For this upcoming photo series/sequences, I wanted to conceptualize the notions of the private world and empathy. The importance for us to understand a person’s idiosyncrasy comes from our ability to invoke empathy.

This image depicts in a comical fashion, the usage of a map to cover their faces from the intense sunlight. To us, it may seem rather odd and funny but upon invoking a sense of empathy, we begin to realise their difficulty as to not have a pair of sunglasses on. This oddness and act of using the map should evoke a sense of empathy and that the weather was equally hot to everyone. The manner in which they tried to deal with, is one that we need to empathize with, and beyond the notions of the comical.

With reference to the image above, the series of images should be sequential and focus towards a presentation of our private idiosyncrasies. And how can we invoke a sense of empathy? Or perhaps why? Maybe it is because how we all matter and your private idiosyncrasies are not inherently private. Everyone is unique and idiosyncrasies are only personal to a point that it matters to you only.

By using the camera as a character and a third person point of view, we can distance ourselves from the subject and try to isolate the subjects. I believe by doing so, we can be more objective and empthaize not purely because we have to, but possess a dire need to be so.

The transformation of the sequential images, as discussed, can be the increasing absurdity of the narrative. Idiosyncrasies can be staged to depict an increase in absurdity. The multiple image montage can also be useful format to extrapolate and multiply the effect of the oddity and yet, encouraging us to be empathic.

Because as unrelated as you and me are to the subject, you are no better than the person next to you.