Identity portrait photographs, 10 x 15 cm, 2008
Combat : Color Identity photographs / Project 75003 Paris
Why identity photoraphs?
“We are mirror of one another, we recognize our existence because others give us the recognition. How do we know if we exist if there is no one to recognize that we are here?”
Identity photography booths are the most accessible and easiest way of making official document portraits. This machine inscribes everyone in society.
The idea of owning an official photographic document gives us the feeling that we are part of the system and that we exist socially.
Because of the aesthetic and common knowledge of what identity photography symbolizes, they become objects for identifying ourselves.
“I use identity photography booths because with the act of pulling the curtain, public space becomes private, which resembles our life.”
“I choose to use a booth because participants do not control the timing, which is similar to life. Not knowing exactly when the photograph will be taken, the gesture becomes lively, and more of a performance. This timing also resembles the moment in our life when we need to make a decision.”
« J’utilise des photos prises dans des photomatons parce qu’on y tire le rideau et l’espace public devient privé – un peu comme dans la vie. J’utilise aussi ces machines parce qu’on ne contrôle pas tout à fait le temps - comme dans la vie – et ne sachant pas tout à fait quand la photo sera prise, le geste devient plus vivant, performance.
Et puis ce temps qui court ressemble à celui qu’il nous faut pour prendre une décision.
L’utilisation de la machine inscrit chacun, dans la société »
