Brezaja Hutcheson - Myles Loftin - Post 1

1) which of the artist’s many technical choices are of interest to you and why? 

I love how young photographer Myles Loftin considers the personality of each subject that he captures for his portraits. I feel that he captures their essence precisely, which enables viewers like me to gauge a sense of their persona, whether that be through their fashion sense, the environment that they are in, or the subject matter of the photos. After taking these factors into consideration, Loftin's photos have a way of coming to life, and providing a background for each of his subjects.

This is particularly interesting to me because I wish to do the same thing with my photographic work.  I want to evoke feelings from viewers, and immerse them in a world that they may not be too familiar with, and be unapologetic about displaying queer culture and the expression of my subjects - whether that be artistic, cultural backgrounds, or through one's gender identity or expression.



2) what do you believe are the artist’s conceptual and/or thematic intentions?

I believe that Loftin intends to create visibility for those who may not fit into the "mainstream" category, or what is readily accepted by society.  He aims to make spaces accessible to people that once were not.  Loftin often aims to photograph members of marginalized communities: people of color, members of the queer community, and those with disabilities.  Often times, many of the subjects that he chooses to photograph have intersecting identities.  I believe is his way of emphasizing that people in marginalized communities can occupy many identities, and deserve to be appreciated and acknowledged by all.  He also usually depicts his subjects in their native environments, which is typically urban.  I get the impression that he wishes to highlight the vitality, passion, and uniquely expressive ways of life that these young adults tend to live, which is partly due to living in a fast-paced environment like New York City.


3) how do you personally respond to these choices and intents? 

Whenever I see Loftin's photos, it sparks something in me. The colors that he uses, the composition, as well as the transparency and intimate state that they subjects are in is something that truly inspires me. I consider myself a dreamer, and when I see these images, it transports me to a place that gives me hope and confidence to be myself. It gives me relief to know that there are people in the world like me - a queer individual, a person of color, an artist - and inspires me to think deeply about the message that I want to convey with my art.

After having viewing Loftin's film portraits, it had quickly become the driving inspiration for me to begin shooting on 35mm as well.  The rawness, saturated colors, and nostalgic feel that these images bring struck something in me that I still have yet found the words to explain.  I hope to find the answer to these feelings in work that I can create for myself and others to see.