Ellis Faas

http://www.elle.com/cm/elle/images/G5/Beauty-News-Ellis-Faas-Makeup-Line-Lands-Stateside-mdn.jpg
Ellis Faas

http://vimeo.com/109956784
On above is a link of Ellis Faas's short film 'Identity Revealed' and she is the makeup artist, film maker and also the photographer for the film. She was asked to create this film for the new exhibition,' Magical Africa- Masks and Sculptures from Ivory Coast. The Artist Revealed' at De Nieuwe Kerk in Amsterdam and inspired by the traditional masks from Ivory Coast. After I watched the film, I really like how Ellis uses different styles and makeup looks to transform different characters and identities for the models. I also like the way she asked the models to do different movements to show and express the feelings of each characters. The background music adds a mystery mood to the film and the dark background stands out the models' makeup looks and styles which make the film more effective. Also, I think it is very clever that there are three models show at each scene and they appear slowly so people will see the looks clearly and will not miss out any part of the film. The most unforgettable scene for me in the film is one of the girl appeared with a face covered with different colours of wire and then she started to wrap around her head and covering her face with black wire. I really like the ideas Ellis Faas shows different people's identities through the use of various materials and how she wants to present the ideas that humans use mask ( such as ornamental elements ) to hide their true identity.
 
Ellis explains her approach of the film:
"Since ancient times, humans have been using masks - in order to express power and authority; to feel self-confident; to stand out or to hide behind; to not be recognised and disappear into the masses. Not only by traditional masks, but also by disguising and ornamental elements such as clothing, jewellery, hair and makeup. But can one truly change one's identity, or is it merely a temporary transformation? And who or what defines someone's true identity? Is it the mask, is it the human being behind the mask, or maybe even the creator of the mask?"

http://www.ellisfaas.com/uploads/Portfolio/015.jpg

I have found this makeup style on Ellis Faas's website and I like the way Ellis Faas just did half of the model's face covered with powdery texture while leaving the half of the face smooth and clean. It also creates a gradient effects on the face while black to grey and then white. The other side of the face goes from lights to shadows and the two textures create contrasts within the face. I also like the lighting on the photo which specifically focuses on the middle of the face and it enhances even more the gradient effects on the model's face.

Sources:
http://vimeo.com/109956784
http://vimeo.com/109812422
http://www.ellisfaas.com/