In the series “Not In Your Face” the t-shirt is starkly evident but
these photographs are not about the t-shirt per se. They are the
stories of people who tell their own story. This is a typology of
individuals who stand out in a crowd by their choice of the
message on their back.
On the streets these personalities create their own iconography
that explore the cultural, political and social issues that have an
impact on our everyday lives.
In these photographs we witness a chronicle of subcultures and
vernaculars which illustrate the The 21st Century global
identity. These photographs demonstrate how these individuals
wear a kind of badge of honor or trophy that says “I belong to
this group not the other”. Each one of these people reveal a part
of t themselves that advertises their hopes, ideals,
likes, dislikes, political views,and personal mantras.
By photographing from the back I attempt to explore the time-
honored tradition of the portrait being of the face and test
whether body type,dress and demeanor can tell us just as much
as a facial expression might.
When assembled in grids I aim to reveal both the similarities
and differences of each peer group and explore their unique
patterns and themes. I believe the power of each portrait’s
meaning becomes apparent from the juxtaposition of many
images. It is a universe of individuals but combined creates a
picture of our time. We may feel we know more about these
individuals then we really do. Their mystery is preserved and the
power of photography can celebrate our urge to unravel it.
When George Harrison arrived in New York for the Beatles' historic visit he carried a Pentax Spotmatic as he descended the airplane steps. Susan Barnett, then 13 years old, soon bought the same camera and began photographing her everyday life.
After a formal education in Art History and a 30-year career in New York galleries, Susan again picked up the camera - this time her fatherâ??s Leicaflex. Photography has allowed her to blend her love of strong graphics and color with her interest in the human experience.
Susanâ??s work has been published in Popular Photography, LensCulture, PDN, Nerve.com and Lenscratch. Her work can be seen at Clampart Gallery, New York. The book "Not In Your Face" will be published by the Silas Finch Foundation, New York in 2011.
