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Stenciled Remarks

Someone once told me they were addicted to beauty. Their eyes wandered, searching for it, getting them into trouble. I am addicted to words. I have always been fascinated by the offhanded, yet intimate comments people make to one another. The surprise created by these unexpected words, whether they are spoken by a familiar person or a complete stranger, is something that never fades away. These types of encounters can be thrilling and disturbing for the receiver of this language, creating a layer of intimacy or conflict with the initiator of the interaction.

My work consists of black and white photographs of individuals with spoken language painted on their bodies in acrylic paint and an audio piece which plays words, as well as, stories. These memorable statements have been said to them in real life and have had a lasting effect on the way they perceive themselves. I am close to the subjects of my photographs and I ask them to share all of these beautiful, random, and cruel statements with me. Together we pick the most intriguing ones and discuss where they should be written. In the portraits that I have made, I stencil the language on their body, giving the viewer a sense that these words are not permanent, but still have a powerful presence. When words are spoken they have an ethereal nature. By writing them on the body, the viewer has a chance to deconstruct their meaning in relationship to the individual. I have focused on the ways in which language and the body can interact. The receiver of this language is almost defenseless in hearing the things that someone else has to say, things which can entice or agitate them.

I chose to explore the realm of photography because the raw nature of the words called for something that could mimic life. The subjects of my photographs often give the appearance of nudity because I want to create an image that gives the illusion of vulnerability, referencing the initial exchange. I want the viewer to feel the complexity of the words in relationship to a specific body and come to terms with the documentation of this relationship. The audio piece gives the viewer a chance to become the subject of these words and connect with the recorded speakers who are sharing their experiences. The photographs and the audio create a complex situation for the viewer, just like being called a “cunt” or hearing someone say “I love you,” might create a confusing, intricate situation. My work provides a window into these intense, unforgettable dealings which are usually buried with discretion or kept secret. It is undeniable that these words become a part of you once they hit the air, no matter how subtle or how strongly they are spoken.

Stephanie Johnson