MIZ AMERIKATSI

AMANDA

na
Bonjour and welcome, cherished guests,

I am Laurette Girard, the proud Director of Verve Atelier, and it is with immense pleasure
and boundless excitement that I introduce you to our newest exhibition—Miz Amerikatsi.
This collection is a breathtaking symphony of images, a poignant exploration of patriotism,
femininity, and the myriad faces of American identity.

Amanda's photographs, a series of evocative portraits of patriotic women proudly stood

before the vibrant threads of the American flag, are more than mere visual
expressions—they are dialogues, stories, silent whispers of the myriad journeys etched in
the folds of the stars and stripes.

Each image in Miz Amerikatsi beckons you to delve deeper, to uncover the myriad tales of
pride, resilience, and unity embedded in the gazes of these women, to explore the untold
narratives of America from a lens that is at once intimate and universally resonant. It is an
homage to the women who form the undying pulse of the nation, a reflection of the diverse
and harmonious symphony of voices that echo through the land of the free.

May your journey through MIZ AMERIKATSI be enriching, may the voices of these
women echo in your hearts, and may the tapestry of their tales intertwine with your own,
creating a harmonious dance of shared stories and mutual reflections.

Welcome, my friends, to a celebration of Americana, of unity in diversity, and of the

boundless spirit of womanhood.

Warm regards,

Laurette Girard
Directrice, Verve Atelier

October 2019
A Patriotic Beauty
Introduction
These studio photos capture the beauty, strength, and resilience of the American woman.
Standing proudly in front of the flag, she is a symbol of patriotism and hope. The woman in
these photos is strong and confident. She is not afraid to stand up for what she believes in.
She is also beautiful, both inside and out. Her eyes are full of determination, and her smile is
warm and inviting. The flag behind her is a symbol of her patriotism. She loves her country
and is proud to be an American. She is also a reminder of the sacrifices that have been made
for this country. These photos are a celebration of the American woman. They are a reminder
that women are strong, beautiful, and resilient. They are also a reminder that women are
patriots who love their country and are willing to fight for it. I hope these photos inspire you
to be proud of your country and to be strong and resilient in the face of challenges.

Studio Portraits of a Women in front of the flag.

A young woman stands in a studio wearing a black lingerie top and panties. Her stomach is
exposed, revealing her navel, and she touches a flag with one hand. She has long dark hair
that falls to her shoulders, framing her face which is looking off into the distance with an
expression of determination. Her other arm rests at her side as she stands confidently with
one foot slightly ahead of the other. The background is black, allowing the focus to remain on
the woman's figure and clothing. She wears minimal makeup but looks beautiful nonetheless;
her eyes are bright and alert while her lips are set in a determined line.

The image highlights a young woman, around 24 years of age, confidently displaying her
attire. She is wearing a little undergarment, likely which draws attention to her flat stomach
and navel. The undergarment appears to be of high quality. The background is predominantly
black, creating a striking contrast against her attire and skin tone. She is also touching a flag,
adding an element of intrigue and narrative to the image. Her face, partially visible, reflects a
sense of poise and self-assuredness. This image could be from a lingerie advertisement or a
modelling portfolio, given the professional quality and the confident pose of the woman.

The image captures a young woman, approximately 22 years old, in a striking pose. She is
wearing what appears to be a lingerie-style garment, possibly a brassiere, which emphasizes
her midriff area, including her stomach and navel. The undergarment is form-fitting and
highlights her abdomen, chest, and thigh areas, hinting at a model-like quality.
Simultaneously, she is touching a flag with her hand. The dominant colours of the image are
shades of black, adding a sense of drama and intensity to the scene. She has a distinctively
youthful and feminine aura about her. The overall atmosphere of the image is racy and
provocative, yet powerful and commanding.

