In this exhibition You, Voyeur, I aim to offer a reflective investigation into the theme and very definition of “voyeurism” in the form of photography and in the media. Gathering contemporary works from the past fifty years, a chronological timeline is presented that carries the audience through evolving perspectives and meanings of voyeurism, from traditional presentations of the pornographic and taboo, to today’s familiar and mundane Instagram post. Stylistic conventions such as framing, composition, perspective, light, and shadow are relied on in each of these works to maintain the theme of voyeurism and impose the actors of Spectator and Subject of Viewing, which are integral to the definitions of “voyeurism” and “voyeur”.
Photography is special in that it is able to create such an intimate connection between the viewer and its subject through a lens, capturing moments and emotions in such a direct way that is, arguably, unmatched by other mediums. Candid shots particularly have a wonderful way of capturing a viewer’s attention and bringing us into a framed moment through the lens. Historically, the theme of voyeurism has been primarily connotated with sexual or taboo images, however in this exhibition I would like to prompt the idea that voyeurism has evolved into something beyond sexual fetish, into something actually quite normalized and even a part of everyday life for many. This can largely be credited to the development of camera technology combined with new media that allows us now to instantaneously share moments captured on camera. Taking and sharing photos is incredibly easy for anyone to do nowadays, which has broadened our scope of accessibility, and our access of viewing one another. In its most basic definition, voyeur = viewer; and are we not all susceptible to being viewed?
To demonstrate this idea, the exhibit includes a variety of photographs through modern history that range from the conventional notion of voyeurism that is explicitly sexual, to others that are inherently quite mundane moments, that still display themes of voyeurism through stylistic conventions. The inclusion of paparazzi photos and a personal Instagram post demonstrate the theme of being seen, and even being exploited through being seen. Using several examples of this also contrasts the way some individuals may negatively experience that exploitation of non-consensual viewing, while others actually do derive pleasure from it, and find a mutual enjoyment through capitalizing on it for themselves –in a way that has evolved to be non-sexual. Although an aesthetic switch, the pieces 8-10 are intended to bring perspective back to present-day and provoke the reflection back on the audience, You, Voyeur.