Though this idea is nothing new, well explored by pioneer photographers like Eggleston or Maplethorpe, what is compelling is what happens after the photo is taken. Printed instantly, the subject is handed their portrait and a pen. He or she writes on the photo, which is then pinned on the wall, like a series of exotic beetles set for examination. The exposure and marriage between portrait and penmanship evoke deeper anthropological questioning into who we are, who am I, how do we perceive ourselves, one another and how do we all fit together.
Approaching the wine table- though no cheese was to be found, I met Daniel Weiner– the kind of guy who wears a sophisticated mustache, a worn vintage Hawaiian shirt from an Orchard Street boutique, and drinks fine beverages at Apotheke at 9 Doyers.
Daniel, how did you find out about tonight?
Facebook. I manage my life off that now. I am reminded of the events I’m attending. I know where I have to go and when, I can network for business, and manage how I know so and so.
We exchanged emails and full names and promised to be Facebook friends by tomorrow.
An oversized pink rose ring pouring a fresh cup of Shiraz into a plastic cup caught my eye. It belonged to artist Natalie Osborne.
Did you have your picture taken?
“You know it. It was fireworks, I was like work it, work it. (her hips swayed back and forth) That’s it. I was a total ham, but it was fun.”
What do you think about the installation?
“It’s interesting. We are the exhibition. And from the wall, now I know all these people. Like you, I know you. You’re Scallywag with the boots. I read the picture.”
I admitted I had circled my left boot and scrawled Scallywag and Vagabond has dirty boots.
“Vagabond… Aren’t we all?” She sighed, and shrieked “can I get an amen to that?”
A few genuine laughs, our plastic red cups of Trader Joe’s Shiraz clicked cheerfully and we instantly bonded. We pinkie swore to be Facebook friends forever.
Photographer Ella Manor, commented on the evening, “there is a way here of communicating and networking. With advancements in technology, there are a lot more ways to see yourself. Here we are exploring our identity and who we really are. Then instantly meeting the people we see in the photographs on the wall… By the way, are you on Facebook?”
By the end of the evening, I had a roomful of new acquaintances, and certainly a dozen new Facebook friends that would be added by the end of the following day. Endless articles have torn apart Facebook as an inhibitor for real life human interaction, but here it was nothing but feelings of community and sharing and an integration of art, technology, and face-to-face interaction.
What does the future hold for Nicolas? More shoots, perhaps a compilation of look books of different cities, and a whole lot of Facebook friends and followers.
For More Information:
Its well advised to use the outside eye to observe oneself.
Therefore the photos and their meaning have a significant impact.
Yours truly,
Vicktor Valentino
and the Organization of the Outside Eye
This sounds like it was an Awesome show! bravo to the photographer and author. It made me feel like i was there. Although I just attended my first Rush Gallery exhibit this week. It was for the fall fashion look book “Night Stalkers” for designer Brian Wood. I will definitely keep up to date on these cultural art events. Thanks Scallywagandvagabond
D