Christopher Keohanam

“What is your favorite artwork?”

Curatorial Rationale

My body of work will follow the theme of  “the human condition”, which focuses on the unique characteristics, events, and experiences of individuals. To live is to feel, and to feel is to experience. As humans, we naturally perceive everyday instances as either mundane or not of any significance. Thus, we attempt to over-glorify these instances through such platforms as social media, where a false image of life is sometimes shared to the public. By capturing the moments and people around me in a candid, raw manner, I can encapsulate the true humanity of people and our experiences. 

Growing up, I had always been a big fan of photographs. With major influence from my father taking pictures of almost everyday life, I wanted to capture the same nostalgic, yet warm sentiment he has been able to share with me for over ten years. Because of this, I have always rejected the notion that there is “perfect.” Capturing the rawness of each moment, without having to force people to evoke a certain emotion, results in something magical. Love, innocence, care, forgiveness, faith, and beauty all strike touching emotions that candid photographs are able to possess. From unconventional angles to interesting color schemes, my work aims to reject the common notion of what photography is, but rather defines itself as a testament to the everchanging, true experiences of life by reflecting those imperfections we face.

My main subjects consist of people, as I believe we possess this intricate gift of complexity and depth that moves beyond just what meets the eye. To sustain a candid look within my work, I employ close-ups to further convey a deeper connection between the viewer and the artist. Additionally, the expressions of each subject are unique to each individual as it reflects the person’s true mood. The overall arrangement of my work is to evoke a sense of familiarity, almost as if you are looking at family photos on one's living room wall; as well as to appreciate the collection of memories we are eternally blessed with to view and feel. 

Christopher’s Art Work

Love, 2024!

Digital Photography and Adobe Lightroom CC

60.2 cm X 43.50 cm

Inspired by the movie 13 Going on 30 and American photographer Richard Avedon, I intended to capture the true humanity of my subjects. Instead of focusing on the glamor and pure aesthetics that photography focuses on, I wanted to exude the familiar: awkward family photos, seasons greetings postcards, and anything that resembles all things sentimental. With our senior year closely coming to an end, capturing every "last" I have has become vital to me. 

Rose, 2023

Canon EOS M50 and Adobe Lightroom CC

63.5 cm X 42.33 cm

Here presented is a triptych of Lilirose Luo. From the elegant fitted wedding dress to the roots of nature, I aimed to capture the essence of beauty. More specifically, giving appreciation to both the interior and exterior aspects of beauty, and how our surrounding environment accentuates various forms of art. The dress itself exudes femininity and elegance, while the background contrasts these traits in a graceful, natural fashion. 

  • X Marks the Spot, 2023

    Canon EOS M50 and Adobe Lightroom CC

    63.5 cm x 42.33 cm

    I wanted to explore the parameters of self-love. Specifically looking at the way people hold themselves through intimate relationships, and how one’s impact could ultimately break a person’s character; as well challenging the one’s need for codependence. It tells a story of one who has been hurt and then rejoices in what she has: herself. The trail of roses symbolizes how she is the only constant thing she has, therefore valuing herself and importance.

  • X Marks the Spot (2), 2023

E is For ?, 2022

Canon EOS M50 and Adobe Lightroom CC

63.5 cm X 42.33 cm

The intention of this triptych was to portray the complex nature of human behavior through an elegant, yet cohesive manner. The order of the photos are arranged to tell a story of expression. From the first photograph to the last, each conveys a certain mood through the amount and focus of light shed onto the subject; uncertainty, excitement, and tranquility. This piece is heavily inspired by Ann Ray's photographs and her ability to capture subjects with raw detail.