“IT’S EASY TO FORGET OR OVERLOOK THE EXPERIENCES THAT SHAPE WHO WE ARE IN THIS FAST-PACED WORLD. SO THROUGH MY OWN JOURNEY OF SELF-REFLECTION, I HOPE THAT MY PROJECT HELPS OTHERS BECOME MORE AWARE AND EMBRACE THE ECHOES OF THEIR OWN PAST”
-JONATHAN WONG
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[CSUS BFA PHOTOGRAPHY SENIOR PROJECT]
“Embracing Echoes” is a photographic composite project that resulted from self-reflection and a strong desire to reconnect with the experiences and memories that shaped my past. This project serves as both a testament to my personal journey and an invitation for viewers to reflect on their own journey, celebrate their growth, and embrace their past as they move forward. The project serves as a subtle reminder that our life experiences shape who we are and help us navigate the unknown. My photographs have allowed me to create visual stories that encapsulate the essence of my past. Each image is a mosaic of recollections that serves as a mirror for introspection and a reminder of our resilience.
"PIECING TOGETHER TWO SELVES"
This image explores the intricate journey of self-discovery and healing through the visual metaphor of puzzle pieces. The composite photograph portrays two distinct selves, fragmented yet interconnected, symbolizing the fractured nature of personal identity and the ongoing process of healing.
Through layering and blending of two photographs of myself, I convey the complexities of inner conflict and the quest for unity. Each puzzle piece represents a facet of my being, fragmented by experiences, memories, and emotions. The juxtaposition of these fragmented selves within a single frame illustrates the struggle to integrate conflicting aspects of identity and the pursuit of wholeness.
The composition is not merely a juxtaposition of images but a narrative of resilience and self-acceptance. It reflects the universal human experience of navigating through adversity and finding harmony amidst fragmentation. The use of photographic compositing serves as a visual tool to explore the themes of identity, healing, and personal growth.
Through this image I invite viewers to contemplate their own journey of self-discovery and the intricate process of piecing together the fragments that constitute their identity. It is a testament to the strength found in vulnerability and the beauty of embracing the entirety of one's being, scars and all.
"23 OF ME"
"23 of ME" is a photographic composite inspired by the profound revelations of identity and diversity encapsulated in the concept of DNA testing, notably symbolized by the popular service "23 and Me." This artwork delves into the intricate tapestry of my personality, highlighting the diverse traits that collectively define who I am.
In a world often preoccupied with categorizing individuals based on external markers like race or ethnicity, "23 of ME" shifts the focus to the rich mosaic of personality traits that shape one's unique identity. Through this piece, I aim to celebrate the complexity and depth of human character, asserting that our personalities are as integral to our makeup as any other aspect of our being.
The composite photograph weaves together visual elements that represent different facets of my personality. Each layer reflects a distinct trait, from introspective to outgoing, analytical to creative, forging a nuanced portrait of my multifaceted self. The use of photographic compositing serves not only as a creative technique but as a metaphorical tool to visually articulate the amalgamation of these diverse traits into a cohesive whole.
"23 of ME" invites viewers to contemplate the diversity within themselves and others, encouraging recognition of the kaleidoscope of qualities that collectively form each individual's essence. It challenges conventional notions of identity and underscores the importance of embracing and celebrating the entirety of one's personality.
Through this artwork, I advocate for a broader understanding of identity—one that encompasses the richness of personality alongside other dimensions of human experience. "23 of ME" is a visual testament to the intricate beauty found in the multiplicity of our traits and the profound depth of our individuality.
“Lost in the Blur of Memory”
Through the perspective of photography, "Lost in the Blur of Memory" explores the human need to preserve and reflect upon our past.
This project delves into the complex relationship between photographs, memories, and the passage of time, inviting viewers to contemplate the fragile nature of our recollections. In each image of this series, I am depicted holding a photograph of myself from childhood, positioned within the exact setting where the original image was captured years ago. This deliberate juxtaposition serves as a visual anchor, juxtaposing the past with the present and prompting reflection on the passage of time and the evolution of self.
This project delves into the complex relationship between photographs, memories, and the passage of time, inviting viewers to contemplate the fragile nature of our recollections. In each image of this series, I am depicted holding a photograph of myself from childhood, positioned within the exact setting where the original image was captured years ago. This deliberate juxtaposition serves as a visual anchor, juxtaposing the past with the present and prompting reflection on the passage of time and the evolution of self.
Photographs, as physical artifacts of memory, are vessels that enable us to tangibly grasp moments from our past. They serve as portals to bygone days, preserving emotions, experiences, and identities frozen in time. However, the act of revisiting these memories often reveals their elusive nature—the more we attempt to recall, the more details slip through our fingers, blurred by the passage of time and the complexities of memory.
Through "Lost in the Blur of Memory," I seek to spark conversations about the fragility and resilience of memory. The images evoke a sense of nostalgia while simultaneously highlighting the inevitable distortion that occurs as memories fade and transform over time. Each photograph becomes a narrative thread, weaving together layers of personal history and inviting viewers to reflect on their own relationship with memory and identity.
Ultimately, this project is a meditation on the absurd nature of remembering and forgetting. It celebrates the enduring power of photography to preserve moments while acknowledging the inherent state of memory itself.
“Dear Younger Me”
"Dear Younger Me" is a heartfelt photographic composite that explores the themes of introspection, growth, and self-reflection through the poignant interaction between my present self and my 10-year-old self. This work is a visual dialogue across time, encapsulating the wisdom and empathy gained through lived experiences.
