Jose Medrano Velazquez
Kenneth Josephson, "Chicago"
1961, gelatin silver print
Kenneth Josephson is a pioneer in conceptual photography who explores the idea of photographic truth and illusion, and how photographs can hold ideas. When discussing his work, he's mentioned the idea of shooting images that capture many possibilities. This image, which was shot under Chicago's elevated train tracks impacted me in an almost discomforting way. The figures are swallowed almost whole by the darkness that surrounds them, yet still spots of light land on their bodies. It reminds me of the countless hours I spend commuting to and from school and all the experiences I've had on Los Angeles public transit, as well as how that affects my depression. When you're underground for so long and you're always exhausted, there's this sense of weight and fear, of drowning in darkness. But then - the light in you keeps you going. There's this idea of "what if?" This photograph asks me "what if you keep going?" and "what if you find your way out of the darkness?"
Kenneth Josephson, "Chicago"
1961, gelatin silver print
Kenneth Josephson is a pioneer in conceptual photography who explores the idea of photographic truth and illusion, and how photographs can hold ideas. When discussing his work, he's mentioned the idea of shooting images that capture many possibilities. This image, which was shot under Chicago's elevated train tracks impacted me in an almost discomforting way. The figures are swallowed almost whole by the darkness that surrounds them, yet still spots of light land on their bodies. It reminds me of the countless hours I spend commuting to and from school and all the experiences I've had on Los Angeles public transit, as well as how that affects my depression. When you're underground for so long and you're always exhausted, there's this sense of weight and fear, of drowning in darkness. But then - the light in you keeps you going. There's this idea of "what if?" This photograph asks me "what if you keep going?" and "what if you find your way out of the darkness?"
