THE EYES HAVE IT IN HER NEW SHOW AT THE STEPHEN BULGER GALLERY
Story by Emily Whalen
Artist Fausta Facciponte’s latest exhibit, Sleepy Eyes, is sure to spark some conversation. Her subjects, big-eyed and beguiling baby dolls, are guaranteed to either completely freak you out or pull you in. We caught up with the photographer and fine artist to learn more about the show.
Give a brief description of Sleepy Eyes.
Sleepy Eyes is a series of large photographs of dolls. In these images, faces of dolls are individually photographed either on colored backdrops or landscapes. They are colourful, large-scale images that reveal details in the face. From a distance, the portraits appear cheery and bright; as the viewer is drawn closer, a personal dialogue with the image develops, often unsettling, often familiar.
Can you explain how you go about making the portraits?
Well, the portraits begin with collecting. I collect dolls from thrift stores, garage sales and online auctions. The portraits are very big – and they magnify details and retain clarity in the final image. To get these results I don’t just take a single photo of the doll and print large, because the image would degenerate when printed at such a scale; so, I take a bunch of photos of different parts of the face and then piece them together using Photoshop. I take anywhere from 40 to 120 images, depending on the image I am working on. The process can be a little nerve-wracking but I love the way the face comes together slowly.
What attracted you to the dolls you use in the portraits?
Missing eyelashes, tattered hair, smudgy faces … anything quirky. After collecting I realized I was choosing a lot of dolls with sleepy eyes, bottle mouths or ones that are dressed as brides or school children. When I look at some of the used dolls I have collected I see faces that are both youthful and aged. I never clean or try to repair the dolls because these are the features that make the photograph interesting.
What are some of the reactions people have had to the dolls?
People either love them or hate them, and so far no one has been indifferent to them. It’s all good – I like the mixed reactions I get from people.
Have you created other portraits before this project?
Yes, I have photographed people … a lot of people. And I love looking at faces. I’m always fascinated by the beginning of the photo shoot when there is some tension between the photographer and the sitter.
What were some of your main inspirations in creating this piece?
This project began because I wanted to make a photograph for my daughter’s playroom. I liked the idea of making a large doll portrait simply because of the connection children have with toys and the connection we all have to faces. After that I began collecting other dolls that had been discarded and made portraits of these. I liked the idea of how material goods are passed along from one owner to the next and these particular objects somehow bestow a feeling of terminated love and abandonment.
Do you ever work with other artists or invite people to look at your work before it goes to a gallery?
I haven’t done much collaborative work with other artists. Sometimes people get a sneak preview of what I’m working on, but mostly my family sees what I’m up to and they have a lot of input into and inspiration into what I’m doing.
Did you ever have any dolls growing up?
Yes … Donna, Anna, Sheila, Debora and Crissy and Violet. I remember my first doll, the one I lost, and another little tiny one who lost all her hair after I washed it – it must have been glued on.
Sleepy Eyes is on now until Oct. 29th at the Stephen Bulger Gallery (1026 Queen St. West, Toronto).
