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Photography by: Said Abusaud
As an artist, my work grounds me, and I don't know where I would be without it. In a world already saturated with images, I believe that taking the time to be thoughtful about what you're putting out is essential. This is what I’ve aimed at in my latest Polaroid series Allow Me To Reintroduce Myself. As with any project, I acquire knowledge along the way and with this being my first-ever controversial social series, here’s the top five things I’ve learned.
1. FREEDOM COMES IN LETTING GO.
I believe in a considerate approach that I maintain by holding total control of my work. This was the first time I gave full creative control to the 12 selected individuals. It was scary letting others essentially run my series while I took a backseat. However, I realized that trust works both ways and I’m happy with the turn out from letting go of my high standards a bit.
2. YOU CAN LOVE SOMEONE WHO THINKS DIFFERENTLY THAN YOU.
I've learned that while we’re genuinely good people and have huge hearts, it doesn't mean we all think the same way. The answers I read were so profound and while I didn't necessarily have similar perspectives with all of the individuals, I realized how much I still love and respect them for their thoughts and time.
3. FEAR OF WHAT OTHER'S WILL THINK IS NOT AN OPTION.
I was a little hesitant to do this series at first because of the potential backlash. There were times I had to constantly remind myself not to care what others thought, which was new to my usual mentality of understanding some people just aren’t going to like my work.
"We can’t be in silence to those that have a different opinion."
4. BE THE VOICE TO A NEW TREND.
All the research I've done with this series has taught me more about social issues and the prevalent role it’s currently playing in our culture. We're not built to ignore the negativity, we're built to give love and receive it. It only takes one person to start a trend; for the ice to be broken and tea to be shared.
5. MIX IT UP & GET OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE.
I wanted a diverse group of people for this series. I usually work with the same people, because I trust them. Out of the 12 people I selected, only three are from my original group. It opened my eyes to the vast amount of talent out there to work with aside from my exclusive team. It changes the game for when I come back from my hiatus and start fresh next year.
Allow Me To Reintroduce Myself will release exclusively on www.afterglowgallery.com on Monday, July 23 at 9 a.m. as a virtual art gallery for a limited time.
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