With a simple and descriptive title, "Naked People," German photographer Sebastian Kempa's project consists of photographing all kinds of people in their clothes and out of them. Clothes help an individual define themselves. When you compare the two images, there is a change in your perception of the person you see.
Until now, there isn't anything especially original about the project. What makes the "Naked People" project more complex than at first glance is Kempa's use of a technological support--the project website.
When the website is linked, you see each person clothed, and a brief profile with their name, age, job, hobby, and country. Then you click on the picture, and the clothes fade away until the nude person appears.
The project seems to reflect a globalized and mediated world, and the change that has consequently occurred in the way people relate to each other. Social networking sites such as MySpace or Facebook serve as matchmaking and "friendmaking" portals that allow people to meet who could never do so without these new technologies.
We are then a fixed identity, an image, a profile that defines only a small part of each person. The project confronts these virtual and abbreviated versions of a personality to the most intimate self--the naked body.
Artistic Identity Studies
Sebastian Kempa Juxtaposes Clothed and Nude Images
Trend Themes
1. Digital Identity - Exploring the intersection of online profiles and real-life identities, there is potential for disruptive innovation in personal branding and reputation management.
2. Virtual Relationships - With the rise of social networking sites, there is an opportunity for disruptive innovation in the development of platforms that foster genuine connections and meaningful interactions in the digital realm.
3. Self-expression Through Art - The blending of clothing and nudity in artistic photography opens up possibilities for disruptive innovation in the creative industry, particularly in exploring unconventional ways to express personal identity.
Industry Implications
1. Personal Branding - There is potential for disruptive innovation in the personal branding industry, as individuals seek to navigate the intersection of their online and offline identities.
2. Social Networking - The rise of social networking sites presents opportunities for disruptive innovation in the development of platforms that prioritize authentic connections and foster genuine relationships.
3. Art and Photography - The fusion of clothing and nudity in artistic photography creates disruptive innovation opportunities for artists and photographers to explore unconventional ways of representing personal identity.