Colorado Color Palette

In 2018, I found a particular location that caught my eye: The view was something between a candid life artwork that could have been painted by a baroque artist like Jan Brueghel the Elder, and a couple of pages from "Where is Waldo?"

I couldn't capture that very first image quick enough, but I think this later one is also pretty accurate:

I spent a couple of hours browsing the location, screen-capturing some more images now and then, but soon enough I realized that even though the location was damn interesting, the images didn't have any narrative at all nor photographic interest.

The propinquity with "Where is Waldo?" led me to this small experiment where the landscape is just the context for some other smaller stories. The exaggerated expansion of the pixels turned the baroque images into Morisot-esque watercolors, and from the small pieces, a new story found its own narrative.

The result explores the juxtaposition of digital and traditional art mediums. The project pays homage to Hopper's style, using the digital medium to replicate his unique way of portraying light and shadow. Each photograph, while set in the vibrant and dynamic environment of a swimming pool, captures moments of individual isolation, reminiscent of the solitary figures often seen in Hopper's work.

The central theme of the project is the paradox of feeling alone in a crowded place. The swimming pool, typically a symbol of communal activity and joy, is transformed into a stage where individuals are absorbed in their own worlds. The photographs capture swimmers in moments of introspection, surrounded by others yet psychologically isolated. This portrayal reflects a common urban experience, where one can be physically close to others yet emotionally distant.

The project tries to challenge viewers to consider their own experiences of solitude and connection, especially in places where they are physically close to others yet emotionally apart. It’s a contemporary reflection on the timeless theme of finding oneself alone amongst the many.