Without the light, no chance; without the dark, no dance. - Margaret Atwood
The summer and winter solstices mark the Earth's longest day and night of the year. Lightness and darkness represent the opposite ends of this cyclical phenomenon; an identically repeated occurrence yet uniquely individual experience for everyone. 'Human Solstice: A Study in Introspective Duality' is an exploration by contemporary photographers into the extremes of lightness and darkness through self portraiture and photo collage.
Are you ready to explore your own inner duality through collage? Join us!
Not sure where to start? Scroll down to the FAQ's to get started and join our Facebook group for support during your collaging journey!
Check out this interview with Emma Collins as she talks about her creative process in creating multimedia collage. Check back soon for more interviews from each of the original co-creators of Humans Solstice!
Collaging is a gateway to the subconscious, so this process goes deep and helps us understand ourselves better. Way better than thinking could ever do. - Barbara Puchta
Knowing that each artist has touched and caressed the paper leaves a personal imprint from their soul that a digital creation could never match. - Emma Collins
Create with us!
Are you a photographer looking to explore self portraiture through a new medium? Participation is simple.
Step 1: Create 2 self portraits using tangible collaging materials and techniques--one that evokes your own personal version of light, one that evokes dark.
Step 2: Include a written statement for your work. It can be 2 separate statements for each portrait or 1 culminating statement for your diptych.
Each portrait shall be submitted as individual pieces, but should work together as a diptych.
Questions? Scroll down to our FAQ or email us at humansolstice@gmail.com
Humans have always been fascinated with the extremes of light and dark, its effects on the environment, and the feelings and emotions they evoke from their presence. This duality is such a universal concept and yet their effects are so individually profound. - Julia Chang-Lomonico
It was so hard for me to start, so foreign, like a new language. Once I pushed myself....I found a surprising depth in the experience. It’s been a highly cathartic journey that I am thankful for. - Elizabeth Kehn
FAQ's
1. Who owns the copyright to my collages?
Creators who participate in the Human Solstice project remain the owner of all rights to their submitted works, including all copyrights.
2. How will my collages be used?
By submitting your work to this website it may be used to promote Human Solstice which includes (but is not exclusive to), social media posts, future press releases, coverage about Human Solstice on third party websites, email newsletters, and any other digital and print medium we feel brings greater exposure to the Human Solstice project. We will not sell your content and every effort to give full credit to the creator will be made.
3. Am I limited in the materials I can use in my collage?
Feel free to use other tangible mediums (i.e. drawing, paint, textiles, etc.) so long as the final submissions are 2 dimensional in nature and can be hung on a wall. Responsibility for obtaining usage rights for all collage materials is assumed by the Creator. All copyrighted collage materials should be transformative in nature to be considered usable under Fair Use doctrine.
4. What about digital collages? Can I submit something that I've collaged using Photoshop?
This collective project is meant to be a celebration of the physical process of cutting and assemblage of tangible materials into a final physically tactile piece of artwork. Therefore, no digital collaging will be accepted.
5. Is there a physical size requirement or format I need to follow for my diptych collages?
There is no physical size requirement nor specific format or "crop" for your collages. However your pair of collages should work together as a diptych and therefore match in size and format with each other.
6. What happens after I finished creating my collage portraits? How do I submit my work?
After you have created your collages, photograph each piece on a clean flat background that works well with your composition. We suggest a white, black, or neutral background. Then submit your photos through the website. Files are to be 2000pixels on the longest side and no more than 2mb.
7. I've created, photographed and submitted my collages. What do I do with the originals?
Originals could be framed or stored, but keep them safe! If the opportunity arises we'd love to be able to physically showcase your work!
8. Do I have to be a professional photographer to participate?
Photographers of all skill levels are welcome to participate. (film, point-and shoot, DSLR, phone camera)
9. Is there an age requirement to participate in this project?
This project is open to all photographers ages 18+
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The Creators of Human Solstice
In a world where photographers spend much of their time chained to a computer, editing and photoshopping to create digital perfection, there is something beautiful, raw and liberating about the tactile and primitive nature of collage; its physical deconstruction and reconstruction of cut shapes and symbols; a new meaning and evocation that emerges from the final composition. ‘Human Solstice' explores how an internationally diverse group of photographers each uniquely interprets this premise of light and dark through collage, challenging themselves to step out of the confines of their digital world.
