I propose to create a device that will be used to capture fairly uncomplicated images of contrasting cultures privileged societies as well as cultures of the disenfranchised.
The US culture has an addiction to excess - and in all forms. From mass consumption of natural - as well as man made recourses to the disposability of digital news media. These attitudes facilitate and maintain the ultra-consumer intensive culture of the US; a model that is both detested and emulated globally. Sources of information - media, raw materials, manufactured goods, and global cultures - ought to be cherished, not wasted. If our global society hopes to first reach, and second maintain, a critical equilibrium between our environment and fellow inhabitants we need to recognize both the similarities and the differences that connect and separate cultures, nations, and individuals.
I propose to create a device that will be used to capture fairly uncomplicated images of contrasting cultures privileged societies as well as cultures of the disenfranchised. This portable photo-booth will create a space with only the subject and the mechanical eye of the machine; creating this new space will facilitate a more candid interaction. This is in contrast to the traditional space of image capturing - one that contains subject, spectator, lens. This is a simplified space I am describing, with one less persona for the subject to content with.
Key to this work is the fact that this device is not simply a digital camera. The booth creates a space isolated from the complications of the photographer subject interaction. Making it possible to capture simplified candid interaction between subject and device. This space of isolation is predetermined by design. Accentuation of this space is inherent in its creation.
These captured images would then be used to create an ongoing work that uses juxtaposition to highlight the disparity occurring between the US (privileged western culture) and the many other perspectives in this global society. It is hoped similarity will also surface. A correlation between human subjects and participant viewer, as this device would be in operation during exhibition of the work.
I would direct the presentation of this work toward anyone that occupies a role in the dynamics of exclusion. My target audience would include anyone in a position of privilege. As associations are often made between privilege/exclusion and categories of age, race, geographical location, or cultural classification, this work would dismantle the misconception that these classifications are binaries. Therefore, it would be counter to my goal to specifically target any single group. My target audience has intentionally left open.
It is assumed that the candid interaction with the device will create unique imagery directly related to the subject. The subjects of this piece - as well as the images captured might produce unexpected outcomes. I am only author in terms of conception whatever results occur from this work are the product of an idea set into motion. Whatever expression is captured - between subject and device - it is assumed that is unique. This idea facilitates the interaction of subject and device. It is true, the artist frames these images, but this framing is entirely dependant on the results of the interaction. Through decisions of contextualization, arrangement, and presentation the artists hand - is informed by, and also - structures the imagery
This work dismantles the misconception that cultural classifications are binary. The juxtaposition of conflicting images creates a specific tension. It is this tension that will serve to highlight similarity and difference between subjects.
I am offering an alternative to the traditional model of image acquisition; it equally as important that my work facilitates alternatives to traditional modes of distribution - i.e. the museum/gallery model. I work to enable access for people that are not afforded the luxury of the gallery experience.
I envision the final presentation of the project taking shape in three modes:
Through online presentation the work is theoretically accessible to the 1.3 million Internet users. Through the post card distribution I would at the very least be able to present this work to all participant subjects. Lastly, the gallery experience insures that these alternatives will do not further excluding individuals. These modes work together to create a larger audience.
Overall this work will explore alternatives both in the capturing process, and also through the various forms of distribution of the work. It is important that the established models of practice and representation be challenged. This is imperative to evolving communities centered around emerging media. We must aspire towards progression if we hope to fully explore all possibilities afforded by these new technologies. I hope this project is a step toward this goal.
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Equipment