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ARTIST STATEMENT
I enter into the
process of creating a photograph on both a conscious and
subconscious level. My portraits of children contain various layers
of information relating to the artist, the subject and a mutual
exchange between the two. The work seeks to explore the psyche of
complex individuals. Each young girl, while physically existing in
the natural world, also thrives in another realm, an insular dream
state, with her gaze turned inward.
The large-scale photographs (30x40 digital c-prints) exist as both
fictional and autobiographical creations. Relating to the temporary
situation of childhood, I am fascinated by young individuals’
imagination, ability to dream and intensity of experience. And,
although children have historically been regarded as simple and
pure, my subjects are seen as complicated and sometimes troubled. My
curiosity about childhood, as a state of limbo and a game of
illusion creates additional layers with which to explore. The
children seesaw precariously between grandiosity and despair.
Visually exploring the girls’ stances and embellished dollhouse-like
environments, the audience enters into a private world of
vulnerability, isolation, imagination and memory. The stillness of
the photographs alludes to ideas of patterned behavior, gender and
sensuality. A delicate balance exists between the real and the
imagined, the beautiful and the grotesque.
Andrea Land
USA |
ARTIST STATEMENT
In this series of
pinhole portraits, I endeavour to captures the spirit of the early
photographers through my technique and composition.
The sitter dresses-up especially for the occasion of having their
portrait taken; their expression is solemn and dignified.
Each photograph seems as though it could have been extracted from
another era, creating a dreamlike sense of nostalgia for a time
that's maybe never been experienced.
As a self-taught photographer, I love to experiment with a variety
of cameras and techniques. All of the photos were taken with a
homemade camera fashioned from a biscuit tin.
In an age of advancing technology, the way you can create a
photograph in such an unpredictable and simple form constantly
inspires. It allows me to capture the world in a way that is so
timeless.
I have developed an increasing appreciation of how small variances
in the shifting light can have such a dramatic impact on time, by
not just seconds but several minutes. In an age of digital
immediacy, the only thing to do is take a pause, stand still, watch
and respond.
Pinhole photography for me is an adventure. I do not know where it
will lead but I know I will follow.
Nhung Dang
UK |