Shovemiya Packiyanathan

Shadows of Her

This photographic series was a project I completed in December of 2024 for my thesis course. It is a series of five female archetypes I photographed using my friend as a model. This project speaks to my thesis question of how objectification and victimization are portrayed in neo-noir films, and how films use visual and narrative details of female archetypes to shape cultural perceptions of women's suffering, reinforce gender stereotypes, and influence societal views on gender and empathy.

“These images embody intricate feelings, power, mystery, and vulnerability. “Shadows of Her” allows audiences to question how the societal views of women are molded by portrayals in films of suffering and desire. Shadows of Her is a exploration of how the light and shadows can shine some light on untold narratives about identity, power, and femininity. It is an awakening to delve into the roles we assign and the shadows we leave behind. ”