Interactive Media: Photography, Social Media, Augmented Reality.
Say anything, think anything, like anything - I am watching, listening, I am here. This is my sanctuary - you’re in it now, too!
In a world where personal posts and social, commercial, and political influencers dominate the narrative, how can a photographer break new ground?
The image has become ephemeral: what is going viral on social media today is no longer newsworthy tomorrow. Authenticity has become a concern - what can be still trusted? What do you do with new technologies like AI now that they're on everyone's desktop? Last but not least, the role of the artist as a performer is evolving, and modern-day artists are becoming increasingly versatile and taking on diverse roles as messengers, curators, collectors, educators, historians, and theorists. They have transformed into author-chameleons (1), which forms the foundation of my project, 'In the Bosom of My Days'.
'Badass-face embedded in a touch of blue' - a typical example, of a 'in the Bosom of My Days'-picture I posted on Instagram.
Since July 2023, I have started a daily Instagram routine where I post one picture every day. I intentionally avoided the mainstream social media themes while I didn't have a particular visual style in mind. There was also no discernible link between the images.
Instead of following customary social media patterns, I have fashioned an extremely personal self-portrait consisting of 100 pictures. If a new picture is being added, another one, less powerful, will disappear. I intend to maintain this routine over a course of six months. My goal is to boost the interest for this project using these social media.
A first conclusion was, after only a few months I began to notice something distinct. This routine has influenced my photographic perspective and creativity to some extent. I've begun to explore the world in a new, different and most of all, more interesting manner. I've also started to scrutinise each shot on a deeper level, becoming more discerning and analytical.
Today I'm developing an immersive format to present this project aligned with its context and plan to integrate innovative technologies such as Augmented Reality in the final artistic presentation.
(1) Re.: Joan Fontcubera's 'Manifeste pour une Post-Photographie' (Actes Sud, ISBN 978-2-330-16686-1).
In the Bosom of My Days was also a debut to Augmented Reality... see the virtual exhibition on a table