Analog Bridges
Photography • Nov 18, 2020 by Altamash Urooj, Introduction by Scott Marlin
“I found a way to break these images out of the digital plane by shooting the images with analog film photography.”
Like many of us this year, photographer Altamash Urooj has been contending with isolation and the digital divide that’s endured as one of the defining consequences of the pandemic. Where other artists may have languished, the Dubai-based photographer has found inspiration in solving this problem of necessary distance.
During a time where our experiences are increasingly virtualized, simulated, and intangible, Altamash has turned to analog film as a way to reintroduce a kind of physicality to his work with his new series “Analog Bridges.”
“The world is changing, and with it, sources of income, perspectives, distances and connections are all being redefined.”
From the photographer:
“In response to the global pandemic, I reimagine the norms of portraiture and the traditional photoshoot as a digital, collaborative and unique visual communication experience. Solo isolation feels like living in the matrix; only meeting simulations of family and friends. To explore the connection between the real and digital, I started booking remote portrait sessions with people on Zoom, giving up a lot of the control I am normally used to, and just working with the subject to make images. It’s been a strange experience, not being able to control something as simple as light. Each session with its own set of limitations and problems, and each session giving me boundless energy and joy by connecting with people Around the world.
“I found a way to break these images out of the digital plane by shooting the images with analog film photography. The analog images are developed manually to bring them out of digital waters into the real world. To make that person be more real. To myself, and the rapidly shifting perspective of reality–even only if it’s for a little while, I get to hold on to the person in my hands on a negative strip. My hope is that these portraits will serve as a positive memory for those who participate. For better or worse, we’re all in this together.”
Photography / @altamashurooj - altamashurooj.com
Models / Andrea D’Escrivian, Maya, Maisam, Celine Azem, Daria Tsareva, Amanda Rushforth, Savannah Belle, Cecilia Callejon, Maryluz Schloeter, and Luz Salem Villamil
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