This body of work 'The Triangular Theory of Love' has been created following my interest in the work of American psychologist Robert Sternberg and is inspired by his research of the same name, in a bid to quantify the unquantifiable – how can love be defined within the construct of romantic relationships? Sternberg’s theory states that in the context of interpersonal relationships, the three components of love are intimacy, passion and commitment, forming the parameters of the triangle, which is used as a metaphor, rather than a strict geometric model.
It is the relationship between these different elements which creates eight types of romantic love non love, liking, infatuated love, empty love, romantic love, companionate love, fatuous love and consummate love.
The portraits for The Triangular Theory of Love – are shot immediately after deeply personal interviews, often lasting 1-2 hours, where sitters shared their experiences of romantic love. Extracts of those interviews are placed alongside with the portraits with the book I created– so that their voices are heard. I have been moved by the personal stories, reflections and vulnerability that my sitters have been generous enough to share with me.
