Jess Smith is a photography student whose work explores the relationship between visual culture and identity. Driven by a fascination with images and their influence, her practice investigates how media and environments shape the way individuals see themselves and others. Her work is rooted in an interest in psychology, particularly in how desire, perception, as well as behaviour, are constructed through repeated exposure to visual contemporary media. Drawing on themes such as consumerism, beauty standards, and digital culture, Jess creates carefully staged and conceptual imagery that reflects both personal and collective experiences. Through her practice, she aims to question the authenticity of modern identity, revealing how much of what we believe to be “self” is in fact learned, absorbed, and performed.