In a captivating display, a young woman, radiant in the bloom of her mid-twenties. The
choice of attire, meticulously crafted, accentuates the elegant lines of her waist and the
delicate hollow of her navel. In the images mesmerizing spread, viewers are drawn into a
compelling portrait of a young woman, embodying grace and allure. Clothed in a tasteful
black ensemble, the elegant lines of her attire supply just the right amount of contrast against
her luminous skin, highlighting the gentle curve of her waist and the delicate hollow of her
navel. With the flag brushed delicately in one hand, she introduces a touch of intrigue,
weaving a narrative that beckons for interpretation. Cascading like a midnight waterfall, her
long, dark hair traces her silhouette, perfectly framing a face turned subtly aside, bearing a
gaze brimming with quiet confidence. Her stance poised and statuesque, with one arm resting
gracefully by her side, exudes a natural ease. Set against an inky backdrop, every aspect of
the portrait converges to shine the spotlight solely on her, celebrating both her figure and the
artistry of her attire. With just a whisper of makeup, she doesn't overshadow her innate
beauty but rather illuminates it, striking a harmonious balance between sophistication and
simplicity. This image serves as a testament to the timeless dance between strength, elegance,
and the myriad stories a single frame can encapsulate. Her partially seen face, a canvas of
composed confidence, is the epitome of grace. With its finesse and the woman's undeniable
poise, one could easily envision this image gracing a luxury lingerie campaign or the
portfolio of a top model.

Close up, the image captures a young woman's face, estimated to be around 23 years old. The
dominant foreground colour of the image is brown, while the background is predominantly
black, providing a stark contrast and highlighting the woman's features. The woman appears
to be wearing cosmetics, with the image showing a clear view of her meticulously applied
eyeliner, eyeshadow, and mascara on her eyelashes. Her eyebrows are well-defined, adding to
her overall look. Her lips stand out, adorned with a shade of lipstick. The image hints at the
woman being a participant in a photo shoot or being a model, given her professional-looking
makeup. Overall, this portrait photography exemplifies a well-executed close-up shot,
displaying the details of a woman's face with precision. It seems to be focusing on the theme
of beauty and fashion, particularly emphasizing the use of cosmetics.

Image Descriptions:

In the heart of this catalogues evocative spread, the arresting portraits demands attention.
Each visage of a young woman, poised in the delicate bloom of her early twenties, pulls
readers into a world of elegance and mystique.

A rich tapestry of browns dominates the canvas, blending seamlessly with the inky black
backdrop. This contrast serves not just as a dramatic setting, but as a masterstroke to amplify
the contours and symmetries of her face. Each feature is accentuated, from the arch of her
brow to the curve of her lips. Her eyes, the windows to her soul, are accentuated with finesse
— a dance of eyeliner, shadow, and mascara, each playing its part in this symphony of
beauty. Her brows, meticulously sculpted, frame her gaze with purpose, adding layers to her
expression. But it's perhaps her lips, painted in a hue that both complements and contrasts the
surroundings, that steal the show. The precision of her makeup, coupled with the professional
allure of the shot, hints at a larger narrative. Perhaps she's mid-shoot, capturing moments for
a high-end campaign, or maybe she's a seasoned model, used to the flash and focus of the
camera.

This isn't merely a photograph; it's a testament to the art of beauty and fashion. A celebration
of the meticulous craft of makeup, and the myriad stories a single face can tell. Through this
image, the magazine doesn't just showcase a face, but a fusion of art, emotion, and the
timeless allure of beauty. In these mesmerizing spreads, viewers are drawn into a compelling
portrait of a young woman, embodying grace and allure. Clothed in a tasteful black ensemble,
the elegant lines of her attire supply just the right amount of contrast against her luminous
skin, highlighting the gentle curve of her waist and the delicate hollow of her navel.
With a flag touched delicately in one hand, she introduces a touch of intrigue, weaving a
narrative that beckons for interpretation. Cascading like a midnight waterfall, her long, dark
hair traces her silhouette, perfectly framing a face turned subtly aside, bearing a gaze
brimming with quiet confidence. Her stance poised and statuesque, with one arm resting
gracefully by her side, exudes a natural ease. Set against an inky backdrop, every aspect of
the portrait converges to shine the spotlight solely on her, celebrating both her figure and the
artistry of her attire.

