Photo exhibit at USF focuses on our faces

By JENNIFER CONWAY

© St. Petersburg Times, published February 23, 2001

Whether aloof, pretentious, intimidating or friendly, a facial expression can be intoxicating.

"It's the face for others to see and gaze upon, allowing others to form their own conclusions and judgments," says photographer Michelle Jammes. "It's the person's true essence."

Jammes incorporates this essence in her portrait exhibition, "Otherwise," on display now through March 9 at the University of South Florida's Centre Gallery.

The 30 pieces, which include about 50 prints, "explore the notion of human faces beyond the appearance of being only part of our body."

"What has fascinated me about portraiture," writes Jammes in her artist's statement, "Is the main focus of the face and whole idea of possession. A person's face, though theirs, appears to almost belong to others."

While on a trip to Mexico last August, Jammes, a USF graduate, said she began observing the whole concept of people's faces. Upon returning, she recruited seven of her friends, five women and two men, as models. Already possessing a close relationship with her models, she felt conveying emotions would be easier through friends than through strangers.

But the pictures represent more than just the photographer's friends.

"They could be whoever you want them to be and however you want them to act," says Jammes.

Jammes has exhibited in "Articulated Identity," at Centre Gallery in 1999, "Undisclosed Designation," USF Teaching Gallery, 1998, and the "Annual Juried Student Art Exhibition," USF CAM, 1998 and 2000.

If you go

WHAT: "Otherwise," a portrait exhibit by Michelle Jammes

WHEN: Now through March 9, artist will be at the gallery from 1 to 2 p.m. Monday through Wednesday

WHERE: University of South Florida Tampa Campus, Centre Gallery in the Marshall Center

COST: Free

CALL: (813) 974-5464

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