J. Fredric May
Alternative Facts: Photography by Any Means
Artist Statement, 2021
I am a former photojournalist and filmmaker. During open heart surgery in 2012, I suffered a major stroke leaving me legally blind and subject to vivid visual hallucinations. This life event changed my artistic vision, opening up an entirely new visual style.
With a life-long habit of experimentation, I picked up my iPad and started to explore. Taking those facial fragments that filled half my lost visual field and utilizing imaging software that corrupts visual data, I was effectively able to replicate what waws happing with information withing my own brain. It wasn’t until year later that I learned from neurologists and neuroscientists that my stroke allowed subconscious imagery to reach my conscious awareness.
I find certain splendor in taking a corrupted .png file on an iPad—a 21st century technique—and making an iron print—a 19th century technique—from that file.
On display March 1 – April 12, 2021 at the PACE Center Art Gallery:
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