FACECODE

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

Singled raised brow

Lowered brow

Medial brow contraction

Medial brow nods

Raised brow

Wide eyed

Wink

Lateral squint

Full squint Clare

BlinkInferior lateralorbit contraction

Sidewise look Curled nostril

Focus on auditor Flaring nostrils

Stare Pinched nostril

Rolled eyes Bunny nose

Slitted eyes Nose wrinkle

Eyes upward Left sneer

Shifty eyes Right sneer

Out of the sideof the mouth (L)

Out of the sideof the mouth (R)

Set jaw

Smile tight

Mouth in repose

Droopy mouth

Tongue in cheek

Pout

Clenched teeth

Toothy smile

Squared smile

Open mouth

Slow lick–lips

Quick lick–lips

Moistening lips

Lip biting

Whistle

Pursed Lips

Retreating lips

Peck

Smack

Lax mouth

Chin protruding

“Dropped” jaw

Chewing

Temples tightened

Total Scalp movement

Ear “wiggle”

P O L I T I C S

P O L I T I C S

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

Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi attends a right-wing youth party in Rome September 9, 2009

FlirtingSmile

Bill Clinton & Monica Lewinsky

Flirting

Rabin and Arafat agree on peace deal.White House, 13 september 1993

In doubt Proud

President George Bush as he hears news that the twin towers have been hit by a aircraft.11 Semptember 2011

In ShockSurprised

ENTERTAINMENT

ENTERTAINMENT

Britney Spears atending a party. September 2008

Confusion

Disappointed/sad

Muhammad Ali and Malcolm X

Disappointed/ angry

SuspiciousSadness

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 © 2012