Nikki Lee Critique

I never thought I could have so much to say about one collection of art -- in fact, usually when I visit galleries or observe a particular piece of art, I feel that people around me create interpretations just to create interpretations, as if they are analyzing with the intention of boggling their own minds out of boredom. I do feel that one can analyze any media if given time, as shown in my previous English classes, but this particular collection of Nikki Lee's seems relevant and crucial and worth a discussion.

These photographs, all taken with a disposable camera, show a woman in different social situations. The photographs are amateur and don't seem to display a particular sense of artistry. If this weren't an art collection, I would have gone through them very quickly without thought; however, knowing that there was something to be said about the collection, I grew to appreciate what Lee was getting at with these photographs -- that is, is life many phases put together? Is it possible to become part of a group/social setting in a few short weeks? Do we lose our individuality when we decide to partake in the lifestyle of a particular group? (Indeed, to answer the last question, Lee seemed almost unrecognizable in the snapshots, becoming just another punk skateboarder or urban Hispanic.)

The collection itself brought up many questions. Who were the photographers and should they receive credit for the project? Did the various social groups understand that Lee was creating an art project? Is there a significance to the dates printed on the snapshots (besides having scientific specificity)?