TV82-1 Unattainable and Unspoken

TV82 Unattainable and Unspoken​

Reality is Human

This essay contrasts black and white film photographs of actual TV screens, drawn from 80s TV programs, of a desired but usually unobtainable item or situation, with contemporary analogous views from real life. Each duo is presented as paired silver gelatin prints.

The original impetus of this project was simply the desire of a young photographer to find interesting subjects and concepts to photograph. As such, it can fairly be said to represent, in some degree, the interests and desires of the photographer at that time. Later contemplation can indeed partially unravel some of the threads running through the selection of subjects.

Television and digital worlds can represent our desires, our ideals. But mostly, these are not attainable for us. Dare we speak of them? How do we reconcile our unattainables and our unspoken desires with life? We go about the real world, comparing our hopes with our reality. Is this futile? Not if we keep a clear head and attend to reality. There are lessons in the world; let us heed them!

Some of the comparisons presented here may seem a bit incongruous, but can be connected at some level. Many times things don’t turn out as planned. We don’t end up where we would want. “How did I get here” can be our thought. Reality, though, has a way of providing a base for our desires, and what we have, although not what we might want, is still better than nothing. Can we make our reality the same as the fantasy? Not usually, but the trial is the thing. Regroup, retry, and push forward.

Sometimes things are so impressive on the big scale, but seem tiny on our scale. Our life, however, mirrors the universe in many particulars that are not always obvious. We are drawn to the exotic, objectify it, and often wish to capture it for personal admiration. Can we see the exotic in our own lives, and learn to make the best of ourselves, regardless as to where that leads?

Bonus: no rocks or trees!!!