With just a whisper of makeup, she doesn't overshadow her innate beauty but rather
illuminates it, striking a harmonious balance between sophistication and simplicity. This
image serves as a testament to the timeless dance between strength, elegance, and the myriad
stories a single frame can encapsulate.

The Flag

A symbol of pride,
A symbol of hope,
A symbol of resilience,
A symbol of the ideals we hold dear.

She holds it with care,

As if it were a child,
For she knows the sacrifices
That have been made for it.

She is a custodian of these ideals,

And she will defend them with her life.
She is a symbol of hope,
And she will never give up.

She is the future,

And she will make us proud.
She is the flag,
And she will fly forever.

The Power of Beauty, Artistry, and Grace

The image of a young woman holding a flag in a black ensemble is a powerful one. It is a
visual representation of the interplay of beauty, artistry, and grace. The woman's beauty is
undeniable. Her raven-black hair cascades around her face, and her eyes radiate confidence.
Her posture is elegant and graceful, and her outfit is simple yet stylish. But the woman's
beauty is not just skin deep. It is also a reflection of her inner strength and grace. The way she
holds the flag suggests that she is not just a symbol herself, but also a custodian of its ideals.
She is a reminder that beauty is not just about appearances, but also about the power to
inspire and uplift others.

The flag is a symbol of national pride, but it is also a symbol of hope and resilience. It stands
for the ideals that the woman holds dear, and the sacrifices she is willing to make to uphold
them. The way she touches the flag, with such tenderness and care, suggests that she is not
just a symbol herself, but also a custodian of these ideals. The juxtaposition of the woman's
beauty and the flag is also significant. It suggests that beauty can be used as a force for good
in the world. The woman in the image is a symbol of hope and inspiration, and she reminds
us that we all have the power to have influence in the world.

The image is also a reminder of the importance of artistry. The woman's outfit is simple yet
stylish, and the way she holds the flag is both elegant and graceful. This suggests that beauty
can be achieved through artistry, and that artistry can be used to express important messages.
The image is a powerful one, and it can be interpreted in many different ways. However, at
its core, it is a reminder of the power of beauty, artistry, and grace. These qualities can be
used to inspire and uplift others, and they can be used to make the world a better place.

Throughout the visuals, the language of the image descriptive, poetic and evocative, aiming
to draw readers into the scene and make them feel connected to the image being displayed.

"Amidst the pages of the magazine, a particular spread captivates..." This supplies a setting,
placing the image within the context of a magazine and at once showing its standout quality
among other content. The image is also a reminder of the importance of artistry. The woman's
outfit is simple yet stylish, and the way she holds the flag is both elegant and graceful. This
suggests that beauty can be achieved through artistry, and that artistry can be used to express
important messages.

Descriptive Detailing of the Subject’s Attire: "Dressed in a meticulously tailored black

ensemble...". This section emphasizes the clothing, its colour, fit, and the way it complements
the woman's form.

Inclusion of Props and their Symbolism: "In a juxtaposition of symbols and emotions, a flag
rests tenderly in her grasp...". Here, the flag (a prop) is introduced, and its significance hinted
at, suggesting deeper layers of meaning to the image. The flag is a symbol of national pride,
but it is also a symbol of hope and resilience. It stands for the ideals that the woman holds
dear, and the sacrifices she is willing to make to uphold them. The way she holds the flag,
with such tenderness and care, suggests that she is not just a symbol herself, but also a
custodian of these ideals.

