jocelyn allen: one is not like the other

‘one is not like the other’ by jocelyn allen (above) ‘being mum’ image © jocelyn allen

‘one is not like the other’ by london-based photographer jocelyn allen is a series of portraits involving the artist with her closest relatives. presented in diptych or triptych format, the collection explores the notion of an individual’s identity versus the dominant role in which genetics can play in one’s physical appearance and nature.

the familial subjects are captured in their natural, domestic setting which allen loosely mimics with a self-portrait of herself in the same position, posture and clothes. not unlike a ‘spot the difference’ game, the heightened level of similarities between the two photographs has the viewer drawing parallels between the figures as well as mapping the subtle facial features of the artist. simultaneously a self-portrait as well as a study of genetics, the series delineates in photographs how one can be the sum of many. 

‘being grandad’ image © jocelyn allen

‘being nan’ image © jocelyn allen

‘being dad’ image © jocelyn allen

‘being rebecca’ image © jocelyn allen

‘being jocelyn’ image © jocelyn allen

‘being caralyn’image © jocelyn allen

via smileinyourface