Ruby Wallis attempts to explore the elusive nature of representing the other as subject in photography. Within this process she comes to realise that the photographer, the subject and the spectator are entwined in a triangle, one in which the three gazes intersect, only to reflect our subjective visions. Through the practice of photography Wallis works with portraiture in an intimate way, often focussing on close domestic relationships, a fascination with psychological space becomes integral.
These chosen images are located somewhere between documentary and fiction. The Other Madonna images focus on the relationship between mothers and daughters. I have concentrated on capturing the countenances and postures of the subjects in the most minimal surroundings with particular attention to natural light. The resulting images become somewhat formal compositions influenced by Dutch genre painting.
I asked the subjects to sit and lie in a variety of poses and postures for the photographs. The intimacy of the interaction between us often resulted in poignant verbal disclosures. This built up an intense psychological interaction of which I was part.
Julia Kristeva writes that ‘beings do not spring into the world as discrete or separate subjects and that the infant comes into being without separate borders.’ It seems however that the subject must learn to draw the line between herself and the other, to invent an identity as a separate being. A tension is thus created which remain unresolved.
The ethics of depicting others brings with it a minefield of issues. I see these images as more of a collaborative effort than simply the fruits of my own creativity.
Resume.
Ruby Wallis was born in Porstmouth, England in 1975, but has lived in Ireland since 1989. She has an M.A in Documentary photography from The University of Wales, Newport 2007 and a Fine Art degree from G.M.I.T. Galway, 2004, where she graduated with first-class honours award. Wallis has been exhibiting widely since 2002 and has been working as a community artist/ fascilitator, notably at The Galway Arts Centre since 2000 ; Arus Eanna in Inis Oir as part of the Artist in the community scheme (CREATE) 2005/ 2006 and ‘Burning Bright’.Wallis has also taken the role of visiting lecturer in Fine Art photography at The G.M.I.T , Galway.
For further information visit www.rubywallis.com
