Modern Interpretation of 'Glass Tears' by Man Ray: Emotion and Distance in Contemporary Art by Elianne van Turennout

This art photograph offers a contemporary interpretation of Man Ray's iconic work "Glass Tears", highlighting the ongoing tension between emotion and distance in both commercial art and our daily lives. Whereas Man Ray used artificial tears at the time to critique the sentimental nature of emotion, this modern version brings the message even closer to home. With the rise of social media, meant to bring us closer together, we ironically feel more distant than ever. Like 92 years ago, the woman in this image shows a sense of detachment and introspection, but now in colour and with modern beauty standards.

It is striking how the filled brow with and long groomed locks reflect the zeitgeist of today. Full lips, a nose with where the bottom slightly points up, but with the original eyelashes from Man Ray's work. A round forehead, slightly too perfect skin where the pores appear almost symmetrical and a tight jawline to complete the 'TikTok face'. Despite these external changes, the core of the work remains the same: emotions are still portrayed, but with a new layer of irony that points out the role of technology in our aloofness. This image is perfect for art lovers who want to explore and appreciate the complexity of modern emotions.

This artwork is offered by Elianne van Turennout

It all started with a4 paper and HB pencils. As a child I was often impressed by how beautiful the world around me was. The urge to capture this beautiful world, and to show the people around me what I saw, was actually there from the beginning. If I remember correctly, I was about eleven years old when I first met the camera. Of course it was a simple compact camera with a ridiculous quality, but I enjoyed it.

I sometimes said I wanted to be a photographer, but of course you have one of the two parents who says, "Dream on." Strangely enough, I followed the sarcastic remark as advice, and still went to study photography.

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