Critical Selfie evaluation
My initial focus was around the idea of the ‘intbetweens’ – leftover areas between ‘designed’ structures (Jahangeer, 2010). I considered Jahangeer’s example of in-between spaces; cracks in the walls, splits in the pavement etc. in which nature had reclaimed these in-betweens. After reading Jahangeer’s observations, I looked for these ‘inbetweens’ but on a much larger scale; thoroughfares, alleyways and empty lots. I wanted to find spaces between the designed buildings frequented by many; spaces which people, like nature, had reclaimed and made their own – through graffiti, mis- or re-appropriation and other activities.
From there I moved to my final theme of “Ignored Spaces” – spaces and areas which people payed little or no mind to, but were not necessarily abandoned or forgotten. This was to broaden the subject matter I could capture, and also to see how ignored places or objects were treated and viewed by the city and its inhabitants, especially with the demand for space and newness in many cities, where ignored spaces go against the grain (Banerjee, 2001). I tried to frame my shots so it was difficult to tell where in Wellington the places were. I also made my shots black and white to play on the ignored, dejected theme and reinforce the mood of the images.
In my experience as a Flâneur I felt that I got quite an intimate look at the city, the purposeful exploration and taking time to observe really gives a good opportunity to experience the city very closely and in a new way.
References
Banerjee, T. (2001). The Future of Public Space: Beyond Invented Streets and Reinvented Places. Journal of the American Planning Association, 17-24.
Jahangeer, D. A. (2010). architecturewithoutwalls. In P. M. Noever, Urban Future Manifestos (pp. 1-3). Ostfildern, Germany: Hatje Cantz.
Sánchez, A. (Composer). (2014). Claustrophobia. [A. Sánchez, Performer] On Birdman Soundtrack. United States. (Audio used in photo essay)