- Artist Statement -

MFA - Integrated Studio Arts

Photography is recognized as a two-dimensional depiction of the four-dimensional world and yet photos are a construction. While it may be natural for man to wish to record his surroundings, photography as a scientific and artistic medium is not a naturally phenomenon. While the camera impartially records the light passing through its lens, the photographer makes a host of decisions when determining what is recorded and how it is presented to others. Beyond the chemicals and now digital structures needed to process and produce photos are wholly man made. All in the pursuit of the human desire to actually record what is in front of him. This is magnified by the growing number of cameras in the world. These cameras, while recording different events and scenes than what Niepce and Daguerre sought, today’s cameras and photographers are still rely on the various elements of photograph in order to control what the audience sees.

 

The ability to create visual hierarchy through the very elements which comprise photography (e.i. Inclusion and exclusion) are a result from the flattening of the world. Photographic theorists have attempted to define and explain these elements, like John Szarkowski who first used the term “The Thing Itself” to describe the peculiar dependent positions a photo had with its subject . Through these elements one can begin to see how a photograph can, both consciously and unconsciously, pass personal values and ideas upon an image. All of these elements are adjustable and give rise to a myriad of implications, the most fundamental of which is creating an altered reality.

 

It is because of this morphing altered reality that I investigate these complementary parts of photography to raise awareness among the viewers about the interactive elements of photography and the power they have to control our view of reality. By exploring how the manipulation of these elements and “The Thing Itself” creates what we see, I hope to increase consciousness among viewers regarding visual creation and consumption of society. Simply taking an image to record an event or creating a pleasing object is only one level of awareness in photography. Understanding why the photo was taken and the theoretical and psychological implications is another step in the artistic process.

 

The focus of my work is twofold: First, a visual embodiment of elements of photography (time, context, detail, focus, vantage point, and inclusion/exclusion) and “The Thing Itself” in photography; Secondly, creating an environment where the elements of photography gain prominence in the audiences’ thoughts. By connecting with the viewer I hope to both raise awareness of the power of photographing and also of the power others can have over them. By creating an environment of interactive discovery I also hope to create a space within the participant where he/she can reflect on how he/she perceives, illustrates, and perpetuates reality.