Carly Sarno
Keith Carter, “Dawn”
2005, gelatin silver print
The photograph “Dawn” from Keith Carter’s series “A Certain Alchemy”, uses blur, depth of field, and light to entice us in a world that is far beyond our own. Carter creates a relationship between us and the world surrounding us by using themes such as time, mythology, and mystery. He draws on folklore as well as popular culture in order to demonstrate the hidden meanings that are captured not only in this image but also in all of his photographic works alike.
I selected this image because it spoke to me about dealing with a certain type of darkness, regarding the conflict of coming face to face with our fears. The flock of birds swooping down on the young man reminded me much of the fears we face head on in everyday life. Reminding us, that no matter what path we take in life, we must always face our demons.
