Utilitarian Poetry

The definition of object is surprisingly vague. “Something material that may be perceived by the senses” here, “a thing that you can see or touch but that is not usually a living animal, plant, or person” there. Arguably, an object is something that doesn’t exist in nature and was made by mankind to fulfill a specific purpose. Moreover, it’s an item towards which humans project meaning and develop a relationship of dependence, desire or affection. The ones we overlook might be those we cannot live without. And those we praise say more about us than about their intended purpose. Objects are the receptacles of our desires, our fears, our secrets, our failures. They are the companions we choose without calling it a commitment.

This series of photographs invites the viewer to question the meaning and status of utilitarian objects. By isolating objects from any context, the images attempt to strip them back to their purest form. Objects speak louder than their definition. Placed together, they enter into dialogue and new meanings emerge. In the end, still life never stands still.

 

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Objects to seize the decisive moment

Some memories are meant to be stored.

Objects to engage with noise

Current relationship status: it’s complicated.

Objects to cut and edit

Do you create or do you seek control?

Objects to archive thoughts

The urge to exist beyond our bodies.

Objects designed to keep running

Rest has become optional.

Objects built for survival

Eventually repurposed for style.

Objects of resistance

Forcing the passage in a narrow space.