In this series of photographs, I was trying to translate Larry Clark's art style into my original photo series. Born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in 1943, Larry Clark is a well-known photographer and filmmaker recognized for his raw and honest depictions of youth culture, including drug use, rebellion, and neglected communities.
Clark's photos stand out for their raw and unadorned aesthetic, a quality that lends them a unique appeal. In his photobook Tulsa, he documented his friends’ drug use in stark black and white. Clark's use of intense lighting and contrast heightens the drama and intensity in his photographs, bringing a sense of immediacy and intimacy to his series.
Trying to replicate Clark's style and ideas, I made all my photos black and white to emphasize the lights and shadows and unify the theme and lighting. Some photos have intense light and shadow covering most of the subject’s facial features. However, audiences can still feel the tension and power of the photo. The strong composition and the visual effect of black-and-white photos make those shadows look particularly heavy.
