Current Projects
404: Truth Not Found
Artist Statement
The Authentic Deception: Exploring Truth Through Illusion in Straight Photography
In an era where "fake" has become a reflexive criticism in photography forums, my work challenges the assumption that perceived deception diminishes artistic merit. Through straight, unmodified photography, I create images that intentionally play with perception – presenting scenes that appear to be one thing while actually being another. This exploration stems from observing how quickly viewers dismiss compelling images as "photoshopped," revealing a concerning trend where authenticity is conflated with immediate visual legibility.
This series embraces the power of natural illusion, demonstrating how straight photography can capture moments where reality itself presents as surreal. By focusing on scenes where light, perspective, and timing create natural deceptions, I challenge viewers to question their instinctive skepticism toward images that challenge their expectations. Each photograph represents an unaltered moment where reality itself offers an alternative reading, inviting viewers to explore the space between initial perception and deeper truth.
The project deliberately subverts the notion that "fake" is inherently negative in artistic expression. Through careful composition and timing, I capture scenarios where natural phenomena create seemingly impossible scenes – reflections that appear as portals, shadows that suggest alternate dimensions, and perspectives that defy expected spatial relationships. This work demonstrates how artistic vision can reveal the inherent complexity of visual truth without relying on digital manipulation.
The technical approach emphasizes traditional photographic skills: precise timing, careful framing, and deep understanding of light behavior. By restricting myself to straight photography, I highlight how artistic deception can emerge from technical precision rather than post-processing. This methodology serves as a reminder that photography's power lies not just in documenting reality, but in revealing how reality itself can challenge our perceptions.
Through this work, I aim to spark a broader dialogue about authenticity in photography. In an age where "fake" is wielded as a criticism, these images demonstrate how perceived deception can serve as a gateway to deeper truth. The project celebrates photography's unique ability to capture moments where reality itself appears to break its own rules, inviting viewers to question their assumptions about truth, perception, and the nature of photographic authenticity.
My intention is not to trick viewers, but to engage them in a more nuanced conversation about how we perceive and validate photographic truth. Each image serves as both a documentation of an actual moment and a challenge to immediate visual assumptions, creating a space where viewers must reconcile their initial skepticism with the reality of unmodified photography. This tension between perception and reality becomes the central theme, encouraging a more sophisticated dialogue about authenticity in contemporary photography.
