Identity Constraint Slowness is a forgotten art of time

By Joahanna Wickramaratne

'Identity Constraint' 2020 delves into the concept of 'Stagnant Identity,' a subset of social identity.

This series focuses on the personal aspects of our social identities and its slow progression.

I wanted to investigate the physical image of how our self-expression is hindered through the way society holds one another back with banal or prejudiced perceptions of people and culture.

I intended for the three low-key photos to be part of a series that would serve as a microcosm of society.

Each portrait depicts a person from a different generation. I purposely chose not to divulge on their individual stories, instead focusing on how we don't get to hear them at all and leaving viewers to make their own conclusions about the subjects.

The hands in these photographs are a metaphor for society's grip on us. The claustrophobic frame and repetition of hands are meant to convey the impression of approaching darkness.

With our judgements of individuals, we are pushing one other back into a void of darkness, a type of menace warning us of the noxious character of humanity at times.

The pandemic has unbound the thread that holds us together, and we are struggling to reclaim our sense of self after losing so much.

I've felt that we are collectively in a state of stasis, not only in our daily lives but also in how we treat others and ourselves.

My work also allows me to articulate how I've always felt constrained in how I can express myself because I'm afraid society won't accept me. I feel this tension in society now more than ever, and the voices of those who want to be heard, silenced.

-------------------

Joahanna Wickramaratne's photography

Pennsylvania life