ARTIST STATEMENT
This piece of art is the first of three in a series I created called “You Become What You’re Addicted To.” They are surreal portrayals of how it feels to be addicted to technology. Part of my admission to that addiction was creating these pieces. I used my own technology in these images. For this portrait, I decided to swap the subjects head with my phone because, like most of society now, my entire life is in my phone. Without it I would likely not be able to function. Especially as someone with ADHD, my phone often serves as a second memory, instant stimulant, distraction, and escape from stress which makes me ten times more attached to it. Therefore, I needed to make this series so I could do some introspection. I tend to ignore the fact that I can’t live without these items, so it’s forced me to come to terms with that and evoke growth. Through my admission, I hope to help viewers relate to it and do some introspection of their own.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Kennedy Hardy, a 20-year-old junior photography major at Columbia College Chicago, was born and raised in Chicago. She started practicing photography at the age of 13 through an After School Matters program called “Youth in Motion.” Since starting her photography career, she has been featured in the For Women By Women gallery two years in a row, worked behind the scenes of the gallery and has been featured in a small online magazine created by alumni from Columbia called “The Limelight.” As an experimental and multidisciplinary photographer, she explores a wide range of photographic techniques and subjects, including portrait, still life, landscape, nature, and architecture. Kennedy’s work is driven by her curiosity to push the boundaries of traditional photography, often experimenting with different styles. Through her diverse approach, she aims to use her artistic expression to display her feelings, roots, and interests for viewers. Her work reflects a passion for challenging her audience and encouraging them to see the world through her lens.
© Kennedy Hardy