MAY 13th 2022 | 7-10pm
SOLITUDE
Solitude is defined as a state of seclusion or isolation, i.e., lack of contact with people. It can have both positive and negative effects, depending on the situation. Short-term solitude is often valued as a time when one may work, think or rest without being disturbed.
Freedom is considered to be one of the benefits of solitude.
A person's creativity can be sparked when given freedom.
Another proven benefit to time given in solitude is the development of the self, also providing time for contemplation, growth in personal spirituality, and self-examination.
I believe solitude is something not many people have the freedom to do for themselves for many reasons. Working hours, raising a family etc. Especially with how hyperconnected our society has become. E-mails, texts, calls, social media are taking our attention. It seems difficult for someone to find the time for oneself and disconnect even for a few hours from distractions and people in your life needing your attention for work purposes or family matters.
Reading books like Deep Work by Cal Newport have shown me the power of being in a space with no distractions. To isolate yourself and focus on the work that needs to be done. I am in a place in life where my time is more valuable and constantly working towards finding the habits and routines that work best for me to maximize my time. We all have 24 hours in a day and I want the most out of each one. We are constantly on our phones, not wanting to spend 1 minute in stillness. Taking out our devices to scroll down instagram, twitter, tiktok instead of a few minutes to think for ourselves and let our minds wander. Look around you next time you are driving and you see how many people are on their phones. I’ve seen mothers with 2 kids in the back seat while they are driving 70mph and 2 hands on their phone. Sooner or later, with technology advancing, humans will be even more connected digitally, but disconnected in person.
In 1994, psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi found that adolescents who cannot bear to be alone often stop enhancing creative talents.
This show’s purpose is to bring awareness to solitude. Solitude is part of self-love and mental health. Giving you space for calmness, stillness, and a place to let your creativity flourish.
I enjoy being alone. I thrive off solitude because being alone, with full control of the energy in the space I am in, I feel I can tap into my creativity more. Giving me a sense of bliss.
SOLITUDE is a showcase with a variety of photographs taken while practicing solitude through intentional photo walks to capture these present moments. These photographs emphasize the theme of solitude by the rich contrast, strong shadows, balance between a mixture of black and white and color.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
ADRIAN GUTIERREZ Director | DP | Photographer
Adrian Gutierrez is a Mexican photographer born and raised in Cotija, Michoacan, Mexico. Migrating to San Diego at the age of 7. His mother would buy him disposable cameras and ever since then, hasn’t put the camera down. He started documenting fragments of his life from 6th grade camp, middle school, and throughout high school. Eventually purchasing his first video camera in the 7th grade with money he made working at his dad’s taco shop. Skating was a big part of his life and documenting the time spent with his friends is when he fell in love with photography. Photographs are like a time machine, being able to freeze time and take yourself back to that specific moment is what drives him to continue taking photos.
Capturing everyday life and portraiture are some of his favorite things to photograph. Portraits of familiar faces and strangers, and places traveled are among some ideas he has for future magazines to show his photography work. From landscape, weddings, real estate, portraits, events and even kids birthday parties, Adrian has tried a variety of photography over the years to find what truly fills his purpose. After years of freelancing as a photographer, he is now in a place where photography is no longer his main focus and has reconnected with photography as a hobby as a means of expression, to create art with intention, and accept the work that aligns with his purpose and values.
In addition to photography, Adrian is a Director and Cinematographer, and has even dabbled in music production and art classes in college. He has been drawing and sketching since he was young and occasionally painted. Moving forward you can expect more exhibitions and physical products like prints and magazines. With an exploration of his other interests to dive into, you will see more mediums other than photography.
With growth comes understanding, that we may never “feel” ready and we must just start and continue putting ourselves out there. It’s never too late too late to try new things or dabble back into the hobbies we did when we were younger.