Dancing with light is a showcase of the impact light sources has on the portrayal of a subject. The initial photographs are captured in predominately shadowed areas, with the eye being drawn to the contrasting and harsh silhouettes. This collection of photos were taken in several Mediterranean locations such as Venice, Lisbon, Barcelona and Athens.
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By taking a holistic view, ‘Silence the Shadows’, is the exploration of the power shadows can have in presenting an object and, setting the tone of this particular photographic work. As the title entails, this book dwells into a dark and gloomy perception of post modernism, and foreshadows the inspiration for the ensemble of these photographs. Therefore, in order to retain this element of mystery, keen viewers will notice the gradual use of shadows, hiding the subject from sight. Doing so, the overall sequence can be viewed as a deliberate intention to mask any sources of light and, draw attention to the more sinister shift in visual documentation.
Mainly in the beginning pages are the images shot in open and bright places, drawing focus towards the details of the subject and landscape. Consequently, this provides an easy insight into the scenery, and leaves little to the imagination. Yet, this notion is juxtaposed with the increasing use of shadows as the book ends. From which, this tests the limits of realism, as the frame’s composition becomes more disguised. Blurred outlines and vague silhouettes begin to haunt the mind, alongside feelings of discomfort and fear. This kind of attention in uncovering hidden corners, may be difficult and invites a timeliness mystery to the photos.
As much as ‘Silence the Shadows’, is a photographic expression of the role of light and shadow, it also plays into the story-telling of an illicit affair. It can be argued that as the viewer, one is required to engage themselves into the creative journey, in order to fully immerse into this additional layer. The narrative follows a journey between two strangers, in which their secret inner lives are traced out in the sequencing of the photographs. Likewise throughout, the glimpse appearance of the mysterious couple, inevitably carry numerous rhetorical questions, and heightens the tension in their story.
However, not all is revealed at the end, inviting the viewer to give their personal meaning. Interestingly, this initial perceptions likely to change as more time passes.
The images follow a cinematic theme, illustrated as ‘Life. Still. Dreams’, and is a reflection of life experiences. The sequencing of the images is to evoke an emotional journey and highlight the vibrancy,
yet stillness of life.
To begin with, the chapter ‘Life’ captures unique glimpses of a stranger’s story, appreciating the business each day can bring, with each location documenting a distinctive liveliness.
The chapter then fades into ‘Still’, which is a series of photos that reflect on the futility of life, when the business of day-to-day life comes to a halt.
The goal of this book is to raise awareness for movement disorders and brain injury charities, with every donation sent to help support and fund these organisations.
Donations from this book and the website will be given to Movement Disorder Charities, which include, Parkinson's UK, Motor Neuron Disease (MND) Association and UCL Hospitals Charity UK.
For me stillness acted as a catalyst for reflection, and actioned me to complete a personal project; to complete this book. During these times, I would also look back on moments that felt like a fever dream. This formulated the final and last chapter, ‘Dreams’.
For the photography: Sri Siva Sankaran
Total fundraised: £1670/ USD 2005
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