On Being Seen

by Christine Gambino

How does it feel to be stalked and watched? Not all subjects react well and view us, the human, in a favorable light. This exhibit shows those fleeting moments of awareness when the subject realizes they are being watched by the photographer. 

From large powerful beasts to equally small and powerful crustaceans, this exhibit explores the range of emotions upon being seen. The subject and the viewer are engaged in the reciprocal act of being seen. 

As a disabled photographer, I aim to capture unique moments between my subject and me. When I am in the field, I often reflect on these questions and use them as a guide to creating impactful experiences and imagery. What is life like in their world? What is it like to be a zebra, a whale shark, a mantis shrimp, an elephant, a polar bear, etc? What parts of myself do I see in them? 

As a participant in this exhibit, I encourage you to contemplate these questions as you view these images in this gallery.