Yuhan Zheng

Thesis Work: The Indexicality of the Inauthentic

My thesis project features self-portraits of three characters inspired by social media culture, exploring representation and indexicality in photography. Through exaggerated expressions and unexpected scenes, I want to initiate a discussion about authenticity in the digital era.

“My project consists of a series of self-portraits in which I imitate three characters that are influenced by different aspects of social media culture. Through these performances, I aim to explore the complexities of identity in the digital era and the ambiguous relation between indexicality and representation of photography. Indexicality emphasizes the connection between the photograph and reality, while representation focuses on the meaning that the photograph can convey.The first character I embody is 1970s rock star Ozzy Osbourne, whose performative identity is intertwined with his music. The choice stems from his highly distinguished representation of darkness and outrage, which contrasts with the current tendency to hide negative emotions on social media. The scene of consuming a sacrificial offering has an indexical reference to traditional Chinese rituals, but its unexpected on social media and its unlikely portrayal challenge viewer assumptions about truth and representation. The third character I embody is a 1980s fitness trainer, highlighting the trend of showcasing the idealized self on social media. By intentionally creating images that do not accurately reflect reality, I aim to spark conversations about authenticity and representation in the digital age. Also, the colours in the photographs are bright and dynamic, and the expressions of the characters are exaggerated and playful. That engages the audience more but also reflects the irony of striving for a perfect representation on social media.Through these performances, I use my body as a tool for communication and engagement, inviting viewers to question their assumptions about truth and representation. Ultimately, my goal is to create a space for dialogue about the complexities of identity in the digital era, where images are constantly produced, transmitted, and received, blurring the boundary between the virtual and the authentic.”