Year One
Year One is a curated selection of images I’ve captured and created during the last twelve months; my first as both a photographer and more generally as a creator of any form of visual art. By design these images lack any intentionally cohesive theme, subject matter, or visual aesthetic other than being a representation of how I see the world. I have included photographs spanning from my first day with a camera to those shot exactly one week prior to this exhibition.I captured all of the images displayed with an assortment of both analog film and digital cameras. I created all of the prints myself using a dye based inkjet printer and a variety of paper stocks and finishes. The choice to omit distinguishing the mediums used to capture and reproduce each of these images has been intentionally made to encourage the viewer to interact with and evaluate the work on an emotional and experiential level rather than a technical one. Ultimately I leave the assignment of meaning solely up to the interpretation of the individual.
Year One is also a celebration of my first year as a photographer. In this regard it’s significance and impact has been deeply personal. I spent the majority of my adolescent and early adult life driven and consumed by the pursuit of creating and performing music. The entirety of my professional life has been in support of music as live sound engineer and tour/production manager. I have often undervalued my visual sense and purposefully avoided documenting most of my life through photography until last year.
Besides offering me an invaluable new creative outlet photography has given me a new respect and perspective with which to view the world. I spent many years wandering, seeking new sights when what I was truly looking for was new eyes with which to see them.
I hope you enjoy viewing these images as much as I enjoyed creating them.
In Solidarity,
Stephen “Red” Afasano
