Bella Nuda

I sold three images to a creative person, a film writer/editor/director. What these had in common was the lack of a face (Counterpoise and Underwaterfall which are below, and Arecales Umbra Femina which is mostly faceless.) I wondered if this had a connection with his genre of movie (horror) or if it was coincidental.

Images without a face present a particular compositional challenge. Devoid of this compelling human attribute, the eye is without key direction and we have less reference to the thoughts of the subject. Without a hint of eyes, nose, or mouth, he figure becomes somewhat an anonymous nude. Faceless means expressionless, meaning an enigmatic and cryptic image. Although, in the act of hiding the face, something is communicated: a tucked head in body language or hair thrown up in enthusiasm. The subject is involved in the environment, not acknowledging the fourth wall.

Faceless compositions are not the norm for me. I’d say I have a strong preference for a face; it makes it much easier to communicate the character and intentions of the subject. For a faceless composition to pass muster with me, it needs to be compelling in other ways either in spite of or because of the lack of a face.