Nostalgia & Vernacular Photography

2019

Nostalgia & Vernacular Photography is a collection of work aptly titled from it’s core subjects. Vernacular photography refers to the creation of photographs that take everyday life and common things as subjects. Examples of vernacular photographs include travel and vacation photos, family snapshots, photos of friends, class portraits, identification photographs, and photo-booth images. Those which are commonly found in a family photo album, something which most people own or are familiar with. They often feature the same staged poses, and subject matter, and are therefore widely relatable, with each collection appearing visually similar, however they are only able to carry the same meaning to those who possess or feature in the photographs, those who have more specific knowledge of the context surrounding the photograph being taken.

Vernacular photographs are types of accidental art, in that they often are unintentionally artistic within themselves.

Closely related to vernacular photography is found photography, which in one sense refers to the recovery of a lost, unclaimed, or discarded vernacular photograph or snapshot.

Found photos are often found at flea markets, thrift and other second-hand stores. All photographs used within this body of work were purchased in bulk from various eBay sellers, all further information surrounding the photographs is unknown.

This project therefore aims to repurpose the photographs, providing them with the meaning and understanding they previously lacked, using these sensitive and personal items, which before now were unwanted.