#WhyWhiteWorks
Los Angeles-based artist and photographer Weston James Palmer rummages through a stock of ideas stemming from his own understanding, and that of L’Officiel India’s team, of what it really means to be in a ‘white’ state of mind. The result is a captivating story of an imagined soul. A Jane Doe to us becomes the Rachel Campbell of his imagining.
Nostalgia caught in modern time. Rachel Campbell is an artist from The Netherlands, who is the epitome of modern vintage. She references greats from Robert Redford to James Stewart. I find it interesting that instead of moving with the norm, she looks into the past for inspiration. If she could make Los Angeles, Montana, she probably would. Instead of cars on the freeway, everyone would be on horses. A horse, of course.
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What does this old soul have to do with ‘white’, Weston? Good question. White is neutral yet powerful. It projects angelic qualities. White is easy on the eye, comforting and approachable. Exactly, how I feel about these photographs. You are drawn to her, but maybe you’re not sure why. I think white has that effect. It makes you a little bit more interesting in a sense that whoever is looking, can paint their own picture of who they think you are.
Neutral adapts and becomes the viewer’s vision, again drawing them in, even more. As much as white works, I find the more you wear it, the more you might be confused, or in search of something. Grandiose, magic, love...whatever it might be.
You might be afraid to come into your own, and play with a stronger colour rather than white. That’s why, I believe Rachel is still searching and is distraught, hoping to come into her own, ultimately revealing that white is safe and a colour that makes people feel at home. Maybe that is for you; maybe it is not. But I do know one thing. Rachel will be painting the world with colour very soon.
From the February 2016 issue of L’Officiel India.
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