Carey Kirkella

ARTIST STATEMENT:

This is a selection of images from a series entitled, "Dance Recital". They are documentary color photographs of young girls backstage during their dance recital performances. I photographed several different dance recitals in New Jersey and Pennsylvania between 2001 and 2007. The moments and portraits are captured spontaneously, without direction.

Contemporary American Culture and social traditions fascinate me and influence how I choose the subjects I photograph. In this series, I am drawn to the in-between moments before the dancers get ushered out into the spotlight, the personality traits that are revealed, and the vulnerable moments within the heightened energy of anticipation. It is evident that the girls are getting a glimpse of some of the issues they will face as they grow into adolescents and women. Body image, the concept of beauty and ideas of social conformity are taught subconsciously and are taking shape.

BIO:

Carey Kirkella grew up in the suburbs of New York. She has been making photographs since she was twelve years old and earned a BFA on a full scholarship from Pratt Institute in 1999. Carey is a freelance photographer specializing in environmental portraits, documentary, and fine art. She has exhibited her work locally and internationally, and she covers editorial and advertising assignments. Carey lives in Brooklyn, NY.