Artist Statement- Las Vegas Photographs
My photographic search for ‘Las Vegas’ continues. I first visited the city in 1995 and have returned several times since to document this strange and unique place in the American landscape and culture.
As I first began this body of work, I was attempting to capture the dichotomy of the city, the division of wealth and poverty, and the fragmentation of culture within the city. Also at that time in 1995, the city was going through it’s ‘family friendly’ phase, where roller coasters and theme park like attractions were the norm. Now, Vegas has gone back to its roots, selling the image of ‘adult’ entertainment and the vintage Las Vegas style to the masses. But, the more often I return to Vegas to photograph, I find I am capturing a void. The images I return with seem to highlight the emptiness, loneliness and isolation of the place that is advertised as the entertainment capital of the world.
As my photographic search continues, I return documenting the social and environmental landscape of this city. Las Vegas is a place that is in a constant state of transformation. I hope to further this in depth personal analysis of what is advertised as ‘fabulous’ Las Vegas.
Tara,
Found a style here and all your gallery. I like it. You capture the emotion of the subject. Much more of a story in an image where one captures the vibe. Your eye reflects youur view on the world, your choice of subject shows where your mind is centered. When I look at your work; I see me; that is that people and certain situations, senerio's are sooo plastic and lots of people sooo transparent. But a choice we have to see live in the full color world, to find our passions and refine them. I see this in your work, very good Tara... Love Clay
Really neat shots, Tara. Your commentary is very astute as well! I notice few people in your shots and even the dancehall girls look like cardboard cutouts! Perhaps the quest for riches does this to a place? It makes for a rich facade, but everything very hollow inside!