In the foreground of the composition, I am portrayed embracing my younger self—a symbolic gesture that bridges the gap between innocence and maturity, past and present. This embrace signifies not only self-acceptance but also a profound acknowledgment of the challenges and lessons that have shaped my journey.
Behind us, a letter is prominently displayed, containing heartfelt words addressed to my younger self. This letter serves as a narrative anchor, conveying the wisdom and advice that I wish I had received during my formative years. It speaks to the complexities of life, offering insights and reassurances that resonate with the vulnerabilities and uncertainties of youth.
"Dear Younger Me" is a reflection on the passage of time and the evolution of self-awareness. It invites viewers to contemplate their own journeys and consider the advice they would impart to their younger selves. The use of photographic composite techniques underscores the duality of identity and the continuity of self, illustrating how our past selves remain integral to our present identities.
Through this artwork, I aim to foster empathy and understanding, encouraging viewers to reflect on their personal growth and the transformative power of self-compassion. "Dear Younger Me" is not just a visual representation but a testament to resilience, introspection, and the enduring dialogue between our past, present, and future selves.
“Saudade: Longing for a Love That Was”
"Saudade: Longing for a Love That Was" is the first installment in a two-part photographic composite series that delves into the complex emotions of heartbreak. This piece captures the essence of initial heartache, encapsulating the raw emotions and uncertainties that accompany the loss of a significant love.
The title "Saudade," a Portuguese word with no direct English translation, embodies a deep emotional state of longing and nostalgia for something or someone that is absent. In this artwork, I explore the profound ache and yearning for a love that once existed but now feels distant and irretrievable.
The composite photograph is crafted to evoke a sense of vulnerability and introspection. It portrays moments of solitude and reflection, symbolizing the internal struggle to come to terms with the end of a relationship. The use of visual elements underscores the introspective mood, inviting viewers to empathize with the emotional journey depicted. Central to the composition is the depiction of the initial stages of heartbreak—the pain of separation, the longing for what once was, and the uncertainty of what lies ahead.
Through "Saudade: Longing for a Love That Was," I aim to create a space for viewers to reflect on their own experiences of heartbreak and loss. It is a visual narrative that speaks to the universal themes of love, longing, and emotional resilience. This piece serves as a reminder of the transformative power of heartache and the eventual journey towards healing and self-discovery.
“Heartstrings Unraveled”
"Heartstrings Unraveled" serves as the conclusion to a two-part photographic composite series exploring the emotional aftermath of heartbreak. This piece delves into the profound and often rough journey of self-restoration and healing following the shattering experience of romantic breakup.
At its core, "Heartstrings Unraveled" portrays a crumpled letter—a visceral symbol of emotional vulnerability and shattered expectations. This letter, infused with raw emotions and unfiltered reflections on pain and abandonment, becomes a focal point for the composite imagery that unfolds around it.
In the composition, multiple composited versions of myself delicately weave threads through the torn and crumpled letter. This visual metaphor illustrates the painstaking process of self-repair and reconstruction after heartbreak. Each thread symbolizes a facet of resilience, self-compassion, and the gradual acceptance of emotional wounds.
Unlike its predecessor in the series, which focused on initial heartache and longing, "Heartstrings Unraveled" confronts the aftermath—the fragmented self left in the wake of lost love. The use of composited imagery not only enhances the visual narrative but also underscores the multiplicity of emotions and perspectives inherent in the healing process.
Through this artwork, I invite viewers to contemplate their own experiences of emotional upheaval and renewal. It is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of self-compassion. "Heartstrings Unraveled" challenges conventional narratives of heartbreak by celebrating the strength found in vulnerability and the inherent capacity for growth and self-discovery.
In this final installment of the series, I aim to convey a message of hope and empowerment—a reminder that despite the profound pain of heartbreak, we possess the inner resources to mend our fractured selves and emerge stronger, wiser, and more resilient than before.
"FILL IN THE BLANKS"
"Fill in the Blanks" is a deeply personal and introspective photo project inspired by Geloy Concepcion's "Things You Wanted to Say But Never Did." This collection of photographs serves as a mosaic of self-reflection, addressing a spectrum of emotions and experiences through a unique visual and narrative approach.
In each photograph of "Fill in the Blanks," the subject, which is often myself, is intentionally whited out, creating a void that invites viewers to put themselves into my experiences. In place of the absent figure, handwritten notes are used to express intimate thoughts, feelings, and reflections on various aspects of life—relationships, challenges, aspirations, and more.
My intention with this piece is to foster empathy and connection by allowing viewers to insert themselves into the narrative. By obscuring the subject, I aim to create a universal space where viewers can reflect on their own experiences and emotions, relating to the sentiments expressed in the handwritten messages. This interactive element encourages viewers to engage in a dialogue with the artwork, exploring themes of identity, introspection, and emotional vulnerability.
"Fill in the Blanks" is not just a collection of images but a testament to the power of art in fostering understanding and empathy. It challenges viewers to consider their own perspectives and experiences, prompting introspection and dialogue about the shared human experience of grappling with complex emotions and personal growth.
Through this project, I hope to create a space for contemplation and connection, where viewers can find resonance in the universal themes of self-discovery and emotional expression. "Fill in the Blanks" invites viewers to participate in a narrative journey, encouraging them to reflect on their own lives and relationships while empathizing with the emotions and experiences shared through the artwork.
