Abby Maggard

Commentary

 

Abby Maggard

 

 

What is the central idea of your concentration? (500 characters maximum)

The central idea of my concentration is the deconstruction of limited thinking. My images portray the thought process of someone as they transition from thinking concretely to thinking unconventionally. The images become less structured as they progress: the water, which symbolizes opportunity and ideas, becomes boundless and uncontrolled. As the photos become more and more abstract, the image becomes less centered around what the photo is meant to show and more centered on the viewer’s interpretation.

How does the work in your concentration demonstrate the exploration of your idea? You may refer to specific images as examples. When referencing specific images, please indicate the image numbers. (1350 characters maximum)

 

You see a cup; you take a sip. You do what the cup tells you to do. It does not speak; its structure implies what to do. You hold the handle, tilt your head back, and take a sip. Again, and again. But if you look closer, you realize there is much more to see. Adjust your perspective, and you see what limits this liquid from assuming a more beautiful and unique existence.

It is easy to get caught up in the tangible: the things we worry about, the things we can see, the things that exist right in front of us. But we should challenge ourselves to dig deeper. We should do things because we want to do them, out of simplicity and curiosity rather than obligation or commitment. People unconsciously follow the guidelines that others set before them because there is comfort and solidarity to be found in what is known. Challenge yourself to break free of the regular, and explore what beauty lies in the unexplained.