Judging a generation by their photos - Chio Gonzalez’s Nights Like These
I do not understand this generation. I hardly understand music that they listen to. I don't understand the new language they speak (What the hell does fleek, lit, and come thru fam actually mean?) With photographic thought and interest in mind, I don't even know how they think or more importantly, how they view themselves. Fortunately Photography has always been a great way of making us understand things. The image gives us an opportunity of seeing how others live their world. So to better understand this generation the pundits call “Generation Z”, as always, I turn to photography and look at Chio Gonzalez’s ongoing project, Nights like these.
This is probably a way of understanding who they are via a visual diary, Gonzalez's motivation is to try and photograph his peers and how they spend their nights. The individual images follow the aesthetic that is coming from independent magazines and urban brands (for those unfamiliar, please look up the following brands/instagram accounts: Hypebeast, Supreme, Highsnobiety, Street Dreams Mag). The color palette is reminiscent of old film cameras and the ambient light is always present. Even if there is a subtle hint of flash, you can see a sense of the overall environment where they move in. In addition, there is a way with how the subjects interact with the camera. The deadpan “contemporary art” stare is present in some of the images. The people are fully aware of the presence of the camera but they don’t see the camera as an intruder and as such, the people come across the image free from the performance known to be put up when we know somebody is looking. However, there are select images where the cameras presences is acknowledged blatantly. Friends flipping the bird, women striking the pose, and even as simple pointing back at the photographer.
That is the conflict that I find in this work. This is a generation that knows the power of visual imagery and they know how an image can represent who you are and a certain level of status. So do the subjects of Gonzalez’s photographs actually live like this or the photographer just knows how to pick his right spots? The mix of candid images as well as subtle hints that the subject posed in front of the camera can be a clue for the answer. I assume these photographs happened because Gonzalez saw a moment that feels appropriate for preservation for either a good laugh or just a dope photo that can be used as a profile pic for social media use.
I’d also like to point out the use of text juxtapositions and still life. It creates a stark contrast to faces and adds a visual representation of this generation's thoughts: Often empty and anxious but still going to make things work out.
What I do appreciate with Nights like these it's where this slideshow premiered: he showed it in a bar where the patrons are his peers and of his generation. It was interesting to see his friends and his contemporaries stare at the images with their faces lit by the monitors see what they are. There were smiles and chugs of beers in between and some images even start the conversations reminiscing the moment of the night the photo was taken. Usually, bar venues don’t work as a space for art but for something that celebrates good vibes and enjoyable moments, Gonzalez chose a perfect venue.
Upon personal reflection, I'd like to think every generation has that moment where they try to understand and sense what they are trying to be. I think Gonzalez's generation is at that point. To be honest, I do not see anything unique with each generation and their moment. Perhaps a change of face, clothes or place but there’s a common emotion that everyone would understand and make them think back to how careless and free they were. What I don’t want this to be is a reinforcement of a marketing pundit’s stereotype of youth. Although i’m also thinking is what will they think when they look at these images 10 years from now? At least I am assured that Gonzalez is still continuing the project and this is the first phase that provides a glimpse and what type of generation this is.
What excites me is the fact that as Gonzalez grows, this project will grow. At least I am assured that Gonzalez is still continuing the project and this is the first phase that provides a glimpse and what type of generation currently is: Young, care-free, but absolutely know how to work. I have sense of where he want to take this work and it would be best if he could explore other facets of his generation probably about love, responsibility, and other themes. It can be pulled to different directions and he has the luxury of focusing on what he wants but for now, we can be content in seeing how they spent their nights.
Nights Like These: Slideshow from Chio Gonzalez on Vimeo.
Title: Nights Like These
Photographer: Chio Gonzalez
Medium: Slideshow
Status: Ongoing
About: Some nights are spent with friends, others with strangers. Some nights are planned, others are spontaneous. Some nights are fresh memories, others have faded. There’s just something about the night that brings out one’s most genuine side. When the sun sets, the mask comes off, the facade disappears, and people begin to see you for who you really are.
This project is a recording of this period of time - a time of youthfulness, exploration, transition, change, and coming-of-age. It is a reflection of mindless acts and random events. It is an escape from responsibilities and the idea of growing up. And while it might also be a representation of misguided freedom, there’s this undeniable reassurance that comes with it. There’ll come a time when life bogs you down with adulthood, but nights like these will live forever.