William Ferris-Madeline Edwards

1. Which of the artist's many technical choices are of interest to you and why?

I am interested in the artist's use of color in his photographs of the American south in the 1970s because of the connotation "color" had at the time. In using color we literally and metaphorically no longer see the people of the south as black and white, as even they may have seem themselves at the time. The use of color also reminds people of how recent the past actually is. With advancing technology, growing populations, gentrification and development its easy to believe the south that exists now is completely separate from the south that was. I am also interested in Ferris' focus on a single subject. People and places are not blended into a generic stereotypical view of the south, rather we see these people and places as relatable individuals. 

2. What do you believe are the artist's conceptual work and/or thematic intentions?

I believe the Ferris intended to attempt to capture the same, unique culture of the south shared by different people. Though each subject is individual, the viewer understands that each separate photograph in some way relates to every other photograph taken, through the similar use of details such as background, color, clothing, and composition. 

3. How do you personally respond to these choices and intents?
I am from what may be considered the deep south, Georgia.I grew up around similar backgrounds, very green trees , blue skies, with a penetrating sun, red brick and dilapidated buildings. In a sense even the people are the same. It makes me wonder how much the south has actually changed in the last almost fifty years. I feel like apart from my clothing I would fit right in one of these portraits of the south. Ferris somehow manages to capture the spirit of the south, the spirit that lives in the earth and climate and effects the way people live, dress, build and express themselves. That spirit will outlive the people who settled there.