ENTRY DESCRIPTION
This image is part of a larger polaroid series entitled, Don't Say I Didn't Warn You. which explores relationships, words, vulnerability and social constructs. Specifically, the series explores expressions that are used to hold another person's identity statically in a place of preconceived notions, and speech that can usurp the recipient's agency, as well as examining the space between intent and reception. In some instances, these expressions are miscommunications, dependent on interpretation alone, or careless phrases learned through culture; whereas other statements are blatant, conscious manipulations or threats, instances when the user intends to intimidate or cast judgement. Regardless of the type of phrase, all strip the subject of power, which is why they are brazenly written on the naked body and presented boldly.

This series was born out of a personal exploration and personal experiences, and it began as a way of creating imagery to visually portray the impact of words. Don’t Say I Didn’t Warn You. also examines the general psychology of language and how language works within society structures.

This image specifically is highlights the phrase Can't You Take a Joke? which is commonly used to downplay the speakers intentions as playful rather than acknowledging the pain that their words have caused. This phrase is typically used in anger and creates an even further separation and distance from the recipient, which is why the subject of this image has her arms up, in the darkness, as if being attacked.

AUTHOR
Diane Knarr is a conceptual artist residing in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, with degrees in art history and philosophy. In her works, Diane explores social constructs, identity, communications, and vulnerability through the use of visual media. She is currently studying contemporary photographic practices at the Philadelphia Photo Arts Center.

Currently, Diane was a shortlisted artist for FotoFilmic's 2016 International Exhibition competition and noted as a rising star of analog photography for her work from the series, Don't Say I Didn't Warn You. Among other awards, she was also a semi-finalist in the 2016 Siena International Photography Award competition, a grant recipient from Ello.co, a featured artist in Not for Print magazine, and selected for exhibition in Art Through the Lens 2017.

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