FACE CODE
We are living in an era where the image that we transmit to others is vital. Politicians and celebrities are seen and are judged every day by millions. Our emotions are constantly controlled by cultural rules and partly directed by cognitive features. Facial expression is more carefully controlled than any other form of non-verbal communication: It is very easy to ‘put on a face’ and communicate emotions that are not exactly what we are feeling . What if we could grab a pen and draw on these faces to show what they are really thinking and feeling. Inspired by the subverted images of culture jamming, I have changed the meaning of peoples’ facial expressions based on the story ‘behind the scenes’. Using the ‘code for the face’ created by Ray Birdwhistell in 1970
Blank faced
Full squint
Clare
Singled raised brow
Blink
Inferior lateral orbit contraction
Lowered brow
Sidewise look
Curled nostril
Medial brow contraction
Focus on auditor
Flaring nostrils
Medial brow nods
Stare
Pinched nostril
Raised brow
Rolled eyes
Bunny nose
Wide eyed
Slitted eyes
Nose wrinkle
Wink
Eyes upward
Left sneer
Lateral squint
Shifty eyes
Right sneer
Out of the side of the mouth (L)
Toothy smile
Retreating lips
Out of the side of the mouth (R)
Squared smile
Peck
Set jaw
Open mouth
Smack
Smile tight
Slow lick–lips
Lax mouth
Mouth in repose
Quick lick–lips
Chin protruding
Droopy mouth
Moistening lips
“Dropped” jaw
Tongue in cheek
Lip biting
Chewing
Pout
Whistle
Temples tightened
Pursed Lips
Total Scalp movement
Clenched teeth
Ear “wiggle”
POLI
TICS
Suspicious
Call an image to mind
J. F. K. and his wife, Jackie Kennedy, hold hands in 1962 close to the time of the ‘affair’ with Ms Alford
Flirting Smile Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi attends a right-wing youth party in Rome September 9, 2009
Bill Clinton & Monica Lewinsky Flirting
In doubt
Proud
Rabin and Arafat agree on peace deal. White House, 13 september 1993
In Shock Surprised President George Bush as he hears news that the twin towers have been hit by a aircraft. 11 Semptember 2011
ENTERTA
AINMENT
Britney Spears atending a party. September 2008 Confusion
Disappointed/sad
Disappointed/ angry
Muhammad Ali and Malcolm X
Suspicious Sadness
Prince Charles and Princess Diana
Confused Nervous
Rupert Murdoch 7 July 2007
Lying Surprised in shock
Tiger Woods and his wife Elin Nordegren
Shared secret Emotionless Arnold Schwarzenegger and Housekeeper Mistress in 1999
Cristina Melo Š 2012