The iPhone is such an integral component of our everyday lives: we use it to communicate, for enjoyment, to stay connected, and to create a photo archive of memories; so an exhibit centered around using the iPhone as a photographic lens only makes sense. INWARD: Reflections on Interiority, is a new exhibition at the International Center of Photography (ICP) that focuses on the work of five emerging Black artists who have turned the lens inward to explore and capture the “unseen” moments of their lives during a time of unprecedented change — all through the lens of an iPhone. “The iPhone is such a public image-making tool, maybe one of the most extroverted mediums, so what if we used it more privately?” says curator, Isolde Brielmaier, PhD, (ICP’s curator-at-large as well as the newly-appointed Deputy Director of the New Museum). The show examines the interior thoughts, perspectives and narratives of five incredible, emerging artist, making them look inward in a time of isolation, unrest and global concern. “I was really thinking a lot about our current moment and all that has happened as we lived in isolation—the pandemic, Black Lives Matter, the US election and other events around the world—and how we became aware and saw these unfold via shared images from smart phones, the iPhone, on social media, the news, etc” says Brielmaier. She goes on to say, “And then I thought, what might images look like if we turned the phone camera on ourselves?” The result is a beautifully poignant, intimate body of works, that challenges the viewer to examine interiority within their personal lives.
INWARD: Reflections on Interiority, features newly commissioned photographs by Djeneba Aduayom, Arielle Bobb-Willis, Quil Lemons, Brad Ogbonna, and Isaac West. This show marks the first museum exhibition for the collective of image makers. “I’m just soaking everything in right now because it feels amazing” artist Isaac West tells GRAZIA. “It feels surreal,” says rising star Quil Lemons in regards to seeing his work in a major institution. “I never thought it would be this soon, or that at 24 I’d be showing work in museums. Even when I first started at at 16. I was like, I didn’t think business was a real career, so this feels great.” Lemons—a major hitter in the commercial fashion photography space—conveys the curatorial theme through exploring his identity, specifically his Black queerness. In ‘Genesis’ we see him as the subject, folded inward, illuminated by blue light. The piece is an homage to the work of prolific, queer artist Lyle Ashton Harris. “With Genesis and Blueprint, it’s just basically an assertion of me reflecting where I’m at personally, and finding solace as a queer person, especially a Black queer person,” says Lemons.
” I think technology is here to stay and by extension it will play a role in how images are and will continue to be created”
The true beauty of the show is how each artist interprets the curatorial theme of ‘INWARD’. Their individual interpretations speak to the democratic nature of iPhone photography. “Apple inspires to democratize creativity across the arts,” Apple tells GRAZIA. “The ubiquitous use of iPhone enables anyone to tap into a passion with intention or on a whim with a device they use every day.” Color theory focused image-maker, Isaac West, conveyed interiority through a focus on love & Intimacy. “During the pandemic, I met my girlfriend and fell in love with her,” says West. “I decided that I wanted these works to be a reflection that I’m in love with this woman, all through the lens of the iPhone”. His works display narratives of Black Intimacy, family and Black existence. From the barbershop and dinner table, to family portraits and wedding portraits—West reached inward to convey stories of Black love. He also used this platform to highlight the lack of representation of darker skin tones, within the industry. “As a photographer, and image-maker, you have to play a part and bring about change. So my lens, my camera is always going to highlight darker-hued Black people”.
All five artist provide a window into their interior lives and thoughts. Arielle Bobb-Willis’s work manipulates color, shape, form, and light and uses bright colors, to speak to the artist’s desire to claim power and joy in the face of confusion, sadness, and uncertainty. Brad Ogbonna’s selection of work for the exhibition, act as a love letter to his late father. They underscore family history and relationships with a strong reference to the artist’s Nigerian culture. Using friends and family as subjects, he explores the work of prominent West African photographers like Malick Sidibé and Meissa Gaye, channeling the past. “I didn’t think much about the past until my Dad died,” says Ogbonna.“Shortly thereafter I inherited his first photo album filled with photos from his youth spent in Nigeria. At the time those images felt like a portal to the not-so-distant past and left me with many more questions than answers. I was enthralled by the mystery of it all.” Former professional dancer Djeneba Aduayom, explores her inner thoughts and subjectivity, using herself as a subject. There’s always a surrealist angle to her work, often incorporating interior objects into her portraits.
“When I spoke with Apple about my idea they were immediately supportive” curator, Isolde tells GRAZIA. “I think technology is here to stay and by extension it will play a role in how images are and will continue to be created—this will continue to give us a broad range of beautiful imagery to live with”. This show marks a tremendous milestone for iPhone photography as one of the first exhibits shot entirely with iPhone. It really legitimizes iPhone as a professional tool in the image making sphere. With the new lineup of iPhones becoming available to customers today, September 24, 2021, Apple hopes more creatives will explore integrating the device into their prospective mediums.
See a preview of the works on display below:
“INWARD: Reflections on Interiority” is on display September 24, 2021—January 10, 2022 at the ICP. The new iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max are available September 24, 2021.
