Its said that when were choosing a mate, we are attracted to someone who shares the same facial attributes. It is, so the theory goes, a way of enhancing and preserving our genes.
If you doubt that theory, then you might want to check out Physical Attraction: New Works by Katie Huisman.
The Vancouver photographer has taken photos of 50 couples of various ages, ethnicities and sexual orientations. Instead of posing them in classic portrait shots, she photographs them individually in 12 specific poses with a black background. Then she superimposes one face onto the other.
The results will surprise some people, while confirming other peoples belief that our choice of partner is programmed in our genes.
Huisman found that there are very few differences in certain aspects of each couples facial features. For instance, 90 per cent of the vertical distance between the eyes match within two millimetres, 86 per cent of the horizontal distances between the nose and eyes match and, in 86 per cent of the couples, their profiles match each others.
I believe that our decisions regarding physical attraction may be influenced by our primordial instincts, Huisman says in a press release.
It might seem to take the romance out of our choices but she doesnt believe the similarities are coincidence.
The show opens the day before Valentines Day at Initial Gallery (2339 Granville) and closes March 8.
Huisman will be at the gallery for the opening reception on February 13 from 6 to 9pm. The gallery is open Tuesdays to Saturdays, noon to 6pm. InitialGallery.com