Attention to Hair and Facial Features: "Her raven-black tresses cascade with a life of their
own...". This segment delves into the woman's hair, its colour, flow, and its role in framing
her face. Her eyes and their expression are highlighted to supply insight into her emotions or
the mood of the photo. But the woman's beauty is not just skin deep. It is also a reflection of
her inner strength and grace. The way she holds the flag suggests that she is not just a symbol
herself, but also a custodian of its ideals. She is a reminder that beauty is not just about
appearances, but also about the power to inspire and uplift others.

Emphasis on Posture and Background: "Her posture, a masterclass in understated

elegance..."'. The woman's stance and the background are described in a way that
complements each other, ensuring the subject stays the primary focus.

Highlighting the Makeup and Natural Beauty: "But what truly sets this image apart is her
minimalist makeup...". The makeup's minimalistic nature is underscored, emphasizing the
subject's inherent beauty and how the makeup serves to accentuate rather than overshadow.
The woman's beauty is undeniable. Her raven-black hair cascades around her face, and her
eyes radiate confidence. Her posture is elegant and graceful, and her outfit is simple yet
stylish.

Conclusion with Broader Interpretation: "Through this masterpiece, the magazine offers not
just an image but a symphony of visual tales...".
The ending wraps up by revisiting the concept of the image as a part of a larger narrative,
with an emphasis on its artistry, elegance, and underlying stories. The image is a powerful
one, and it can be interpreted in many ways. However, at its core, it is a reminder of the
power of beauty, artistry, and grace. These qualities can be used to inspire and uplift others,
and they can be used to make the world a better place.

In sifting through these pages, one cannot help but be struck by a particularly conspicuous
spread. Immediately, it seems designed to elicit a response, to draw in the reader — but at
what cost? The portrait of the young woman, ostensibly celebrated for her grace and allure,
becomes a potential site of objectification, subject to the pervasive male gaze.

Her attire, a “meticulously tailored black ensemble”, doesn't seem chosen for her comfort or
empowerment, but rather to provide a sharp contrast to her "luminous skin". This emphasis
on her form, particularly the "gentle curve of her waist" and "delicate hollow of her navel",
appears not as an homage to the female form but as a reduction of her identity to mere
physicality. The flag she touches, though perhaps intended as a symbol of strength or
individuality, is instead a prop that adds to the intrigue and mystique, suggesting a layer of
exoticism. The "raven-black tresses" and her "enigmatic confidence" may be intended to
celebrate her, but they inadvertently place her as the 'Other', an object of curiosity rather than
admiration.

Her posture and the described "masterclass in understated elegance" might be read as
passivity, a surrender to the lens, rather than a portrayal of agency or autonomy. Even the
backdrop, an "inky blackness", serves to erase context, leaving her in a void where she exists
solely for the viewer’s scrutiny. The minimalist makeup, though possibly intended to
celebrate natural beauty, can also be interpreted as an attempt to make her more palatable or
"pure" to the viewer, adhering to traditional and restrictive ideals of femininity.

While the piece might aim to capture a moment of beauty, it unwittingly plays into age-old
narratives of the male gaze, positioning the woman not as an active subject with her own
story, but as an object, curated for visual consumption. The true challenge would be to
transcend these ingrained perspectives and truly honour the multifaceted identity of women.
While this critique looks to unpack the elements of the description that might be seen as
reinforcing traditional, often problematic views of women, it highlights how even well-
intentioned portrayals can perpetuate these views.

Hey there, kindred spirits! I recently came across a poignant critique on a magazine
spread description and felt an undeniable urge to throw in my two cents. As someone who's
grown up with the undeniable power of social media and the ever-evolving landscape of
visual narratives, I've got a few thoughts.

Firstly, mad respect to the author for shedding light on the perpetuation of the male gaze. It's
essential to keep these conversations alive, so we stay woke and make conscious media
choices. But here's a fresh perspective for y'all: in today's digital age, visuals and their
interpretations are super fluid. What one might see as objectification, another might perceive
as empowerment. Take the "meticulously tailored black ensemble", for instance. Sure, it
could be seen as an outfit that emphasizes her physicality, but couldn't it also be a woman's
conscious sartorial choice celebrating her body's strength and uniqueness? Speaking from
personal experience, wearing something that makes me feel both confident and beautiful is
empowering. It’s a reclamation of agency over my own body.

