Lucas Johnson http://www.lucasjohnson.co.nz Wed, 09 May 2012 02:35:53 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 TAHITIAN SUNSET http://www.lucasjohnson.co.nz/tahitian-sunset/ http://www.lucasjohnson.co.nz/tahitian-sunset/#comments Mon, 23 Apr 2012 19:27:37 +0000 Lucas Johnson http://www.lucasjohnson.co.nz/?p=272 Tahitian Sunset 1 | Lucas Johnson
Tahitian Sunset 2 | Lucas Johnson
Tahitian Sunset 3 | Lucas Johnson
Tahitian Sunset 4 | Lucas Johnson
Tahitian Sunset 5 | Lucas Johnson
Tahitian Sunset 6 | Lucas Johnson
Tahitian Sunset 7 | Lucas Johnson
Tahitian Sunset 8 | Lucas Johnson
]]> http://www.lucasjohnson.co.nz/tahitian-sunset/feed/ 0 THREE WEEKS IN MEXICO http://www.lucasjohnson.co.nz/three-weeks-in-mexico/ http://www.lucasjohnson.co.nz/three-weeks-in-mexico/#comments Tue, 21 Feb 2012 02:26:33 +0000 Lucas Johnson http://www.lucasjohnson.co.nz/?p=37
]]> http://www.lucasjohnson.co.nz/three-weeks-in-mexico/feed/ 0 IN MY MOTHER’S ABSENCE http://www.lucasjohnson.co.nz/in-my-mothers-absence/ http://www.lucasjohnson.co.nz/in-my-mothers-absence/#comments Wed, 16 Nov 2011 14:00:20 +0000 Lucas Johnson http://www.lucasjohnson.co.nz/?p=40

This body of work encompasses a ten month photographic study of spaces that are in a state of transition, abandonment, or rebirth. This work also coincides with the passing of my mother. In this way these images serve as a visual representation of this experience with parts one, two, and three expressing my states of being before, during, and after this trauma.

The traumatic experience of losing my mother has reshaped my physical and metaphysical approaches to the world, as well as my place within it. It has subtly redirected my photographic practice by presenting me with new subjects and ideas to explore. This work is a study of embodiment within the space left by my mother’s absence.

Transition (Before Trauma)

This photographic study focuses on a house in New Westminster that was built and occupied by the same family for over one hundred years. Following the death of the house’s last hereditary resident, the space became home to a new family of two.

These Images focus on temporal change within this space in order to understand the awkward transition that this shift in ownership has produced. They also work to display the complicated state of my mind and the anguish left by the news of my mother’s illness and her eminent mortality.

In My Mother's Absence | Lucas Johnson
In My Mother's Absence | Lucas Johnson
In My Mother's Absence | Lucas Johnson
In My Mother's Absence | Lucas Johnson
In My Mother's Absence | Lucas Johnson
In My Mother's Absence | Lucas Johnson

Abandonment (During Trauma)

Grafton Cemetery in central Auckland, New Zealand was founded in 1869 as the final resting place for European settlers of five different religious beliefs. Over time the cemetery has become enmeshed in a growing city, a relationship that has led to the exhuming of graves in order to make room for new infrastructure. This sacred site was once central to the old city and has since been abandoned for the notion of progress and the ideals of modern expansion.

These images seek to question the abandonment of legacy and the notion of permanence. They also represent my inner contemplation over the lasting memory that I wish to grant my mother.

In My Mother's Absence | Lucas Johnson
In My Mother's Absence | Lucas Johnson

Re-born (After Trauma)

These images are pure experiment. I was attempting to reconnect with the photographic medium in a more whimsical expression of light within space. Questioning space and light and what I can do with it. It is hope in discovery.

With my mother’s death I was forced to experience the stark reality of her absence. I could stand back and passively let the feelings of regret, loss, and emptiness consume me. Or, I could choose to embrace those same feelings and the healing properties that accepting her passing offers. It is important to honor those that are no longer with us. In their absence we are all that is left. With this in mind I choose to move forward.

In My Mother's Absence | Lucas Johnson
In My Mother's Absence | Lucas Johnson
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