From a distance, the city presents itself as cyclical. If you observe a crossing, you will see people wait then cross, be replaced by more people who will wait then cross and so on. It is only when we become more intimate with those who occupy these spaces, that we understand the motives to these motions. In turn, I present the following acts of observation.

Act 1: The Beholder.

Highlighted by the sun, the subject’s face reminds me that we all at times take the role of beholder. It makes me wonder what he was contemplating. Maybe in a similar manner to a drink of water quenching his thirst, a moment to observe in solitude provides salvation from one’s thoughts.

Act 2: Meeting.

In this instance, the location of this meeting was what drew me to them. Through sitting opposite one another, they are able to fully observe each other. This creates an imaginary split down the middle of the image. This enables each person to be studied individually as well as one unit.

Act 3: Surveillance. 

When photographing this subject, I first thought of the prevalence of phones and how they enable the online world to be observed. But then, the positioning of the surveillance sign stood out to me. The security camera pointing towards him highlights the lack of control we possess over observations. That observations are always being made. I now begin to question, who is watching who.