Alone Together; Together, Alone
Alone Together; Together, Alone is an inquiry into the structure, limitations, and possibilities of using everyday technology to push the boundaries and perceived challenges of composition in the art form of image making. Utilizing everyday video conferencing and communication tools that have become ubiquitous during the era of COVID-19, I am seeking to explore and utilize everyday technology as fine art image making tools that highlight and document individuals’ isolation in their own space.
My usual subject and preferred topic of exploration in image making is the art of movement, capturing the body in various shapes and lines. I am inspired by the elegance of yoga and refined movement that comes with dance. My favorite photographic subjects are people engaged in artistic movements such as yoga, dance, and the circus arts. I’m drawn to the simple beauty of these images, and seek to continue capturing this type of content in new methods. As in previous projects, I am drawn to abstract art that demonstrates chaos. I draw inspiration from the work of Jackson Pollock. I’m interested in the theory that finds patterns and order in his seemingly confusing and chaotic works. My favorite compositions are non-traditional angles or perspectives of a yoga pose or dance move. Rather than photograph an entire pose I like to capture aspects of the posture, close ups of the points of contact between dancers and acrobats, or a side view of a yoga pose. My subject matter of choice has became very challenging since in person photoshoots and connection are not possible.
I have pivoted to exploring the possibilities of remote and virtual photo shoots. This format has obvious limitations, including that it limits my own movement and camera adjustments. Minor adjustments are not possible with remote shooting, as you are working within a fixed composition. It becomes an exercise in direction, connection, and cultivating moments within a structured frame.
Why it’s dope:
During this period of shutdowns, quarantines, and isolation I have experimented and played with photographic tools that are still easily readily available. In my image making, I have traditionally found beauty in extreme movement, fluidity, grace, and shapes using people. The ability to move with people, or at least follow their movements and capture specific moments of grace and beauty - I of course took for granted. I was always able to follow, capture, and create with artists, dancers, yogis, and other movements that I found inspiration in. March 2020, all that was put on hold as we stayed at home and adjusted to our new indoor remote reality.
How do you capture motion if you cannot move the frame? How can you capture fluidity, grace, action, and movement if you're stuck behind a computer screen in a global shutdown and cannot interact. How can my usual content be explored if I cannot chase after that grace?
