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.
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 