Brooklyn, New York | Mentor: Andrea Modica
Molly D’Arcy is an American artist (b.1997) living and working in New England. She began making short films as a child, an interest which blossomed into a passion for darkroom photography. Her work centers around themes of journeying and destination. Spirituality has been part of her life since childhood and continues to play a central role in her photographic practice today.
Project Statement
“When you approach something to photograph it, first be still with yourself until the object of your attention affirms your presence. Then don’t leave until you have captured its essence.” – Minor White
I meditate on this quote often, and it has become something I experience when approaching a stranger to photograph them. Even when the light, scene, and setting are ideal for a portrait, if the subject is unwilling to participate, the image cannot happen. Making a portrait is a collaborative exchange, which we participate in by opening ourselves to another’s beauty, or uniqueness. A photograph can result in a narrative about a subject (even if fictional), and it is our job as photographers to capture or, perhaps, create the essence of this narrative as best we can.
This project is still very much in progress; I am looking and thinking about the ways different individuals fit into and identify with their bodies, and how this identification seems to change as we age. With the passing of our youth, we start to understand that this body is temporary, and that in our human experience, death is imminent. I am also thinking about themes of journeying, destination, crossing of paths, and the eternal quest for a resolution or deeper truth about the purpose of our lives.
It has been such a pleasure and honor to continue to grow this project and access new and different levels of inspiration with the support of Sasha Wolf, the PhotoWork Junior Fellowship, and of course, Andrea Modica.
2024 Junior Fellows: Molly D’Arcy | Brandon Holland | Will Suiter