PORTRAITS OF THE ROOTED & UPROOTED
(Beyond the visual spell of circumstance, Photographs and Interviews, 1988-1989)
“Portraits” is a photographic essay, which explores how material and familial security are reflected by the individual. The essay includes two kinds of subjects. “Rooted” subjects are those who come from families that have been endowed socially, financially and educationally for many generations. “Uprooted” subjects are usually homeless or very poor individuals who live under extreme physical and emotional deprivation.
People from both groups participated in the project. They were photographed and interviewed, in my studio, on the street and at home. The photographs and the interviews will be presented anonymously. There will be no distinction between portraits of “rooted” and “uprooted” subjects.
The photographs, mainly close-up headshots devoid of the visual cues that orient and prejudice the viewer are removed. If the subject’s circumstances bare themselves in the portrait it will occur with a minimal interference from the artist. Excerpts from the interviews are played randomly and although they reveal much more in the way of identity they are not attached to the photographs in any obvious way.