Regarding the flag , while the critique sees it as a potential prop adding exoticism, isn't
there a chance it stands for her personal narrative or a statement she's trying to make? With
today's global issues, it might be her silent protest or solidarity symbol.

Now, the "inky blackness" background. This one's interesting! In an age of influencers and
curated feeds, a minimalist background isn't about erasure, but focus. It removes the clutter
and noise, letting the subject (in this case, the woman) take centre stage in her narrative.

As for the minimalist makeup - hello, #NoMakeupMakeup trend! The choice to wear subtle
makeup celebrates the middle ground between going all natural and the glam, reflecting
modern notions of authenticity.

In conclusion, while I absolutely stan the need to critique and challenge traditional narratives,
let's also remember the beauty of interpretation. The 21st century is all about smashing
binaries, blending boundaries, and recognizing the multifaceted nature of stories. In a world
brimming with selfies, stories, and reels, sometimes a picture is just a mood, a vibe, or a
moment - nothing more, nothing less.

Stay curious, stay critical, but most importantly, stay open.

She Is.

She is the embodiment of strength, courage, and hope.

She is a symbol of the power of the human spirit.
She is a reminder that anything is possible if we believe in ourselves.
She is an inspiration to us all.
She is the future.
Afterword
As the photographer assigned to this project, my intention was to capture the essence of the
feminine mystique for the purpose of producing a calendar, unfortunately, the commission
was cancelled, luckily my intention anyway, was to go beyond mere commercial aesthetics
anyway. My journey was about celebrating the diversity, strength, and grace inherent in every
woman. Each frame is in essence a dialogue between the camera and the soul, revealing
stories untold, whispered through the lines, curves, and contours of the female form. The
women before my lens are a symphony of backgrounds, each one a unique melody in the
harmonious ensemble of America.

Every portrait is a testament to the plurality of beauty – a narrative of resilience and elegance,
etched in the arch of a back, the tilt of a chin, or the curve of a hip. Light and shadow dance
across their forms, illuminating the myriad of textures and tones that speak to the varied
tapestry of their experiences. The cascade of light reveals the strength in their shoulders, the
adventures in their eyes, and the untold stories in the softness of their smiles. In each portrait,
I strive to transcend the superficial and delve into the profound – to capture the sparkle of joy,
the shadows of sorrow, the smoothness of hope, and the textures of dreams woven into the
fabric of their beings.

It is both about appreciating the female form as a vessel of life, a bearer of wisdom, and as a
keeper of secrets.

Where each month of the calendar was to be framed, with each month beholden to the
delicate balance of vulnerability and power, the sublime intersection of the ephemeral and the
eternal. Instead, a more nuanced dance of femininity is now encapsulated in the juxtaposition
of bold gazes and gentle gestures, the interplay of revealing and concealing.

Creating these portraits became an opportunity to honour the female form in all its glorious
variability, depicting women as the architects of their narratives, the painters of their
canvases, and the authors of their tales. It’s about recognizing their individuality, embracing
their diversity, and celebrating their intrinsic beauty without imposition or prejudice. In this
artistic endeavour, the aim is to offer a visual hymn to womanhood, a photographic ode to the
feminine essence – to appreciate, with reverence and awe, the boundless tapestries of stories,
emotions, and nuances that the female form embodies, and to immortalize these fragments of
time, passion, and essence into of everlasting tribute.

