Holly Houssarini
Wenona School
DOMESTIC LANDSCAPES
Photomedia
Cotton rag photo paper, book
My family's homes are built upon decades of Lebanese culture, folklore and virtue. They are where memories sleep, and where memories are born. My body of work presses pause on a few memories and fleeting moments. Inspired by photojournalism, and the paradox of a brief moment having everlasting impacts, it explores cultural connections to homes and domestic landscapes, featuring portraiture, interiors and exteriors. The stills are intended to be intimate, nostalgic and emotional, connecting with the audience by representing my grandparents within their homes. It is a true expression of the phrase 'home is where the heart is'.
My artmaking practice has been influenced by the study and interpretation of the following artists: Peter Turnley, Gordon Parks.
Marker's Commentary
Domestic Landscapes presents a sophisticated exploration of the ancestral heritage encompassing the home of the grandparents and their cultural artefacts. This body of work demonstrates an adept mastery of black and white photographic technique and camera craft, deftly manipulating depth of field and exposure. The deliberate adoption of HDR in the compositional process accentuates the evocative and wistful undertones pervading the body of work, imbuing it with moments of quiet contemplation. By incorporating a book, the audience are invited on an immersive journey through the home of the grandparents, skilfully evoking intimate, and tranquil instances through keen observation. The heightened contrast rendered through the choice of black and white amplifies the nostalgic expedition where decisive moments are eternally captured. The discerning curation of the book further demonstrates refined choices, with deliberate interplay of large obsidian voids juxtaposed against emergent imagery. Notably, the utilisation of HDR plays homage to the recent work of Peter Turnley and traditions of the photo essay.