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Annaliese Cassarino
Ideal

The Ideal series presents a comparison between the ideal found in statues and the real found in humans. Many of the images also contain interaction between the forms. This interaction is meant to suggest the attainment of the ideal within one's romantic relationship. The continuation of the project involves adornment of the ideal.

The color photographs are multiple exposures of the sculpted form and the human form, created within the camera. First the statues were photographed. I made a sketch of each frame as it was shot. Then I re-wound the film and referred to the sketches when exposing each frame again, this time with the human form. No digital manipulation was involved.

I was captivated
years past
by his beauty and strength
A powerful warrior
Looking down
from atop his pedestal
Who
was the human
cast in marble?
Did he embody
all that I imagine?
A painting
of a sculptor, in his studio
embracing a woman
who turns from stone to flesh
The real and the ideal
what could be
and ought to be

From Stone to Flesh © 1998 Annaliese Cassarino

The Sword © 1998 Annaliese Cassarino

Grasping His Heart © 1998 Annaliese Cassarino

Torsos © 1998 Annaliese Cassarino

Open Hand © 1998 Annaliese Cassarino

The Kiss © 1999 Annaliese Cassarino

Female Torso and Cherry Blossoms © 1999 Annaliese Cassarino

Male Torso with Tulip and Cherry Blossoms © 1999 Annaliese Cassarino

Statue with Cherry Blossoms in her Hair © 1999 Annaliese Cassarino

Male and Female Statue Torsos with Tulip © 1999 Annaliese Cassarino