#Spectrum: An Instagram photo series that celebrates individuality

Spectrum is a photo series that aims to challenge the typical and almost boring monochromatic ‘influencer’ Instagram pages.

Its aim is to reimagine the Instagram space as a space that can be beautiful and fun with a vibrant ensemble of colour, where the true liveliness and effervescence of our daily lives come together in a spectrum.

A spectrum, according to its definition, is a band of colours similar to those seen in a rainbow which are produced by a separation of the components of light by their different degrees of refraction.

In this work we not only introduce a transformation to a saturated social media space but we also show how beautiful every individual can be within their own iridescent light force, yet so connected to, and apart one another.

Spectrum, however, is not a project aimed to illuminate the supposed rainbow nation. As students, especially ones with political backgrounds, we are aware of discourse surrounding the rainbow nation. We are not impressed by it, nor do we believe in it.

Model Tyla Dalgliesh. Photographer: Half & Halve (@halfandhalve)

For this project, we casted 6 different models – all of which were from different cultural and racial backgrounds, and were paired with a unique colour that we felt best matched their aesthetic and their personality.

We themed the colours in terms of the casting and curation of the models. We aimed to cast models who were comfortable in front of the camera, and who brought a calming aura to the set.

This was done in order to portray the Solange-esque mood of the images.

Each model was styled according to a particular aesthetic category. The model, Hloni Sepanya, who wore blue and was pictured against the sky, was styled in a preppy manner.

While inspiration was drawn from grungy, vintage punk aesthetics for the model, Qiniso Van Damme, who was dressed in orange. To contrast her grunge-punk theme, we aimed to picture her against orange flowers – a contrasting dichotomy between her fierce styled look and her calm aura in front of the camera.

Model Lucia Ma. Photographer: Half & Halve (@halfandhalve)

On fashion and concept creation, a philosophy that we live by is to constantly create and develop new and interesting ways to spread a message through art. The art form that inspires us on a daily basis is the outfit with which we style ourselves with in the morning. We aim to wear a new outfit each new day. This keeps our minds fresh and willing to learn and expand, with an appearance to match.