Ciara Hardy

Into Dusk is an exploration of nature, personal expression, relationships, freedom and intimacy. I examined the power of nature as a force not solely decorative but also unifying, paralleling the sense of freedom in individual expression and non-conformity.

I intended to create a photographic series as a visual study and critical examination of sub-genre. Taking inspiration from ‘aesthetics’ that have gained internet traction recently, as well genres classically explored in art, literature and media. I aimed to offer a subversion of the more problematic aspects of the recently popularized ‘cottagecore’ phenomenon, as well it’s preceding influences. My series centered subjects in flourishing outdoor settings reminiscent of the wooded and ‘open-air’ visual style of the fantasy genre and the hallmarks of cottagecore, whilst making implicit reference to art history, including the Romantic and Pastoral art movements.

By examining the ideological origins of these movements, I wanted to create a piece of work that represented my own critical interpretation. By centering the presence and importance of different people and their experiences, rather than solely celebrating one strict binary, as well as shooting in places which allowed acknowledgement of Country, I aimed to destabilize the limiting and silencing stereotypes that underpin the genres I wished to explore. I was influenced by films such as The Secret Garden (1993), Pride and Prejudice (2005), Marie Antoinette (2006), Pan’s Labyrinth (2006), and Midsommar (2019) in the development of my production, and I sought to capture a sense of nostalgia and safety in the tone and style of the work I created. By use of colour, costuming, setting, lighting and mise en scene, I aimed to provide varied and inclusive acknowledgement of gender, sexuality and self-expression, whilst engaging thoughtfully with the genres which inspired my work.

Chiara Hardy

Into Dusk is an exploration of nature, personal expression, relationships, freedom and intimacy. I examined the power of nature as a force not solely decorative but also unifying, paralleling the sense of freedom in individual expression and non-conformity.

I intended to create a photographic series as a visual study and critical examination of sub-genre. Taking inspiration from ‘aesthetics’ that have gained internet traction recently, as well genres classically explored in art, literature and media. I aimed to offer a subversion of the more problematic aspects of the recently popularized ‘cottagecore’ phenomenon, as well it’s preceding influences. My series centered subjects in flourishing outdoor settings reminiscent of the wooded and ‘open-air’ visual style of the fantasy genre and the hallmarks of cottagecore, whilst making implicit reference to art history, including the Romantic and Pastoral art movements.

By examining the ideological origins of these movements, I wanted to create a piece of work that represented my own critical interpretation. By centering the presence and importance of different people and their experiences, rather than solely celebrating one strict binary, as well as shooting in places which allowed acknowledgement of Country, I aimed to destabilize the limiting and silencing stereotypes that underpin the genres I wished to explore. I was influenced by films such as The Secret Garden (1993), Pride and Prejudice (2005), Marie Antoinette (2006), Pan’s Labyrinth (2006), and Midsommar (2019) in the development of my production, and I sought to capture a sense of nostalgia and safety in the tone and style of the work I created. By use of colour, costuming, setting, lighting and mise en scene, I aimed to provide varied and inclusive acknowledgement of gender, sexuality and self-expression, whilst engaging thoughtfully with the genres which inspired my work.