Charles Pacius (b. Brooklyn, New York; lives and works in New York)
My artistic journey in the realm of photography is an exploration of the complex and profound world of women's experiences. Through a blend of digital and film imagery, I seek to capture the inner emotions, struggles, and triumphs of women in a way that transcends the ordinary and delves into the extraordinary.
My work is deeply influenced by the clairvoyant and mystic aspects of life. I believe that there is a spiritual dimension to our existence, and I aim to reveal it through my lens. In each photograph, I strive to tap into the hidden realms of human consciousness and bring forth a sense of mysticism that invites viewers to contemplate the unseen forces at play in our lives. My goal as an artist is to connect with the viewer on a visceral and spiritual level, prompting introspection and a deeper understanding of the feminine experience. I want my photographs to serve as a bridge between the material and the ethereal, shedding light on the inner worlds of women and the mystical aspects of their lives.
In a world often dominated by external appearances, my work seeks to uncover the hidden layers of human existence. Through the fusion of digital and film techniques, my endeavor is to create a visual narrative that transcends the ordinary, offering viewers a glimpse into the clairvoyant and spiritual aspects of our shared journey. My hope is that my photographs inspire contemplation, spark conversations, and ultimately, foster a greater appreciation for the mysticism that resides within us all.
Melanese Reid (b. Saint Michael, Barbados; lives and works in New York) “Who Looks Outside Dreams, Who Looks Inside Awakes” -Carl Jung
My artistic practice is one of “self” evaluation through the interrogation of epigenetic inheritance and intersectionality. Epigenetic Inheritance suggests that it is possible for our ancestor’s trauma to be passed down to future generations through our genes.
Using various materials such as acrylic, charcoal and pastels on canvas and black paper backgrounds, I create pensive figures depicting a moment in time that will either shape a future being or represent a past actions fate. These figures are not always but often nude self-portraits. I have chosen to use my body as the narrative as this is what the world considers genes that have been passed down. However, the mark makings created inside are the predominant ruler of the genes. Colors are often representative of the subject matter, i.e., pink backgrounds are representative of a family mainly ruled by matriarchs, black backgrounds reflect misconceptions on race, etc.
My hope is deeply personal yet connective. I desire to reconcile not only my own past patterns but the disruptive maternal patterns passed down from matriarchs alive and deceased. I also aspire to bring a heightened awareness to Epigenetic Inheritance specifically as it relates to shared traumas and expound upon the conversation of intersectionality within trauma.
