This project began in 2012 as a visual exploration of the different types of personal isolation, and an exercise in street photography. Exhibited in November 2012 at the Center for Photography at Madison (now PhotoMidwest), these photographs were my first real steps into artistic expression, and the first time I confronted my own emotions through art.
I discovered a paradox exists between an artist's need for isolation in fostering their creativity, but the equally strong need for an audience when expressing that creativity. These ideas were further explored in a short video about the exhibit, and will be seen again in a forthcoming exhibit catalog.
This photography collection, exhibition, video, and future fine press book represents both the beginning of my artistic explorations, and the ongoing exploration into the necessity, and contradiction, of self-imposed isolation to the “creative” professional.
Paul Nylander