http://vimeo.com/30357393
I saw Rickard's work in early August 2011 in Pier 24, In person and not through the internet. Although his images are appropriated from Google Street view, it was interesting to see his work being put into an art collection. Pier 24 is one of the institutions backing his practice which is important.
At the end of my Spring 2011 semester I did nearly the same thing though to a smaller extent. I visited Baltimore virtually and was able to get very strong images off the screen of the computer. The moral dilemma came up: is it ok if am away from the decaying spaces, too safe and just watching a spectacle. Were I happy to not be taking the Greyhound and walking with a 4x5 camera on these streets? Better safe than sorry. But how is that changing my personal connection. Is it the same as visiting for a day versus living in the same city but in a safer area versus living on these streets. Isn't it superficial.
Rickard's reason to make his images with streetview was financial, just like me. And he managed to make really good images in the tradition of the FSA, Evans, Frank, Shore and other typical American photographers. Having the same concern about superficiallity, it is striking that he can actually access these various places. And this diversity is not superficial. He tries to contradict the universal image of America in social consciousness through showing places that are not restricted but out of the public attention. Or simply not part of the Spectacle.
East Baltimore, my research for a photographic trip, June 2011
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