Syed Mehdi Bukhari

Syed Mehdi Bukhari

‘Childhood: a state of being misunderstood'

Photomedia

Sony Alpha 6000

13 Photos

My black-and-white work aims to capture the universality, timelessness and vulnerability of childhood. Through an endless amount of photoshoots I was able to compose a range of photos capturing elements of escapism, emotion and childhood intensity. By having two separate series, one in complete chiaroscuro, and the other lighter and more vibrant, I hope to represent the diverse multitude and spectrum of childhood complexity. Through the study and focus of black-and-white chiaroscuro, I have been able to strengthen my material practice in a way which intertwines itself to my own conceptual understanding of the focal concept of my work.

l hope to represent the intensely abnormal growing emotions and raging obliviousness that is childhood, through the subject that is my sister. My entire work documents such an abnormally moving period of her life, reflecting all the vulnerable states of anger and contrasted quiet observed and focused upon. Through my work, I reflected the ever-changing emotional enigma of childhood, enhancing the notion of ‘Universal vulnerability’. Light plays an undoubtedly significant role in emphasising these conceptual ideas, surrounding escapism and emotional vibrancy whilst Chiaroscuro aids me in representing isolation evident within states of being perceived differently, an emotion that each individual has experienced, which I bring to light, the state of being misunderstood.

Influencing artists - Bill Henson, Shrin Neshat, Sam McKinniss, Ugo da Carpi, Rembrandt Harmenszoon Van Rijn.