Statement

Exploring the intricate tapestry of psychological associations in the present moment, my photography collection, titled ‘Associations of the Present Moment,’ delves into the rich terrain of psychoanalytic principles. The images serve as visual narratives that unravel the complex interplay between concepts, events, and mental states. Drawing inspiration from the profound ideas of Freud and other influential psychoanalysts, the collection seeks to capture the essence of associative processes in the human mind. As we navigate the present moment, the photographs become portals into the subconscious, echoing the influence of past experiences on our perceptions. The first photograph, ‘To Be or Not To Be,’ engages with existential contemplation, inviting viewers to explore the profound questions that shape our sense of being. The image shows a room with a table, a chair, a bottle, a box, and a film strip on the wall. The film strip is the same as the second photograph of my collection, but printed by cyanotype on this digital photo. The title of the photograph is also the famous opening line of a soliloquy by Hamlet, the protagonist of William Shakespeare’s play of the same name. The photograph is a visual representation of Hamlet’s dilemma, as well as a reflection of my own existential questions. The second photograph, ‘Grandma’s Yard’ transcends the visual to evoke a nostalgic journey through familial connections, tapping into the emotional resonance of personal history. The image shows a strip of developed film negatives laid on a surface with an overlay of leaves at the top. Each frame of the film strip contains different scenes from my childhood, such as playing with my cousins, celebrating birthdays, or visiting my grandmother’s house. The title of the photograph is also the name of the place where I spent most of my summers with my grandmother, who is alive and well. She is one of my reasons for living. The photograph is a visual narrative that unravels the emotional resonance of personal history, as well as a tribute to my grandmother and her legacy. The last photograph, ‘The Eye of Beholders’ underscores the subjectivity of perception, reflecting on the diverse interpretations that individuals bring to each image. The image is a combination of two distinct layers, with one appearing to be intentionally blurred. The top layer consists of multiple close-up images of human eyes, suggesting that each eye belongs to a different individual who sees the world differently. The bottom layer shows a rocky terrain that is also a negative photo printed on an analogue picture. A large rectangular section in the center is blurred, obscuring details from both layers. The title of the photograph is also a common expression that means beauty or value is determined by the individual who sees it. The photograph is a visual representation of this idea, as well as a challenge to the viewers to question their own assumptions and biases. I used a combination of analog photography, digital photography, cyonotype, and digital collage to create the images, as I wanted to experiment with different techniques and mediums that could enhance the visual impact and the meaning of the photographs. I chose psychoanalysis as my main inspiration for this collection because I have always been fascinated by the human mind and how it shapes our reality. I also wanted to explore my own subconscious and how it influences my artistic expression. Through a lens informed by psychoanalysis, ‘Associations of the Present Moment’ becomes a contemplative exploration of the depths of our subconscious, offering a nuanced perspective on the interplay between memory, experience, and the present moment.