Emily Detrick considers herself an artist who uses photography as a tool to communicate an issue visually. She struggled with the decision to study psychology or photography, until she realized she could combine the two and use each to aid the other. Now, living, working and attending SCAD in Atlanta Emily is creating work that focuses on societal issues and psychological problems. Emily aims to start conversations and encourages her audience to reevaluate the way they perceive themselves in relation to society. With that said, Emily has penned an open letter to society complete with visual pieces that can aid any wayfarer on their path to greatness.
Dear Society,
The idea of being defined by others rather than one self seems to permeate our culture. Parents have desires for who we should become, friends have preferences for how we should act, and society as a whole determines if our way of life is acceptable or not. This could include anything from occupations and life long dreams to small habits and personal quirks. But there is also an alternative that exists within the true self. In this photographic series, I aim to collaborate with my subjects and encourage them to react to this contrast by placing their opinions directly onto the negatives of themselves. Additionally, I am creating diptychs to reinforce this dichotomy between the imagined self and the true self, and provide a visual representation for the conflict itself. My hope is to invite the viewer to become more comfortable with the conflict within them, and more accepting of the person they dream to be.
Sincerely, Emily Detrick
