We may talk about how the imagery of a decade is constructed, one that will make future generations look back with nostalgia as they seek to imagine how was it like to live in that period. We shall focus on today: more exactly on New York in order to tell you about Tan Camera. Kimi Selfridge, the Brooklyn based photographer behind the blog, Tan Camera, creates images which seem to want to capture a teenager's sentiment, always dreaming of a past golden time while adding that modern and contemporary feel to them.
As we travelled together by subway from Manhattan to Bushwick a few days after Thanksgiving, I could almost hear the Clueless soundtrack. You could say that it has worked out well so far.
When did your interest in the world of art begin?
I’ve always been creative and very visually driven. My first foray into art was mixed media collaging as a child, which is something I still do to this day. I’m planning to share some of my finished collages very soon.
I know about your deep admiration for English artist Julie Verhoeven, how does her aesthetic influence your life and therefore, your visual work?
Julie Verhoeven is definitely my favorite visual artist, she has a great understanding of balance, color, texture, shape and scale. I’m inspired by various things, but I never attribute any one thing to dictating my aesthetic. I just do,wear and create what I like. It comes from a very authentic and guttural place for me. Last year someone asked me whether my upbringing in Miami was the reason I use color in my work; it may be true, but I've never been conscious about it, still haven’t.
Why did you choose photography as a technical medium to develop your concerns?
Photography and styling are two of the most natural things to me. I started shooting when I was just a kid, and instead of “counting sheep” to go to bed at night, I would style outfits in my head. It reached a point in my early 20’s when I knew I had to develop my creativity and morph it into a career, so I quit my freelance assistant jobs in the art and fashion world and started to really develop and hone my craft.
Photography is the art of capturing light, the light defining a state of reality. You were born in Los Angeles, grew in Miami and now live and work in New York City. How have these three cities influenced you?
I’d say I’m more subconsciously influenced by Miami and NYC, not so much by California. I don’t seek out for inspiration, nor do I use intentional references in my work. I just create what I would like to look at.
There are two constant features in your work which I would like to know more of. Is there any particular reason for your use of Polaroid and the 90s esthetic?
I love film in general, and instant film is an extension of that love. There is that one of a kind element about instant film, it’s so immediate and always has imperfections that add to its beauty. I also love vintage clothing, my favorite eras for clothing are the late ‘70s, early ‘80s, and mid ‘90s, sometimes with a hint of the ‘60s.
Another characteristic of yours is the multi exposure. Can we say there's a tendency towards quantum field, multiple realities/several possibilities, or is it more like a game, the surprise as a mean?
Above all I want my multiple exposures to evoke a feeling, emotion and reaction within the viewer.
Your work has been very acknowledged in social media, a space in which the female figure seems to have more presence. Have you felt the value of your work has been conditioned by the fact of being a woman?
I do notice that when I share photographs of women opposed to men, they usually get more love. It’s an observation I’ve made, but it doesn’t affect my work or how I choose to share it.
What is your relation with the media and more specifically, with the blog world?
I appreciate the Internet for what it is: a malleable platform for sharing. I think social media and blogging can be very useful for artists to share their own vision through their work, and I believe I have benefitted from doing so.
What are your immediate projects?
I’m currently styling a feature film, as well as always shooting for my lifelong portrait photography project which can be viewed at Tan Camera. I’m also still in the planning phase of my upcoming clothing and accessories line.
