Thank You for Shopping Here [Photography]
Description/Abstract/Artist Statement
Artist Statement
Royal Mini Mart is a tiny place, but the community is loud and vibrant. I titled this series, “Thank You for Shopping Here,” because that’s how I attributed my experience while shooting. Photographing the daily life of the people at Royal Mini Mart allowed me to understand that I wasn’t just photographing people but a community. What led me to photograph this particular store was that I originally did not see it as a welcoming, loving community but the very opposite. I knew that my mindset was one of someone casting judgement before ever stepping foot inside. As I pushed through my fear, I soon realized that this was not a place to be afraid of but rather to experience. Each person, like all people, had a story. I noticed those who I photographed. I did not have to push hard to take their photo. They all seemed curious in what I was doing and why I was doing it. I felt proud to take each photo of each person that would let me; I felt as if they were allowing me to see them as they were. The message that I wanted to convey was simple: I wanted to photograph a place where I felt there would be a strong connection with the people and the atmosphere that surrounded those people. When I first saw Royal Mini Mart I knew this was the location for my series. When you look at the faces in these photos and the interior and exterior of the store, you want to know more about these individuals and the history of this Mini Mart; I used my camera as a tool to reach that goal. I want my viewers to feel invited into the Royal Mini Mart the same way I felt.
Faculty Advisor/Mentor
Greta Pratt
Presentation Type
Artwork
Disciplines
Art and Design | Photography
Session Title
Art Exhibit
Location
Learning Commons @ Perry Library, Art Gallery
Start Date
2-2-2019 8:00 AM
End Date
2-2-2019 12:30 PM
Thank You for Shopping Here [Photography]
Learning Commons @ Perry Library, Art Gallery
Artist Statement
Royal Mini Mart is a tiny place, but the community is loud and vibrant. I titled this series, “Thank You for Shopping Here,” because that’s how I attributed my experience while shooting. Photographing the daily life of the people at Royal Mini Mart allowed me to understand that I wasn’t just photographing people but a community. What led me to photograph this particular store was that I originally did not see it as a welcoming, loving community but the very opposite. I knew that my mindset was one of someone casting judgement before ever stepping foot inside. As I pushed through my fear, I soon realized that this was not a place to be afraid of but rather to experience. Each person, like all people, had a story. I noticed those who I photographed. I did not have to push hard to take their photo. They all seemed curious in what I was doing and why I was doing it. I felt proud to take each photo of each person that would let me; I felt as if they were allowing me to see them as they were. The message that I wanted to convey was simple: I wanted to photograph a place where I felt there would be a strong connection with the people and the atmosphere that surrounded those people. When I first saw Royal Mini Mart I knew this was the location for my series. When you look at the faces in these photos and the interior and exterior of the store, you want to know more about these individuals and the history of this Mini Mart; I used my camera as a tool to reach that goal. I want my viewers to feel invited into the Royal Mini Mart the same way I felt.