Justin Fondrie

Artist Statement

Willows, WI, is the fictional hometown of Barbie, serving as a backdrop for exploring the boundaries of photographic reality and fiction. This series delves into the fictional spaces that exist within the photographic process, weaving elements of reportage with constructed imagery.

By questioning the validity of the scenes captured, these images challenge the viewer to consider the multifaceted nature of truth in photography. Drawing inspiration from popular culture, personal experiences, and observations of human behavior, reflect a blend of the familiar and the fantastical. Each image presents a diverse array of influences and references, creating rich visual narratives. Each photograph invites the viewer to step into a world where the lines between reality and imagination blur. The constructed scenes often juxtapose mundane, everyday moments with surreal elements, creating a dialogue between what is seen and what is perceived.

Influences from cinema, literature, and iconic imagery from the 20th and 21st centuries weave through the series. Personal experiences and memories are infused in the images, grounding the fantastical elements in real-life emotions and stories.

Biography

Justin Fondrie (born 1987) is a Wisconsin based artist and educator. He received his MFA in Imaging Arts at Rochester Institute of Technology. His photographic work largely encompasses experimental processes that invoke the ideas of memory, pop culture, and temporality. Fondrie is currently an Assistant Professor at Carroll University and lives in Milwaukee, WI.

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