piece is called “Haircut” and it is a self-portrait of getting a haircut for the first time during the coronavirus. Rather than taking a straightforward selfie, I captured the mirror reflection because it displayed objects in the background that I found interesting. The model’s face peeking behind the barber offers a glimpse at today’s beauty standards. The words “to love” and the shadow of a clock are among other details in the background that give the viewer a sense of presence. Besides hidden objects, the reflection emphasizes various textures: the metal mirror frame, the plastic sheet, my hair, etc.
The piece has a personal meaning. It represents letting go of something I’ve cared for throughout quarantine - in this case, my hair. For others, though, it could be letting go of a loved one or a bad habit. This piece also shows the barber, who, like many others, is struggling to keep his business stable during the pandemic. Reflections, seemingly insignificant in our everyday lives, can make us wonder about the small details if we just look closer.
Alison Wan
Alison Wan