Surrounded By Natural Causes by Casey Joiner
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About this series
In the world of photography, there exists a profound capacity to capture not only moments in time but also the depth of human emotion and experience. Casey Joiner's series "Surrounded by Natural Causes" stands as a poignant testament to the power of art in navigating the complexities of grief and loss.
For Joiner, the journey began four years into her father's illness, a journey marked by sorrow and introspection. As she grappled with the imminent loss of her father, she found solace and expression through her photography practice. In the midst of her daily captures, she began to notice subtle threads of her father and their relationship woven into the fabric of her work. These images became more than just photographs; they became a meditation on identity, loss, and the non-linear nature of grief.
The importance of artists like Joiner capturing such emotive situations cannot be overstated. Through her lens, she invites viewers into her world, allowing them to bear witness to the raw and tender moments of her journey. In doing so, she not only finds catharsis and evolution within herself but also provides a source of solace and connection for others navigating similar experiences.
Take, for instance, the image titled "Empty." Here, Joiner captures a scene of white postboxes, one left open with a void black inside. The emptiness of the open postbox serves as a powerful metaphor for the absence left behind by her father's passing. It evokes a palpable sense of loss and finality.
Similarly, in "December to March," Joiner presents a close-up of an empty bed, rumpled sheets hinting at recent occupation. The disheveled bedding and absence of a body convey a profound sense of loneliness and longing. It is as though the bed itself mourns the departure of its occupant, echoing the empty space left in Joiner's life.
Through these images, Joiner offers a glimpse into the universal experience of loss, inviting us to find solace and connection in shared emotions. In times of darkness, art has the power to illuminate the path forward, offering a beacon of hope and understanding for those in need. As we bear witness to Joiner's journey, we are reminded of the transformative power of art in healing and evolution.
Artist Bio
Casey Joiner, a photographer based in New Orleans, LA, practices a documentary-inspired approach, capturing the essence of her immediate surroundings. Her work emphasizes the fundamental elements of light, shadow, and color to create evocative imagery rather than relying heavily on narrative content. Joiner's photographs reflect the complexities of life in New Orleans, showcasing the city's hospitality, cultural mythologies, and ecological challenges. Informed by her affection for the Deep South, her pictures speak abstractly of memory, identity, and celebration.
Photographer: Casey Joiner
Exchange: Surrounded By Natural Causes
X: @ce_joiner
Instagram: @ce_joiner
Photos copyright Casey Joiner
DRAWLIGHTS | 1/1 – one post/one photographer, weekly. Off-chain and on-chain. By Peter Nitsch, lens-based artist, a member of NFT Now 🌐 and lifetime Member of the Royal Photographic Society of Thailand.