Ian Whitmore
Observing these spaces passively—the way we view the world through the television—leaves me with questions of accountability. To address this problem I present the subject within the space, as part of the environment, looking back at the viewer. I want this connection to interrupt their voyeurism, drawing on the viewer’s sympathies and opening up dialogue about observation. This dialogue between the perspectives of the viewer, the photographer, and the subject is at the heart of this work. As these lenses coalesce the viewer may discover a new lens; one that illuminates truer and more honest forms. If these images are successful the audience will see an un-dramatized yet interesting scene—where personality and character are revealed in the whole of the environment and the television is not the crux of our understanding.
MFA - Indiana University, Bloomington 2007
BFA - University of Nebraska, Lincoln 2003
|
Channels
This work is a visual inquiry into the personal spaces where our televisions reside. This point of contact has become customary and ubiquitous in contemporary culture, facilitating the exchange of information and the satisfaction of certain desires. In recent years our culture has developed a collective and public desire to peer into each other’s lives—we see this in entertainment, the news and the Internet.Observing these spaces passively—the way we view the world through the television—leaves me with questions of accountability. To address this problem I present the subject within the space, as part of the environment, looking back at the viewer. I want this connection to interrupt their voyeurism, drawing on the viewer’s sympathies and opening up dialogue about observation. This dialogue between the perspectives of the viewer, the photographer, and the subject is at the heart of this work. As these lenses coalesce the viewer may discover a new lens; one that illuminates truer and more honest forms. If these images are successful the audience will see an un-dramatized yet interesting scene—where personality and character are revealed in the whole of the environment and the television is not the crux of our understanding.
About The Photographer
I was born and lived most of my life in the state of Nebraska. I started photographing punk rock shows when I was 16 in order to capture something the transcended the flat cornfields of my home. An increasing desire to photograph and growing disconnection with where I was compelled me to make music with friends and travel. Over the course of 6 years I touched down in 45 states and a few places in Europe all the while recording the people and places along the way with my 35mm camera. All of the images, notes and observations were cultivated as themes and concerns for future work. This has led me to where I am today; making work that comments on and explores the mundane and familiar in order to really talk about things rather than take them for granted or misunderstand their importance.MFA - Indiana University, Bloomington 2007
BFA - University of Nebraska, Lincoln 2003
Offical Site / Ian Whitmore
Email / contact@ianwhitmore.com
Shows
21st International Juried Show - 02/ 09/07 - 3/30/07
New Jersey Center for Visual Arts - Summitt, NJ
Positive/Negative Twenty-Two- 02/12/07 - 03/02/07
The Slocumb Galleries - East Tennessee University
Biennial 24 - 03/03/07 - 05/13/07
South Bend Regional Museum of Art - South Bend, IN
Channels (solo) - 04/10/07 - 04/21/07
SoFA Gallery - Bloomington, IN
Here, There and Nowhere - 05/16/07 - 08/2007
Woolworth Windows Installation - Tacoma, WA
Selected Clients
Hire me. Email me.