Patricio Reig

  • I initiated my artistic activity before I began college. I always hoped to dig deeper into the essential aspects of the human condition, and felt that any art major would have allowed me to do so. I ended up studying architecture, a fact that widened my vision of society, and helped me better understand human living conditions and how we construct a meaningful life experience.

    Photography became the most effective means to analyze my own reality, as well as, a way to conduct my inner needs in a straightforward fashion.

    This artistic approach could be developed in many ways. Personally, I was interested in the historical and evolving aspects of photography. I decided, from the very beginning, not to loose track of the basic tenets of the trade, in other words, to continue the strengthening of a contemporary practice by acknowledging the history and lineage of an inherited past. Knowledge of that past, I think, allows us to understand and value the meaning of our present endeavors.

    I started taking photographs very young. I continue working with that same initial passion and curiosity because I feel each new image adds, not subtracts, from knowledge.

    In my work, I have always used alternative methods like hand build stenopeic cameras. They have allowed me to explore and find new forms of expression. The simpler the system is, the more elaborate are the results. The unknown is at stake. Accidents and unaccounted features manifest themselves as a result. I always hope for that accident, that one that gives final meaning to the work. I always proceed that way.

    All along, my work has been developed in suites. This grouping method helps me to better structure my critical thinking, and helps me explore ideas to their fullest extent. Each suite of work implies a specific way of telling a story; it draws its strength from the immediate affect of the photographer. This way of working has allowed me, within photographic practice of course, to learn and explore a wide variety of expressive approaches.

    My chosen subjects have always revolved around the concept of memory, the inevitable passing of time, and the transitory nature of existence.

    I like to document the day-by-day aspects of simple life. I develop all my film in a darkroom. Later, I scan the results and add them to a digital archive that allows me a quick viewing of the whole set of files.

    Even though I love using traditional analogue systems of photography, an important part of my process includes the use of digital technology. I believe that contemporary artists have a huge responsibility. They have to be very aware of the historical legacy they inherit in order to be able to serve the interests of a present-day consciousness. Art is, after all, analysis, synthesis, strength, and consciousness. My aim is to simply stick to those fundamental principles.