POST
A Photo Series by Filien Luiten
artist statement Post is a photo series focused on elevating the ordinary. Originally I wanted this series to be focused on hands as I was interested in the stories that they tell and how hands connect people, both physically and metaphorically. As a designer, I am interested in how people connect with others and the stories that we share. However as an introvert, I knew it would be a struggle to interact with people in such a way that they would not be self-conscious about their hands being photographed. This led me to thinking about the opposite of connections and what might keep people from connecting: barriers. The first physical barrier that came to mind was a fence. Fences are in our everyday environment and keep us out or keep things contained. I began photographing fences as barriers but quickly pushed past that to see them as more than just a barrier. Each fencepost is unique and occupies its own little niche in its environment, yet is part of a greater picture. Fences and fence posts are often overlooked but each does an important job. Some let us in, others keep us out with a lock and chain, and some allow us to take a seat and enjoy the view. We don’t often give second thought to the fence / fencepost, despite them being in our everyday environments and doing such an important job. Through the exploration of light, composition, and space I hope to elevate such ordinary objects to showcase how unique and beautiful they are in their own little environment. Much like us, no two fenceposts are similar. Each fence and lock is unique and I hope that through this photo series you will have a greater appreciation for the ordinary. After looking through the photo series may you see the world with a keener eye and notice the little details and personalities of the objects around you, each in their own little niche of the world.