looking at Looking.
“If one approaches another man with a fixed 'theory' about him as an 'enemy' against whom one must defend oneself, he will respond similarly, and thus one's 'theory' will apparently be confirmed by experience.”
— David Bohm, Wholeness & the Implicate Order
"Looking at Looking" is an immersive exploration of individual idiolects, prompting viewers to reflect on the nuanced ways in which we see, listen, and connect with the world and each other.
Through its reflective surfaces and auditory landscapes, the installation invites participants to contemplate the intricate dance between personal perception, shared experiences, and the ever-evolving idiolects that shape our understanding of the human journey.
"Looking at Looking" emerged as a thought-provoking installation showcased at the "Idiolect" exhibit held at the Belfast Exposed Photography Gallery.
Rooted in the concept of idiolect—an individual's unique way of speaking—the project extends this linguistic notion into the visual realm, “Looking at Looking” explores the distinctive ways in which we perceive and interpret the world around us.
The installation employs a highly reflective print surface, strategically drawing viewers into the active processes of observation and interpretation. Positioned as integral participants in the experience, the audience becomes complicit in the unfolding narrative. The fusion of audio and visual elements amplifies this engagement, with soundscapes captured during a remarkable 8,226 km solo train journey through Europe.
The reflective print surface serves as a metaphorical mirror, prompting contemplation on the multifaceted nature of individual perception. The separation and recombination of visual and auditory senses underscore the intricate interpretive processes inherent in the act of looking and listening. The project provocatively suggests that when we gaze upon others, we are, in essence, confronting ourselves—a poignant realization that our perspectives are inseparable from our own unique idiolects.
The poignant quote by David Bohm, "If one approaches another man with a fixed 'theory' about him as an 'enemy' against whom one must defend oneself, he will respond similarly, and thus one's 'theory' will apparently be confirmed by experience," becomes a guiding principle for "Looking at Looking." The project encourages viewers to reevaluate preconceived notions and biases, fostering an understanding that our interpretations are intrinsically linked to our own idiolects.
hearing :/: seeing
Sound gathered from a series of 7 second clips derived from conversations with strangers over the course of my solo 8,226 km train journey through Europe.
Separating and recombining the visual and auditory senses is a way of emphasising the interpretive processes that we each undergo when looking and listening to others, which begs the question - when we look at others, are we constantly confronting ourselves?
This project was created partly as a response to, and in acceptance of, losing of all the photographs and video footage I gathered during my rail journey as all I had left were the audio recordings I took of voices and environments. After 36 trains, through 14 countries, 336gb on 14 memory cards vanished. Although I no longer had the physical images I will never forget the experience nor the gracious strangers that I met along the way who quickly and seamlessly became close friends. I'd like to thank them for sharing their time with me. Thank you Marco, Danielle, Norman, Florian, Kristen, Tiago, Sabrina, Rita, Mary, Petra, Antonio, Blake Eleni, Kostas, Grace, Olympia, Diana, Teo, Claudia, Garrett, Cristian, Sean, Papa Fahr, Khoi, Paul, Sissel.
Almost a year after this exhibition, I received a call from a woman in Washington state who had found my case of memory cards at a lavender farm on Maui. Without any identifiable information on the cards, it took her months to find an indication of who I was and how she could find me. She found me through a friend who called me joyously and serendipitously on the day that I submitted my thesis. The unique circumstances of this project continue to perplex and delight me. While I formulate my thoughts and curate a project from the photo & video footage of the trip, below are portraits of some of the wonderful new friends mentioned above.
OTHER PROJECTS
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THE SEER & THE SCENE
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ELSEWHERE
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OUT.DAMN.SPOT.
initiatives
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As an educator, I emphasize not only technical skills but also a profound appreciation for the narrative potential in each image. My teaching philosophy extends beyond technicalities, exploring the intersection of art and empathy, urging students to view photography as a tool for fostering understanding in our diverse world. Through dynamic discussions and engaging workshops, I am committed to nurturing a new generation of photographers, instilling both a deep love for the art and an awareness of its transformative potential.
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Participating in the Think Tank at the Museum of Contemporary Photography in Dublin, I delved into the challenges posed by image saturation, emphasizing the impact on emotional cognition and empathy. This perspective, presented at the "Healing Through Photography" conference hosted by Belfast Exposed, underscores the pivotal role of imagery in mental health and wellbeing, promoting a broader conversation on the intersection of mental health and photography within the community and industry.
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My photographic journey has been marked by significant exhibitions that showcase the depth and diversity of my artistic expression. Notable among these is the impactful "Mint Condition" at the William Rupnik Gallery in Cleveland, Ohio; the "Storytelling" exhibition at Peninsula Art Academy. Internationally in the "Idiolect" exhibition at Belfast Exposed Gallery and "Synthesis" at Ulster University reflects my commitment to engaging with global artistic conversations. Additionally, my work has been showcased in the "Members Show" at the Center for Exploratory & Perceptual Arts Gallery in New York.
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Recipient of several accolades, including the Beard Scholar Award and the Peninsula Art Academy Storytelling Award, my work was also featured in Creative Quarterly Journal 43 and I received the distinguished Santander Scholarship. These honors, coupled with my academic merit, as evidenced by the Kent State Trustee Scholarship, showcase my dedication to advancing the art of visual storytelling and my passion for pushing creative boundaries.
LETS CONNECT
LETS CONNECT
tara@tararaftovich.com
(216) 272-0565