VISUAL REVIEW #2

I chose Interior/Exterior, Camera Obscura Dreams by Marja Pirilä because of how ethereal the photo series feels. I first wanted to read a little more about the “camera obscura” phenomenon that the photographer used as her inspiration for her photos. The camera obscura phenomenon is a method defined by saying, “a method by which to survey the living environment and mental landscapes, summoning unconscious feelings into the light of day”. Piriläs main goal was to combine a subject with their living room. For example, the view from their window, their room, the person themselves. What I love about this photo series is that the photographer morphed the series from the environment and subject to include the inner psyche of the subject. Memories, fears, insecurities, dreams, reflections, etc. The photo series includes people sitting, standing, lying down or even sleeping. The photos all encapsulate and combine the subjects immediate surroundings, meaning their beds, chairs, wall decor. Then the photo is combined with their outside surroundings, the ones that we cannot see but that are brought to life in the photo. My favourite shot from the series is titled, “Camera Obscura/Reilika and Reno, Tampere, Finland, 2002”. The photo is of Reilika and her son Reno asleep on the ground in Renos room. They are surrounded by Renos toys scattered about and his hanging clothing drying. She has her hand on his head and while he is facing away from the camera, she is looking directly at it. Her eyes are piercing the photo as that's what is really seen first. Then, the camera obscura is combined. The room is coexisting with the light but distinct image of pine trees hanging upside down. The images light up the room and it's clear to see that while Reno and Reilika may be peacefully sleeping inside, their home is surrounded by the brisk and beautiful green pine trees.

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https://www.lensculture.com/marja-pirila