Omer Kaplan
Potential Space
Potential Space is a collaborative project intended to create an intimate and
safe space for self-validation and discomfort. Through sessions that lasted
only a few hours, we were able to connect emotionally and have an open
discourse.
I met the women in my
photographs in online forums and invited them to my home. Every shoot started
with me taking images of them. Then, I would ask them to take a self-portrait
without me in the room. I would tell them that they were free to change their
clothing and pose however they would like. One of them even asked to take a
short nap in my bed. Afterward, I would ask them to write about their
experiences. I did not see their photographs until I developed them in the darkroom.
This way, I let each subject’s voice be heard through collaborative texts and
imagery.
The process of taking
these images was difficult for me, as it forced me to deal with feelings of
blame and self-doubt, which often come out when I’m having relationships with
women. As a teenager, I had panic attacks and I felt that there was no place
for me to express myself. Through this project, I wanted to provide my subjects
with a space to potentially explore their personalities so that they could be
loyal to who they are. I believe that this work has enabled me to develop a
better understanding of who I am, as well.
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