In Shadow
Prairie: How does inspiration come to you?
Tara Violet Niami: I have been working sporadically, inspiration comes in spurts. I have been thinking about my mental restlessness and anxiety, combined with the physical fatigue I have felt from being cooped up inside and grieving the many people whose lives have been lost because of this virus. It's a strange time so I've been reflecting that in my self portraiture work, showing those feelings with my physical gestures and moody use of light and shadow. I want to continue to experiment and push myself to make images that are out of my comfort zone.
What has changed for you with more time at home?
TN: I often make my self portraiture work in solitude (although I have in the past shot in public places) so that hasn't changed. However, as an extrovert I draw inspiration from others' energy, going out and seeing art displayed physically, going to the cinema and without those things it feels more isolating and empty making work alone.
Photos: Tara Violet Niami
