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About this series
In the realm of analog photography, where the tangible and the ephemeral converge, Ottawa-based photographer Felix Denomme presents a poignant and introspective series titled "Swimming-Circles." This collection of road trip photographs captures the essence of self-discovery, grappling with identity, disassociation, and the profound impact of life's impermanence on the human psyche.
The visual journey unfolds against the backdrop of the Canadian Atlantic Coast and Great Lake regions, offering viewers a nuanced exploration of the artist's internal landscape. Through the lens of analog photography, Denomme invites us to navigate the expansive and often turbulent waters of ones mind, using the road trip as a metaphorical vehicle for self-reflection.
The landscapes, rendered in rich analog tones, become an integral part of the narrative, capturing the raw beauty of nature. That’s why "Swimming-Circles" is more than a mere travelogue; it is a visual journal that delves into the heart of self-identity. The use of analog photography adds a layer of authenticity and intimacy, creating a palpable connection between the artist and the audience. The grainy textures and subtle imperfections inherent in analog prints serve as a metaphor for the imperfections and uncertainties inherent in the human experience.
The series exudes a sense of disassociation, as if the photographer is both participant and observer in their own life. The images, carefully curated and sequenced, capture moments that oscillate between serenity and disquiet, mirroring the photographer's own oscillation between self-acceptance and the haunting specter of trauma. The road, a recurrent motif, symbolizes the journey of healing, self-discovery, and the winding path towards understanding one's place in the world.
At the core of the series lies a deep unease stemming from the impermanence of life—a universal theme that resonates with viewers on a profound level. The fleeting nature of moments, relationships, and landscapes becomes a metaphorical pool where the photographer navigates in circles, attempting to make sense of the transience that defines the human experience.
Felix Denomme has masterfully crafted a visual narrative that transcends the boundaries of traditional photography. "Swimming-Circles" is a testament to the power of analog photography in conveying the intricacies of the human psyche. The series beckons viewers to reflect on their own journey of self-discovery and invites them to swim in the circles of identity, acknowledging the ripples that trauma and impermanence leave behind.
Artist Bio
Ottawa based analog photographer Felix Denomme uses tactile processes to explore themes of nostalgia, impermanence and storytelling. Felix uses the visual language of photography as a method of journaling and for the practice of seeing and being present through daily life. He is also interested in how the visual language of photography both preserves and reflects the artist’s memories. Felix’s limited edition prints and digital art editions are held by notable photographers including Cristina De Middel of Magnum Photography. His work can be found at Rag and Carbon Gallery located in the Glebe.
Photographer: Felix Denomme
Twitter: @felix_denomme
Instagram: @negative.felix
Photos copyright Felix Denomme
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.