Adeline
Adeline is a story based on a real person, and more so, on the long-past experiences through the prism of realization of their influence today. Nuances, the small elements, trigger memories, and bring the desire to share personal moments. The hat made out of a newspaper and the apple signify personal traits, reminisce of first love, and the impact this relationship had on everything that followed. What attraction is composed of - is a question that is raised to bring forth the contradiction between the norms often dictated by society and personal understanding of the authentic attributes of attraction.
Austn Fischer is a US-based photographer, currently living and working in London. Austin decided to create a truthful depiction of the way he remembers one of the most prominent figures from his past, Adeline.
Together with Becky Skirrow, a model, Adeline’s character was created, as Austn explains, “[Becky’s] fearlessness, confidence, and personality best resembled Adeline.” Gender is scrutinized and explored through this character, and the way one’s understanding of the constructs of gender is changing with years.
‘Something about her that I admire the most, and the best way to recognize her, is her confidence. Adeline always had this indescribable confidence where she could command a room and make you care about anything.’
— Austn Fischer
Who is Adeline? What are some of her characteristics and features that can be easily recognizable?
Austn: Adeline was the first girl that I ever had a crush on. She was the first person I ever loved. I thought about her every day. Through Adeline, I learned what I love in a person. I learned about attraction, rethought the ideas I was told, growing up, of what is best in a woman. I only have Adeline to thank for showing me what true love is. Adeline is witty, funny, smart, and amazing at chess. Something about her that I admire the most, and the best way to recognize her, is her confidence. Adeline always had this indescribable confidence where she could command a room and make you care about anything.
‘As I am getting older, I am gaining new perspectives and exploring more myself and the world around me. I am learning just how complex attraction truly is. It's not based on body types or appearances.’
— Austn Fischer
One of the most memorable photos is the one with the vintage belt distorting the form of the body of the model. Tell about the idea for this scene? Which feeling did you aim to evoke with the viewer?
Austn: With this image, I wanted to convey the idea of body identity and the male gaze. The image depicts how I was told to love women; small waist, no clothes, and beautiful. As I am getting older, I am gaining new perspectives and exploring more myself and the world around me. I am learning just how complex attraction truly is. It's not based on body types or appearances. You might take notice of the way someone looks, but an authentic attraction requires a connection of souls. To love someone, you have to see all of them and let them see all of you. Adeline was the first person I met who understood this and showed me that love is so much more than pleasure. I wanted this image to represent the layers of attraction; there is more to this image, and this connection than pleasure.
‘I know that I am starting to see gender as something to be challenged. There are no rules when it comes to gender, only a society that has created constraints on what it should be.’
— Austn Fischer
What constitutes gender? How is this topic explored through photography?
Austn: I often ask myself the same question. What is gender? Is it biological? Is it emotional? Is it the way you dress? For generations, people have even made it as basic as blue or pink. I am so glad our understanding of gender is evolving. I know that I am starting to see gender as something to be challenged. There are no rules when it comes to gender, only a society that has created constraints on what it should be. I often find myself trying to deconstruct what I was told gender is. In photography, I can quickly debunk gender norms and show a person in many ways. I can photograph a naked man in heels, then full drag, then back naked man in a single day. During the lockdown, I began a self-portrait series called “Sugar Dream” exploring my gender and sexual identification. Being able to be alone with yourself and the camera allows you to reflect on who you are and what you are photographing.
Tell about the preparation work which took place before the shoot. What was considerable in communication with Becky to create the character of Adeline?
Austn: In preparation to shoot Adeline, I began writing down moments that I had with her trying to translate them into the image. One of my favorite times with Adeline was going to Chicago to see René Magritte’s works. I incorporated the apple photo to emulate the time I spent with Adeline doing her favorite things. I always admired her for her mind. I wanted to be sure that it was conveyed in the photographs. Adeline also loved reading newspapers. Making a hat out of a newspaper was my way of reflecting her passion for knowledge. The little time I spent with Adeline was made for the most impactful photographs. I was extremely fortunate to have Becky as a model for this shoot because her energy was such a close match to Adeline’s. Her fearlessness, confidence, and personality best resembled Adeline. Communicating with Becky was extremely easy for me. If I wanted her to move a certain way, she would do it without me telling her. She read me easily and knew exactly what I wanted.
What is the most memorable moment or episode from the shooting day or the preparation for it?
Austn: The best moment from shooting that day was being able to work with Becky. The excitement and enthusiasm that she brought to the set were contagious. Becky trusted me a lot with my vision, and that is indescribable.
Becky: When I first met Austn, we clicked instantly, and there was great ease working with him. These images came to both of us organically, so there was no pressure on the day. As for preparation, I was sent a very clear mood board that perfectly portrayed Austn’s work and the overall vibe.
