An Artist Irrepressible Altered Ego
A photostory piece by Garrick Wong
Model: Laurelei Overbeek
Through my art, I ask each viewer to consider the oddity and absurdity of their own human condition in its various manifestations. I typically work toward this goal by combining dark, sometimes disturbing imagery with a more subtle layer of humor and/or irony.
Whether in the studio or on location, I prefer to visually isolate my subjects as much as possible so that the viewer will not be distracted from the intended narrative. Similarly, I strive to give my photos simple titles that will help steer the viewer in the direction of my original vision. However, I also want the viewer to engage with each photo so that it resonates with them on a personal level.
Most of my photos are planned in advance and reflect imagery derived from my overactive and slightly twisted imagination. However, I also derive immense pleasure when I am able to find and photograph things that are strangely beautiful just as they are.
I try to emulate that same aesthetic even though I now mostly shoot and edit digitally. The power of black and white photography for me is that it allows the “story” of the image to shine through without the visual distraction of other colors. That being said, I do utilize color in my work from time to time if the concept requires it.