Alanna Airitam is a photographer whose work transcends traditional boundaries, incorporating elements of other materials such as metal, resin, varnish, and gold leaf into her captivating compositions. With a focus on lighting, staging, and processes referencing particular eras in art history, her portraits and still lifes often takes on a painterly quality that invites viewers to explore hidden histories and stories that have led to a lack of fair and honest representation of Black Americans.
Driven by a relentless pursuit of truth, Airitam delves into the complexities of storytelling and the subjective and indefinite nature of truth. Through the lens of photography, she seeks to unravel the secrets of the past, drawing upon the belief that a photograph is proof of existence, the closest thing to an irrefutable truth. Her work challenges preconceived notions through the incorporation of both digital and film processes, as well as the manipulation and construction of images, offering a fresh perspective on the nature of truth itself.
Influenced by the power and beauty of Black people, the strength and creativity of women, and the dream of a world where individuals are free to shape their own lives without interference, Airitam finds inspiration in the syncopation of jazz and the transportive nature of music, the art of storytelling, and the endless possibility of the human spirit. Her work also draws from the colors, lighting, and scale of 17th-century Renaissance paintings, as well as the legacy of Black studio photographers from the 19th century.
With a three-tiered approach to their audience, Airitam creates art first and foremost for herself, seeking personal fulfillment and self-expression. She also aims to connect with other People of Color, particularly Black women, sharing stories of resilience, creativity, and the contributions of Black people to American culture. Lastly, she strives to engage with a broader audience, encouraging them to see the positive potential for human existence, to recognize beauty, and to embrace love.
“Through the lens of photography, I hope to unravel the secrets of the past, drawing upon the belief that a photograph is proof of existence, the closest thing to an irrefutable truth. I also challenge that with the understanding that photos can also be manipulated and constructed to tell a version of a story, just like our histories.”
Alanna Airitam
Closed | 3 February - 2 March