Iconoclast
It is well known that in theatrical lighting, colour is used to affect the emotion, but I feel that it is often overlooked that the absence of light can be a more powerful atmospheric tool than saturating the stage in red for example.
From research into backlighting and the power of the absence of light I found an interesting article about a throne room for the Bohemian King at Karlstejn Castle. King Charles IV placed his throne in between two large windows because he “liked to be in shadow so no one could see his facial expressions or read his emotions”.
https://www.private-prague-guide.com/article/karlstejn-castle/
This inspired me to try a more conceptual take on this idea and I swapped the orderly, luxurious Gothic feel for an aggressive scrap-punk image featuring a young warlord atop a throne of debris. The Gothic chapel that she rules from has been desecrated with graffiti, lit by a blacklight neon-crucifix, unapologetically repurposed from the outside of the chapel and placed in a manner that suggests a downward course.
The warlord herself, although sitting and beckoning a subject toward her with comfortable confidence, has skillfully considered and manipulated the available lighting to mask her young age. Like the ‘displays’ of cobra or peacock, she has been able to elevate her audience’s perception into one of intimidation, aggression and dominance.
Photo-bash refs:
https://unsplash.com/photos/brown-and-green-houses-under-blue-sky-during-daytime-HGCqL-tRcac
https://unsplash.com/photos/black-and-brown-doberman-dog-sitting-on-shore-x1tdpoFDt1c
https://www.pexels.com/photo/white-dust-and-black-background-9665216/
https://www.textures.com/download/OrnamentsArches0052/47140
https://unsplash.com/photos/brown-and-white-wooden-wall-4mhc6eQuWbQ
