“Enumeration-the narrative of the snapshot.”
A collection of eleven photojuxtapositions, 2004.
An artist statement by Kirtley King:
“Those who cannot feel the littleness of great things in
themselves are apt to overlook the greatness of little things
in others.” - Kakuzo Okakura; The Book of Tea
Why not collage, or mosaic? First I found that the layering of the work was far too shallow in physicality to carry the historical weight of collage’s footprint. As for mosaic I could not relegate the individual images to only being part of the whole because that would terribly narrow the area that the viewer occupies with their interpretative skills.
This is an attempt to preserve the broader narrative that goes beyond the images that make it onto the pages of the photo album. It is this “paperweight-like” entombment of the photojuxtapositions that I believe strongly conveys the idea of preservation. These juxtapositions create photographic quilts and appliqué in the hopes that an active viewer will create the narratives and give themselves a place to be within the woven life that the images represent. The choice of the black Plexiglas is meant to represent the expanded pages of a scrapbook or photo album. The presentation also mimics the methods used to display and preserve ephemera. All these concerns play off the formal issues of photographic presentation; the content is the most critical part.
Content is different for all viewers but I hope this hints at the central themes that unite all of these seemingly disparate pieces:
“The more I feel I might lose you the more I treat you like a photograph; to preserve and keep you I cover and protect you.”
The life that is represented in these photographic tapestries is almost devoid of images of people. As the viewer’s reflection travels across the acrylic they must remember they are the completion of this precious process. I have picked these images from throughout my history and placed them in such way that I hope there are many spaces for your personal engagement.
The thought of your absence is all I can think about presently. Everybody eventually leaves; I am old enough to understand that. You walking away with no thought of us would be like losing all my teeth. Pure presence as an absence.
Some of these photojuxtapositions make strong attempts at non-linear sense but not at nonsense. The enumeration of all the times we have seen snapshots that recall our histories and moments that recall images unites us visually to provide opportunity for understanding ourselves and each other more. I hope this collection expands your personal narratives beyond any predetermined boundary and enriches your visual experience. |
