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 SOLDIER |
photographs by Suzanne Opton |
SUZANNE OPTON SEEKS PARENTS OF MILITARY PERSONELL TO PHOTOGRAPH AS PART OF HER SOLDIER PROJECT BEGINNING SEPTEMBER 16TH & 17TH.
Suzanne Opton is looking for parents of recently returned from active duty or currently deployed soldiers to participate in her photographic series, Soldier. Ms. Opton is interested in parents in the Western New York area where her Soldier exhibition is currently on view at CEPA Gallery.
Suzanne Opton writes:
I began this series two years ago at Fort Drum, where I photographed more than 90 soldiers. I posed my subjects, both traditionally and with their heads on the table. My intent was to see the individual behind the uniform. I was curious about the men and women who volunteered to serve, and I wanted to do a series of art portraits, in which the viewer would be face to face with each soldier’s humanity. As the mother of a young man, I was concerned with the impact of war on a young life. In making these portraits, I wanted to look in the face of someone who’d seen something unforgettable.
In an attempt to create a larger picture, I photographed soldiers with their families. And then I posed soldiers with their comrades, because from what I understand, the experience of war is something often shared only with one’s buddies.
When this series was shown in Syracuse, the mother of one of my subjects requested a print. She wrote to me that, “the time in Iraq and Afghanistan were very difficult for my son and his family, and this photograph portrays his trials.”
To complete the project, I am now looking to photograph mothers and / or fathers of recently returned or currently deployed soldiers. I realize that it may be difficult for a parent to volunteer to pose. As parents we are all happiest when our children are safe and doing well in their lives, but I believe there is value in recording the difficult and unforgettable passages as well. I am interested in capturing this uncertain time in a mother’s or father’s life.
I would photograph either parent very simply – sitting in front of the house, or at the kitchen table. The photographs are in color and I will provide any participant with a print, and with my heartfelt thanks.
Suzanne Option
CEPA Gallery • 617 Main Street, Suite 201 • Buffalo, NY 14203 • 716.856.2717
info@cepagallery.com
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