#kyle laidig

I recently went to Blog Reblog, a show I was featured in, which reaffirmed alot of conflicting feelings about the landscape and structure of the internet photography community. I raised the point that there was an extreme gender divide in terms of work represented in the show. I also feel this gap when it comes to the dissemination of work online. While this particular niche, contemporary photography (and even more specifically in an online context), is not necessarily unique to a discussion of male privilege, I do think there is something particularly interesting about the aesthetic agendas being proliferated. There is this tendency towards, as a friend put it, "hyperaesthetic formalism" being put forth by mostly "photo bros" creating a kindof homogenized aesthetic agenda. This bland formalism is a privilege afforded to people who aren't obligated to deal with the burden of identity politics. Through the structures of online validation this work becomes privileged currency and puts an Other perspective in a precarious position of having to "play the game", and perhaps sacrifice personal politic for staid and empty visual language. I am not excusing myself from the position of privilege I also occupy, and thusly feel strange that I am the t one vocalizing this position. However, given conversations I’ve had recently I am surprised at how neglected this kindof dialogue is and the lack of willingness to question the established form. I believe that it is our shared curatorial responsibility to promote work that exists outside of these narrow boundaries.

FIND THE CRACK, Opens Friday JUNE 21st 6-9pm