Hothead

The mind of Man is framed even like the breath
And harmony of music. There is a dark
Invisible workmanship that reconciles
Discordant elements, and makes them move
In one society.
~ William Wordsworth, The Prelude, Book 1

John Taylor has a new process. In the 'blog' section of duranduran.com, one can find the currently in-progress 'JT's 30 in 30,' wherein John is taking a photo of himself every day for the next thirty days. More than just snapshots, these are tiny windows into his world. In the same way that the artist is more than how he appears on the street or in over-styled photo shoots, this series of photos affords us a glimpse into his private mind.Reading everyone's comments and discussing the project with other fans has been just as interesting to me as looking at the photos. Of course, there are limits to photography as a revelatory tool, and some fans are complaining about not having a blog with words. Personally, I'm excited by John's willingness to embrace image-making as a fresh technique to communicate with fans. I firmly believe that a picture is indeed worth a thousand words, and there are a thousand more returned from each viewer.

There are also those who have been eager to roll their eyes at each new photo, pointing to physical flaws and the effects of age upon his visage, just as there are those who are happy to simply squee over the cuteness. I am not ashamed to admit that I would probably frame this man's colonoscopy photo, but I think the overall project is worthy of contemplation. The un-retouched laugh lines, the unshaven whiskers, and the rather un-dainty contour of his nostrils all belie John's willingness to share himself with us as he truly is, without pretense or vanity. Just as a mother could not judge or discard a photo of her child, I find it impossible not to find beauty in what some would call imperfection. Though unorthodox, I think it would be unfortunate to dismiss this method of communication with the fan base, especially in light of John's recent comments about social media. This is unique and unexpected progress that I feel should be heartily commended.I've had great fun sharing the anticipation with other fans each day, waiting for the new picture to be posted and wondering together about what it all means. Perhaps John is drawing from his recent reading, regarding this project from a Jungian perspective. When considered separately, the two seem to contradict. The Jungian looks for links internally, while a photographer is looking for links externally. Put them together and possibilities do emerge, using the camera simultaneously as the mirror to the soul and the window to the world. After all, a mirror is the transparent made reflective.Examining these photos has taken me back to my art school days, filled with discussions about Lacan's concept of the "artist's gaze" and the question of what is subjective versus objective. I wonder, just who is doing the gazing here? With whom does the power and possession of the gaze lie? Are we looking at him while he looks at us looking at himself? The Lacanian implications of the series reach far, lending interpretation to the effect that perception supersedes actuality, that schism is actuality, that actuality is false, and that the interlocutor is the only real.
Self portraiture is a tender process for any artist, an attempt to capture a clear view of one's transitional essence. For both the photographer and the viewer, the portrait is inherently subjective and contingent, involving selection, interpretation and chance. Each of these photos is a beautiful but failed grasp at temporality, and that is why they are so interesting.

As is the nature of any ADDict, I want more. I want John to pass the camera along, putting it in the hands of Nick, Roger, and Simon to do their own series. I want them to then photograph each other, and I then want them to share their photos of us as we have of them. Take it even further, a reflection of a reflection of a reflection, resulting in an infinite blinding light of admiration for the moments that bring us all together.Many fans are still waiting for a press release, hard news about the new album, or firm answers to nebulous rumors. I don't think we'll see any of that for a while. For the moment, I am cherishing this unexpected and highly personal exchange with the man of many moods, and consider this as decorative yet meaningful element to the communication we all crave.