Brulures
The digital era has blessed us with overwhelming control over aspects of life we didn’t even know we could modify.
Commercial shoots are set up as to make the retoucher’s job easier. The client’s fear of imperfection during shoots is whisked away with a “don’t worry, we’ll edit this in post.”
My first job in Shanghai was just this: I was tasked to create perfect images for clients who wanted to look their best.
I hated it every second of it, still frustrated after having left the studio. I then decided I would use a cheap point and shoot film camera I had, picking up dust in a drawer. Less settings, less thinking, more shooting.
When I picked up one of my first rolls from the lab, something had happened.
Burns, streaks running through the film. The light sensitive emulsion had somewhat exploded. When I first saw the negative, I was fuming. I later realized that this was a blessing.
At the age of social media and the almighty internet, everyone seems to be successful, or least shows that they are. Their love, professional or social life radiates. We stuff ourselves with motivational quotes and tutorials which supposedly give us shortcuts in life.
This power to filter one’s image is now given to all, making us forget that most of our lives are filled with failures. Our love life is filled with break ups and let downs, and generally devoid of Disney movie style happy endings.
Brulures remind us of the fact that these failures aren’t made to prevent us from moving forward; they are the pillars of our personalities and build us, supporting our rare yet meaningful successes.
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Selected and Exhibited for Vantage Point Sharjah 9, Dubai
Exhibition at Golf Photo Plus for "The Chemistry of Feeling", Dubai
Shortlisted for the 2021 Belfast Photo Festival (Highly Commended)
Winner of the 2019 Rencontres Photographiques du 10e, Paris, France
Conceptual nominee, 2017 PhotogrAphy Grant
