Unsighted

1992-93

 

Upon entering the gallery, the viewer is confronted with large-scale, uncomfortably close portraits of people whose eyes stare directly at them. The oversized features of the faces are rendered in a sharp and even light so all surface details appear clear and precise. 

 

The camera allows the viewer the luxury of staring at each face, examining its attributes and noting the flaws.  The viewer is given no information other than the people in the photographs are blind. A Braille text accompanies the installation.

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The viewer understands that he/she can scrutinize the photographs but the sitters can never return that gaze.  The viewer is placed in the role of voyeur.  The viewer recognizes the privilege of this position and is forced to confront feelings about personal power, disability and loss of control.     

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