Deep Dive
Why did Alexandra Rose Howland transition from painting to photography?
She felt the commercialization of her painting work was too abrupt and wanted to explore a more collaborative and socially engaged practice. Her decision was also influenced by a desire to leave the bubble of Los Angeles and immerse herself in a more international context.
What was the concept behind Alexandra's project 'Mosul Road, 88 Kilometers'?
The project is a single panoramic image spanning 88 kilometers, connecting Erbil to West Mosul, where ISIS declared the caliphate. It aims to challenge the singular narrative of conflict by showing the multiple layers of life during war, avoiding the spectacle of violence.
How did Alexandra's experience with 'Mosul Road, 88 Kilometers' influence her understanding of photography?
It shifted her perspective on the role of the photographer, questioning whether they should be a fly on the wall or if their presence influences the narrative. She embraced the interaction between herself and the subjects, recognizing the importance of multiple perspectives and the photographer's gaze.
What inspired Alexandra to create the project 'Leave and Let Us Go'?
The project was inspired by a conversation with an Iraqi soldier who shared personal images from his phone, including family photos and images of conflict. This interaction highlighted the limited understanding of people's lives in conflict zones and led Alexandra to create a collaborative archive of images from Iraqis across the country.
How did Alexandra handle the ethical challenges of collecting sensitive images for 'Leave and Let Us Go'?
She prioritized the trust of the participants, ensuring they were comfortable with the images being used. She also faced the challenge of deciding whether to include images that could be seen as evidence of war crimes, ultimately focusing on the participants' comfort and the broader narrative of the project.
What role does social media play in Alexandra's project 'Leave and Let Us Go'?
Social media influences the project through the use of emojis, Snapchat filters, and selfies, which are part of the participants' visual language. These elements add layers of meaning, showing how people express themselves in both public and private spaces, often with dark humor or playful anonymity.
How does Alexandra's new project on the climate crisis differ from her previous work?
Her new project aims to document the climate crisis in a way that goes beyond the typical images of fires, floods, and droughts. She is exploring the intersection of gender-based violence and climate change, focusing on the specific impacts of climate change on daily life and communities.
What challenges does Alexandra face in visualizing the climate crisis?
The main challenge is finding a new visual language to represent the climate crisis, as many current images have become tropes and are no longer effective. She aims to ground the issue in specific, relatable impacts, such as water scarcity and its effects on health and gender dynamics.
What does Alexandra believe is the role of photography in addressing the climate crisis?
She believes photography can question and document the broader issues behind climate change, rather than just translating specific events. As an artist, she has the freedom to explore the conceptual aspects of the crisis and its impact on daily life, creating a more nuanced understanding.
What does Alexandra value more in her creative process: the process of making the work or the final photograph?
She values the editing process more, as it allows her to physically manipulate images and create something new. This process engages her painting background and allows her to explore different layers and narratives, making it a crucial part of her work.
- Howland's background in abstract painting and international relations influenced her transition to photography.
- Her initial experience with the commercial art world prompted her to seek a different path.
- A spontaneous move to Turkey provided an environment for learning photojournalism from experienced professionals.
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