For You, Infinitely
“For You, Infinitely” serves as a visual narrative that reveres the significance of the phrase “It Takes a Village” and the emotions that bind us together.
Through a series of photos from family archives and photos captured by Michelle, this project delves into the transient moments of warmth, love, and vulnerability that shape our lives. Each body of work represents a facet of familial connection from the tender bonds on the veranda in Stokes Hall with Anma, Auntie Carole, and Mom, to the warming embrace of a father and daughter. It prompts one to reflect and ponder how much of life’s temporal gifts we’ve too often unknowingly overlooked.
Additionally, as we navigate the inexorable experience called life, and are bound to meet the inevitable. Michelle resurrects these precious archival memories and infuses them with food and texture. The medium of analog assumes a central role in this narrative, she visually explores solitude as one experiences the inescapable. It breathes life into the many matriarchal figures within her family as well as her grandfather, delivering a poignant medium through which we can rekindle our connection with the past.
We embark on a voyage marked by moments of solitude, as we connect with family members who hold our memories close, even as the years advance. Life unfolds in a linear progression, and within this, we find the irreplaceable memories that birth “For You, Infinitely”
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About Adriel
Adriel Michelle, a Jamaican-American photographer, traces the vivid memory of her artistic roots back to Crown Heights, Brooklyn. Raised in a neighborhood filled with Caribbean immigrants, she found herself in a world where culture and creativity thrived and were the heart of the community. The rhythm of her life was marked by her annual migration to Jamaica. Summers and holidays spent amongst family and being immersed in the island filled with beauty imprinted a spell on her. The many intimate moments on the veranda with her Anma and Mother, and mornings spent making a bountiful breakfast of codfish with callaloo, yellow yam, banana, and, dumpling with her Auntie Carol and Uncle Maurice inspired her to think of how to capture the beauty and intimacy during moments such as described. The interplay of Brooklyn and Jamaica caused Adriel’s visual artistic sensibilities to blossom.
From a remarkably young age, Michelle always demonstrated a connection to the world of visual arts. Her journey began at the age of eleven when she and her mother would routinely embark on weekend gallery excursions throughout Manhattan and matinee viewings at Angelika Film Theater, thus Michelle’s discovery of her own mother’s analog cameras developed a distinct ability to express herself artistically. This early immersion in the arts laid the foundation for her future pursuits. At the heart of Michelle’s artistry lies the endeavor to capture the unexpected, authentic facets of human vulnerability and to illuminate the intricacies of the multifaceted human experience.
At present, Michelle is actively engaged in the One-Year-Certificate program at the International Center of Photography in Creative Practice where she is meticulously tending to her craft, this intensive program serves as a pivotal moment for Michelle’s artistic growth, providing the privilege to experiment and refine her skills. Moreover, as she nears the culmination of her journey, Michelle is on the cusp of completing The Bridge Program. This immersive mentorship experience has been vital in providing guidance and life-changing wisdom from tenured industry professionals. The Bridge Program has not only allowed Michelle to bridge the gap between their current expertise and artistic desires but also to explore new realism of their craft and develop a distinct, profound visual language.
With her talent, dedication, and commitment to telling meaningful stories through analog photography, Michelle aspires to make a significant impact in the world of fine art and photography both as an artist and storyteller to share the multitude of layers within her culture and intimacy.
Presented by BKC & ASMP NY, The Bridge is a groundbreaking 16-week mentorship program for 18-26 year old emerging photographers and creative artists. To learn more about The Bridge, CLICK HERE.