Desolate

2023

These photographs of buildings and places throughout Duluth Minnesota are a reflection of my personal experiences and emotional connection to the world around me while living here. In this project, I became inspired by the way sunlight was coming through my window during the evening, creating a sense of cloudy feelings after decompressing in my room. While I appreciate the beauty of the city, I often feel a sense of loneliness and stagnation. Coming to live in a city that moves slower than my thoughts do, it gets overwhelming at times. Through my photographs, I hope to capture this feeling and create a sense of connection with others who have experienced similar emotions. I sat with the places to make sure it connected with my feelings before I took the photographs. I was thrilled to have been able to get the light and contrast that I was looking for, and I believe that this adds depth to my images. While I was not directly influenced by any particular artist when creating this project, I have long been inspired by the work of Nicholas Nixon. His use of heavy lighting and contrast creates an ominous mood that resonates with me and has informed my own artistic vision.