Artist Statement
Since November 2020, my work has evolved from studio portraiture into abstract compositions that explore light, shadow, and layered imagery. During the pandemic and its restriction of in-person contact I began working with iPhone self-portraits sourced from subjects, which I print on Xerox paper, cut out, and transform into collaged, sculptural environments. These are then photographed using medium-format cameras, which brings together contemporary digital techniques and traditional film processes.
This series reimagines portraiture through absence and abstraction, drawing inspiration from early photographic techniques like photograms and cyanotypes. The work invites viewers to contemplate the tension between what is revealed and concealed, exploring the layers of identity and self. It also reflects my personal struggles with mental health and the impact of online relationships, particularly after losing three friends and an ex-partner to suicide. These layered images symbolize the hidden facets of a person that are often overlooked.
Through this work, I examine the complexities of human connection in the digital age, where relationships are mediated and fragmented. The series encourages viewers to look beyond the surface, question what’s being presented, and reflect on the ways in which identity, memory, and emotional experience shape our interactions.
