Reimagining the Way We Image Make

It is inevitable that at

a point

in the high pinnacle or low moans of our lives

we will be forced to decide what to remember.

Remembrance comes with imagery, there’s no exception to that rule.

When we reach that moment where we squint

our eyes shut,

where we sway our heads

for the singular date, person, pain

that has defined us

what visual presents itself?

This first class at the International Center for Photography (ICP) has revealed to me that when this moment comes it will/*should be an “image” rather than a photograph. The concept of the latter image v. the former photograph, is grounded in the process of picture making. Stimuli that is  soaked in visually can receive agency when there’s a refinement of the mass of information.

“It is easy to overlook details when you are so constantly saturated with information.” – Bradley T.

To create a visual that’s thought provoking, that makes ones linger, that changes the typical instantaneous reaction to an image, there needs to be a break being capturing the mass of information available and crafting the detail of a single moment or the intimacy of an oppressed lifestyle. We allow connivence to receive favor over authenticity. There is so much fear to dwell in the mundane, the everyday, the lackadaisical that people opt for startling imagery over subtle observations; they choose reactionary framing, over frontal exposures. “Where are the photos that are simple in their aspirations?” This first class has helped reshape the goals I have for my project as well as future research works. I’d like strengthen the interpretations of the subjects of my focus by working on full comprehension of the historical context and lingering temporal/social/global frames of reference.