Buenos Aires

In March 2010 I took a two week break from financial services consulting to visit the country from which my mother immigrated in 1974. Buenos Aires, Argentina is only two hours ahead of the east coast of the United States, but is the opposite season. The toilets also flush in a direction opposite to that of the northern hemisphere. My work in Argentina, perhaps influenced by these factors, took a somewhat different turn.

While introspection usually inspires me to make images, in Argentina I made observational photos. In Argentina I was an outsider. Could it be that when outside their element people are more likely to look outward? It makes sense. Outsiders need to observe if they ever have a hope of getting “in.”

Not to mention, I was on assignment for Ali Van, who asked that I bring her back pictures of great architecture. In fact, this request was what first inspired me to make vertical panoramic photos. Well that and the fact that it can be difficult to make a convincing depiction of a WHOLE building using a 50mm fixed lens.
Was I really an outsider in Argentina? My Spanish leaves something to be desired. But my mother lived there for her first fourteen years. Does that mean that I belong there in some way? Buenos Aires is part of my family’s history. As for the rest I’m not so sure.

For those of you interested in seeing more, I have a whole facebook album dedicated to my trip. See it here! And finally, for truly dedicated fans, I am having a show in Greenwich, CT on December 8th. Details to follow soon.