Victoria Proffitt
MA work
MA work
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Protagonist , 2013
Silver gelatin fiber based hand print
117 x 170 cm -
Hamartia, 2014
Silver gelatin fiber based hand print
117 x 170 cm -
Coryphaeus , 2013
Silver gelatin fiber based hand print
130 x 110 cm -
Deuteragonist, 2013
Silver gelatin fibre based hand print
117 x 170 cm -
Skene (Stage), 2014
Matt vinyl print
508 x 165 cm
HOMO ECONOMICUS
Homo Economicus in neo-classical economic theory is a rational, self-interested, utility-maximising and unbounded model of man. As such he is in perfect control of the psychological entanglements that thrive in Capitalism: hope, fear, promise and betrayal.Â
My photographs propose the reframing of this abstract figure as an actor in a contemporary myth of executive hubris, played out on the stage of the City of London. Since the global financial crisis of 2007-8, Homo Economicus could become a representation of the attributes the public sees in banking culture.Â
Statistics suggest that the image of banking will suffer for longer than the economic impact of the crisis. The stage upon which society has placed the financial sector is uncomfortable, viewed under a glaring light and imbued with an operatic narrative.
In this myth, the public, mass media, and political sphere together form the collective voice of the chorus: overwhelmed with schadenfreude, singing ‘hubris goeth before a fall’.
This project is a visual study of the performance of power in the financial sector, and its portrayal in society.Â
Info
Info
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MA Degree
School
School of Humanities
Programme
MA Photography, 2014
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Contact
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HOMO ECONOMICUS
Homo Economicus in neo-classical economic theory is a rational, self-interested, utility-maximising and unbounded model of man. As such he is in perfect control of the psychological entanglements that thrive in Capitalism: hope, fear, promise and betrayal.Â
My photographs propose the reframing of this abstract figure as an actor in a contemporary myth of executive hubris, played out on the stage of the City of London. Since the global financial crisis of 2007-8, Homo Economicus could become a representation of the attributes the public sees in banking culture.Â
Statistics suggest that the image of banking will suffer for longer than the economic impact of the crisis. The stage upon which society has placed the financial sector is uncomfortable, viewed under a glaring light and imbued with an operatic narrative.
In this myth, the public, mass media, and political sphere together form the collective voice of the chorus: overwhelmed with schadenfreude, singing ‘hubris goeth before a fall’.
This project is a visual study of the performance of power in the financial sector, and its portrayal in society.Â
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Degrees
- BA (Hons) Fine Art & History of Art, Goldsmiths College, University of London, 2012
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Experience
- Artist talk, Photography Department, University of the Creative Arts Farnham, 2014
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Exhibitions
- Work-in-progress Show, Royal College of Art, London, 2013; Splinter Art Fair, Michael Hoppen Gallery, London, 2013; 5th Base Gallery, Brick Lane, London, 2013; Open Plan Show: Ordinary, Gracechurch Street, London, 2013; Taylor Street Baristas, The Old Stock Exchange, Bank, London, 2013; Goldsmiths Graduate Show, University of London, London, 2012; Embodiment, Red Bull Gallery, London, 2012; Surface Scan, Solo show, L1 Gallery, London, 2011-12
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Awards
- Shortlisted, Deutsche Bank Award, 2014 ; The Warden's Purchase Prize, Goldsmiths, University of London, 2012
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Publications
- Science & Fiction, Rut Blees Luxemburg, Black Dog Publishing, 2014; Homo Economicus: After the Fall, Newspaper, 2014, self published