We all have childhood memories that influence us. My earliest and most riveting came from staring at old photos belonging to my Grandmother. The power of a weathered photograph to inflame my imagination and spark connections to strangers was intoxicating. Later, as a part of the “MTV generation,” I was captivated by the emotional stirrings and mental masturbation of music videos and sound bites. And as popular media was impacting my mind, life experiences were shaping my conscience. Growing up as a bisexual woman in the Deep South and having a brother with Downs Syndrome meant that I personally witnessed the consequences of marginalization. And further experiences such as parenting and the deaths of loved ones, broadened the topics of my work beyond the socio-political arena. This history of experiences channels itself through me, and manifests as a motivation to create socio-political work utilizing the influential mediums of photography, video and installation. I strive to give the viewer an emotional spark like the ones I have experienced. My intent is to connect them to the complexities of issues surrounding sexuality, gender, feminism and the labeling of individuals; as well as with more universal topics such as grief, loss, and interpersonal relationships. I feel a responsibility to be a “ripple in the water,” and produce visual work that promotes social change and awareness.
- Tonia Hughes
- Tonia Hughes