Vee Speers

'The Birthday Party' by Australian photographer Vee Speers is probably the coolest thing you will see today. Forget about the David Attenborough documentary on telly or the weird thing some guy down at the pub can do with his double-jointed thumb, Speers presents us with something truly intoxicating. Blending the space between reality and fantasy, these photos are a chilling retreat into the costumes of childhood parties.

Through a combination of subject choice, extensive props and gorgeous handmade costumes, Speers creates complex characters and situations. These images appear to have an agenda, as though a message were intended to reach the viewer, though what that message may be is left unstated.  Through the visual juxtaposition between these divergent elements Speers creates a marvellous, unknown tension which leaves the audience bewildered.

"Speers wanted to use the imaginary birthday party backdrop to address both our collective human experience of war and our need to retreat from it into fantasy. The concept is very streamlined, as are the visuals - lone children against the same gray wall staring openly at the camera - and the elements work together to create these timeless portraits" Quoted from Vee Speer's Webpage.

There are unconfirmed rumours floating around the blog-o-sphere that the works are informed by a series of short stories. However, without an explanation beyond the series title, 'The Birthday Party', the audience is intrinsically involved. Through a thwarted desire for explanation, Speers deepens the dramatic tension. As viewers, we are left to our own suppositions.

Amazing.

Love Centine,

xoxoxoxox