honorable mention
Ann Prochilo malta
title
This is Water
It is inspired by a speech from David Foster Wallace. He shared the story of two fish who meet an older fish swimming in the opposite direction. The older fish asks “How’s the water, boys?” The two young fish swim on until one of them stops short and asks, “What the hell is water?”
I love this parable and its reminder that while hard to see, essential things are all around us, hidden in plain sight. This project examines things above and below the surface, shifting mediums and bending light. It seeks to illuminate something of the malleable foundations upon which we construct meaning and take actions that impact ourselves, others, and the environment around us.
I use water to depict transitional moments — those potent and vulnerable moments before something emerges. Water reveals and water hides. It points to ways in which we are ego-deluded and dissociated from ourselves — drawn to an anesthetized oblivion.
While it's possible to correct for optical distortions, I embrace refraction, diffusion, and reflection in service to illusion. To the extent that dissonance is an uncomfortable, but necessary starting place for self-awareness, it is my thesis that grappling with ambiguities is a powerful tool for awakening.
Just as the struggle for transformation defines my quest, it defines each person’s journey between unconsciousness and self-awareness. Our task as human beings is to wake to ourselves and the waters in which we swim so that we may choose right action in the world. For me, that means not foundering in a sea of willful ignorance or being rendered mute by those who would drown my voice. And like our two young fish, it means swimming along, constantly reminding myself that “this… is water.”
Born into a large family in Long Island, New York, Prochilo is the chronological middle-child of six. Her vision and voice are shaped by a boisterous hierarchy of birth order and gender, musical theater and public service.
Prochilo received a BA from Indiana University where she pursued dual interests in fine arts and medicine. She has had a wide-ranging career as midwife, AIDS activist and founder of an advocacy relations agency. After 15 years facilitating productive relationships between patient advocates and pharmaceutical companies, she has returned to a full-time arts practice.
Prochilo exhibits nationally and internationally.
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entry description
"This is Water" explores self-awareness and its nemeses: blind certitude and unconsciousness.It is inspired by a speech from David Foster Wallace. He shared the story of two fish who meet an older fish swimming in the opposite direction. The older fish asks “How’s the water, boys?” The two young fish swim on until one of them stops short and asks, “What the hell is water?”
I love this parable and its reminder that while hard to see, essential things are all around us, hidden in plain sight. This project examines things above and below the surface, shifting mediums and bending light. It seeks to illuminate something of the malleable foundations upon which we construct meaning and take actions that impact ourselves, others, and the environment around us.
I use water to depict transitional moments — those potent and vulnerable moments before something emerges. Water reveals and water hides. It points to ways in which we are ego-deluded and dissociated from ourselves — drawn to an anesthetized oblivion.
While it's possible to correct for optical distortions, I embrace refraction, diffusion, and reflection in service to illusion. To the extent that dissonance is an uncomfortable, but necessary starting place for self-awareness, it is my thesis that grappling with ambiguities is a powerful tool for awakening.
Just as the struggle for transformation defines my quest, it defines each person’s journey between unconsciousness and self-awareness. Our task as human beings is to wake to ourselves and the waters in which we swim so that we may choose right action in the world. For me, that means not foundering in a sea of willful ignorance or being rendered mute by those who would drown my voice. And like our two young fish, it means swimming along, constantly reminding myself that “this… is water.”
about the photographer
Ann Prochilo (American) is a photographic artist based in Malta and San Francisco. Her narrative-driven photographs explore belonging, memory and change.Born into a large family in Long Island, New York, Prochilo is the chronological middle-child of six. Her vision and voice are shaped by a boisterous hierarchy of birth order and gender, musical theater and public service.
Prochilo received a BA from Indiana University where she pursued dual interests in fine arts and medicine. She has had a wide-ranging career as midwife, AIDS activist and founder of an advocacy relations agency. After 15 years facilitating productive relationships between patient advocates and pharmaceutical companies, she has returned to a full-time arts practice.
Prochilo exhibits nationally and internationally.
back to gallery