I have two photographs on display at West Newton Cinema, an art-house international and indie film movie theater. Stop by the cinema if you’re in the area or read my artist statement below, explaining what’s behind the photographs.
In Dreams Glass Portrait, Metal Print
This portrait is part of my photographic series, “Glass Portraits,” which analyzes the intricacies of personality. What we see on the outside may not be what is on the inside. Personality is complex: it can be shaped by one’s environment or deeply ingrained by our genes.
The photographs in the series are an amalgam of natural glass filters, such as vases, and portraits. Together, these components reflect the convolution of personality. Color gives way to show internal emotions. An eerie blue-green hue, commonly used in science fiction films, gives an other-worldly feel. Certain facial features are made more prominent by the use of light, color, and shadows.
The glass serves as a barrier: representing disconnectedness. Bubbles and imperfections in the glass disrupt the portrait by literally poking holes, thereby pointing out gaps or changes in character. Overall, personality has layers—just like the portraits in this series—and is malleable, like glass.
Palm Abstract, Inkjet Print
In my artwork, I like to push past reality, into another realm, so that the outcome is symbolic. Instead of showing a true representation of what I saw in the moment, I like to enhance a feeling. The palm tree leaves in this photograph represent a power struggle through bold color juxtaposition, texture, and the interplay of shapes.
Jutting out across the photograph, the leaves point you in a particular direction. However, there is tension because one’s eye is also forced to look in the opposite direction due to a palm in the background, which goes against the grain. It drips down to the ground, almost as if it were taking on the human emotion of crying.
Below are photographs from the reception, courtesy of Erik Gehring, a BCC member and former President.
The photographs are on display on the second floor of West Newton Cinema from May 6 until June 29. Take in a unique film while also enjoying a variety of photographs of places from around the world.
Travels With Alison 