What makes an image define “beauty” or “ugliness”? I’m interested in the power structures behind photojournalism and editorial decisions. In my project, The Odd I See, I take on the role of editor by repurposing images from National Geographic’s Odyssey, The Art of Photography into new photomontages. The images from this book are taken from National Geographic’s vast library, considered as their best photographers from the 19th and 20th century.
My process is constrained by a strict set of rules: I use each photograph from the book only once, though I may utilize the negative space or the reverse side, allowing up to four variations per source. I work until the source material is completely depleted. The resulting photomontages reflect my experiences, culture, and subconscious influences from growing up in Central Florida. My goal is to create open-ended visual conversations that challenge the viewer’s interpretation of familiar narratives.
Ivan Riascos 