Taylor Stevenson: Holly Andres

Holly Andres uses photography to examine the complexities of childhood, the fleeting nature of memory, and female introspection. Her images rely on a tension between an inevitable subject matter and a darker, sometimes disturbing subtext. One of my favorite bodies of work done by Andres is The Fall of Spring Hill. I enjoy this series because Andres uses sequencing in order to imply parallel action between the mothers in the church kitchen preparing food and the children playing outside. Andres presents an interesting perspective, she allows you to be present in the action. Suggestive imagery such as a cup of coffee shattering on the kitchen floor, which symbolizes the young boy’s fall as he is tenderly passing a caterpillar to another child. Serving as a metaphor for the boy’s wound is the stillness of a blood red punchbowl, which also implies the moment when the mothers abandon their kitchen duties and transform into an army of matriarchal heroines in order to disembody the play set. Andres works are all presented in a narrative way; which makes her not only the photographer but also the director. Also Andres uses a interesting "pulp culture" color palette throughout her works which connects them indirectly. In addition to Andres consistent color pattern she uses the same subjects throughout each series.