Yesterday I attended the guest lecture series which featured a photographer by the name of Justine Kurland. I had never seen any of her works and have never attended an artist's lecture. Kurland started her presentation showing a photo by Carlton Watkins called Cathedral Rocks and Spires. Watkins was part of a geological survey expedition which helped promote the Westward Expansion. Kurland began her lecture with pictures such as the one done by Watkins because the movement towards the west was filled with dreams and new chances which is a main theme within her body of work.
Carlton Watkins, Cathedral Rocks and Spires, 1865-66
After graduating from Yale, Kurland focused on a theme of runaway girls. The shots were all staged and the girls were not actually runaways but these photos evoked a feeling of innocence not yet lost. After the runaway girls, she decided to focus her photographs on communes and then moved onto nude photos. Kurland then became a mom and got caught up in the world of parenting. Her next line of work focused on naked "mamas" and their babies. Justine Kurland's son, Casper, became a big part of her work life. Casper was interested in trains, so Kurland shot trains. Again the theme of Westward Expansion was emphasized with the trains.
Kurland's body of work is very interesting. I love the singular theme that runs through all of the subjects she shoots. This theme seems to be ingrained in her being and her one goal is to carry out its significance. Justine Kurland is a very unique person. She goes on month long road trips and lives out of a car to get the perfect shot. Her work is a commitment and a passion and it really shows.
The artist Justine Kurland at her show
This Train is Bound for Glory. Photo Shawn Dogimont
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