Not As It Seems

Assumptions... things that are accepted as true or as certain to happen, without proof.

This current fine art photographic series is titled, Not As It Seems. A series testing assumptions and encouraging contemplation.  What do you see?  Are you sure? We are living in a time when jumping to conclusions has become sport.  We’re quick.  We’re decisive.  Are we right?  Fake news has become an art form.  It’s everywhere.  How can we be so quick and so decisive in our conclusions when so much of what surrounds us is made up?  

Within my family alone we have parties on both ends of the political spectrum and when there are discussions, I have noticed that no one seems to be able to back up their beliefs with actual data.  We jump to conclusions based on a social media post or whatever our favorite news channel is touting today.  And we are so convinced we are right!  No evidence, no data whatsoever, yet we have complete certainty.  The Covid pandemic made this even more pronounced.  I acknowledge it has become more and more difficult to obtain factual data.  It takes a lot of research, a lot of digging into studies that have been done, and even extra effort to determine if a study used ethical processes.  Consequently, our default is to simply go with our own opinions instead.  

I want to challenge this.  None of these pieces is what it first seems, the end result rarely being a representation of materials used.  Not only is there alchemy through the process, but hopefully of audience perspective as well.  The series as a whole provides us a challenge, an opportunity to question our own beliefs and judgements. How quickly am I convinced of what I see?  What is the evidence that supports this?  Is it credible?  

In order to create each piece of art, I first draft out an idea for a scene or a mood that I want to achieve as the end result. From there, I build a physical, albeit mini, theatrical set which I then submerge in water. I watch the freezing process until I have achieved the desired 'ripeness.' Once removed from the mold, I use strobes and spotlights to light it for dramatic effect and mood. Lastly, I photograph the entire sculpture with a macro lens as quickly as possible before it disappears.  I am fascinated with how water freezes. It can be manipulated by introducing different objects, textures, and materials. Even the rate of cooling can add another layer of intrigue. I hope you find it as interesting as I do!  And I hope you will take the time to test yourself… test your assumptions, and hopefully enjoy the exploration. I encourage you to really look... and really think... and really question.  What do you see?

"Ignorance is an enemy, even to its owner. Knowledge is a friend, even to its hater. Ignorance hates knowledge because it is too pure. Knowledge fears ignorance because it is too sure."

Sri Chinmoy

"Facts are stubborn things; and whatever may be our wishes, our inclinations, or the dictates of our passion, they cannot alter the state of facts and evidence."

John Adams

"Assuming is a form of giving away your power to another regarding an outcome that concerns you."

Molly Friedenfeld

Opinion? Narrative? Feelings? Objective truth?

What do you know? What do you see? How do you know?

"In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act."

George Orwell

Did you guess them all? Were you right? For even MORE challenges, head on over to the Not As It Seems page in the Store for the full series. Also, each piece of art is available in multiple sizes, so again, simply go to the Fine Art Store and click on the shopping cart icon next to your chosen image to purchase. Or reach out directly... email: patti@patriciafortlage.com, phone: 650.393.3569