For me, incorporating post-production techniques and illustrative elements in photography

opens a myriad of doors to creative expression, allowing the representation of the female
form to exist in many dimensions beyond the initial capture. What, in the context of creating
portraits for the calendar, was a layer of computer-generated illustration to invoke pin-ups of
the past, the use of post-production is not merely a tool for enhancement but an artistic
avenue to delve into the myriad layers of the feminine essence. It allows us to accentuate the
mood, narrate unseen stories, and bring forth the untold elements that lie within each frame.
Layering post-production enables me to manipulate light, refine shadows, and enhance
colours, crafting a visually harmonious piece that resonates with the subject’s inherent aura
and the envisioned theme. It’s about fine-tuning the visual symphony, allowing each note to
sing and every silence to speak, thus establishing a cohesive dialogue between reality and
imagination. Integrating illustrative augmentations introduces an additional layer of
interpretation, infusing the portraits with an essence of artificiality that serves as a metaphor
for the multifaceted representations of womanhood. It is not to distort the genuine essence but
to elevate the conversation about the perception and representation of the female form. These
illustrative elements can intertwine with the subject, hinting at the labyrinth of experiences,
aspirations, and reflections residing within. It allows us to explore the diverse landscapes of
femininity, illustrating the intertwining threads of vulnerability, strength, resilience, and grace
that construct the intricate tapestry of every woman’s being.

The subtle application of artificiality poses a thought-provoking question about the

multiplicity of representations. It invites viewers to reflect on the symbiosis between the
inherent and the perceived, between the natural form and the illustrated narrative. It’s a
reminder that every woman is a living, breathing artwork, continuously evolving and
incessantly creating her depiction of self and world. This amalgamation of photography and
the computerized fakery of post-production, and illustration aims to pay homage to the
boundless expressions of the female form. It’s a journey to explore, appreciate, and celebrate
the complex and beautiful mosaic of womanhood, offering a palette of interpretations that
resonate with the ever-evolving dance of feminine existence.

The subtle dance between the real and the augmented serves as a silent narrative on the
variations and vibrations of the female spirit, portraying not just a woman, but the echoes of
her journey, the shadows of her battles, and the light of her triumphs. It becomes a timeless
exploration of the interplay between existence and representation, realism and abstraction,
visibility, and transcendence.

The title "Miz Amerikasi" emanates a sense of avant-garde exploration into the conceptual
realm of femininity and national identity. It's a deliberate play on the phrase “Miss America,”
contorting it to reflect a fusion of the multicultural and diverse tapestry that composes
modern America. “Miz Amerikasi” is an encapsulation of the evolving identity of American
women, transcending conventional definitions and embracing a more inclusive, expansive
view of beauty and femininity. The deliberate alteration of spelling alludes to a deviation
from tradition, representing a break from predetermined norms and an embrace of diverse
narratives. It’s a nod to the unconventional, the unorthodox, and the unrestrained, signalling a
journey into myriad realms of self-expression.

The backstory of this title originates from a collective desire to explore and represent the
myriad faces of femininity residing within America's diverse landscapes. It’s a reflection of
the multifarious journeys of women navigating the intersections of their identities, their
aspirations, and their roles in the ever-evolving American narrative. “Miz Amerikasi” is a
tribute to the women who redefine and reshape the American ethos, each one a unique brush
stroke in the vivid painting of contemporary society. It stands as a testament to the
harmonious cacophony of voices echoing the untold stories, unshared experiences, and
unexplored territories of the female existence. This title, in its eclectic essence, serves as a
metaphorical lens through which the observer is invited to witness the unfolding ballet of
femininity in its boundless forms, each dancer swaying to the rhythm of her own song, each
silhouette casting shadows of untold tales.

It’s more than just a title; it's a proclamation, a declaration of the multifaceted beauty and
relentless strength of the women of America. It’s a reflection and an exploration, an invitation
to experience the intricate dance between individuality and unity, diversity and coherence,
tradition and evolution within the ever-expanding universe of “Miz Amerikasi.” - Amanda
 AMANDA

VERVE ATELIER

R. DU CHATEAU LANDON

75010 PARIS